Sona Ghevondyan (BSCS ’19, CHHM ’22): AUA Graduate Fosters Community Growth

8 min read

Sona Ghevondyan received her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and Graduate Certificate in Hotel and Hospitality Management (CHHM) from the American University of Armenia (AUA). Her passion for the hospitality industry led her to build a successful career at a young age. Sona attributes her accomplishments to her AUA education, which has equipped her with invaluable knowledge and skills. Currently serving as the director at Yell Extreme Park, Sona has returned to her hometown in Ijevan after graduating from AUA. She deeply appreciates the University for instilling a mindset of community service and the ability to dream big, even under challenging circumstances.

As a recent AUA graduate, what has been your most memorable experience at the University?

Reflecting on my years at AUA brings back vivid memories and colorful experiences that will stay with me forever. I want to highlight the graduation ceremonies at AUA, which were particularly special. For someone like me, who had lived and studied in Ijevan her entire life, the commencements were festive and memorable experiences. I was so excited and looked forward to graduation day in both instances.  

Another cherished memory is our performance at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre with the AUA Armenian folk dance student club, Mihr. Prior to that, we had performed a few times at different concerts the University hosted. In 2016, on the 15th anniversary of the renowned Karin Folk Dance and Song Group, the ensemble invited various groups to perform. Mihr was among the selected groups. As a person with a computer science major, I could have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to ever perform on that stage. 

What led you to choose AUA for your higher education?

My first encounter with AUA was in 2013 when my aunt told me that the University had launched undergraduate programs and encouraged me to apply after graduating high school. At first, I didn’t think I would be accepted due to my limited English proficiency. Nevertheless, I attended an AUA open house, which was a transformational experience for me: I felt an immediate connection to the University as if I belonged there. Despite my uncertainty about career choices, I just felt that I wanted to be at AUA. I began working on my English and was accepted to the Bachelor of Arts in Business program and, in the second semester, switched to BSCS. Considering the subsequent changes in my career, it would be more accurate to say that I chose AUA, not a specific major or career path. 

What are three values AUA has instilled in you?

One of the values I learned is to think big. This was not a common practice in my town or other small towns in Armenia. Generally, people shy away from taking risks. AUA is a rare place in our country where you are told that you are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to, and also you meet people who have done just that. Many of our professors could have pursued successful careers in Silicon Valley, yet they chose to stay in Armenia and share their experiences with the younger generation.

Another value is the habit of learning. At AUA, professors taught us how to dig into unfamiliar topics and discover new knowledge — a skill that was also very useful afterward. 

The third value I learned is to give back to my community. People sometimes think that studying at AUA encourages us to leave Armenia. However, I developed the mindset of giving back to my community at AUA, watching so many of my professors do just that. After graduating from AUA, I am proud to return to my hometown to support my community through my work.

Who was your favorite professor at AUA, and why?

At AUA, I got to know many outstanding professors and learned so much from them. But one person changed my perceptions in many ways: Dr. Hourig Attarian. Her course Perspectives in Education was a mind-blowing experience that changed how I perceived education. After that, I took two more courses with her. I am so thankful to her for the knowledge I gained, which I apply to my work and team. We still keep in touch and are good friends. Though I majored in computer science, I have memorable experiences from courses outside my major — and this is what I appreciate about AUA’s interdisciplinary education.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in hospitality after getting a degree in computer science?

The decision to change my career path is closely connected to my professional journey at Yell Extreme Park. Following my freshman year at AUA, my friend’s brother called me about a summer job opportunity at Yell Extreme Park as an English-speaking guide. I applied and was offered the position of administrator and English-speaking instructor. I loved it: being in nature, the overall environment, and having conversations with visitors. When the classes started in the fall, I continued working remotely for Yell Extreme Park. In the summer, I went back to Ijevan to work outdoors at the Park. Though I was studying computer science, I worked in the hospitality sphere. 

During my senior year at AUA, everything shifted: I started having second thoughts about my major and career, feeling that I belonged in hospitality and not as much in IT, as if I was living in two different worlds. My happy times were the summer months when I worked at Yell Extreme Park. In 2018, I worked as a marketing assistant in the Yerevan office of Yell Extreme Park, and after I graduated a year later, I became an executive assistant. That was when I held the computer science diploma and realized what I really wanted to do in my career. 

How did you decide to apply for AUA’s CHHM program?

In the winter of 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, I got an offer to return to Ijevan and work as a general manager for Yell Extreme Park. I took the position and returned to my hometown to live and work there. When the CHHM program was launched, it immediately caught my attention, along with the recommendation of the management team at Yell Extreme Park. At AUA, I learned not to take opportunities for granted and always strive for growth. Working as a manager in a big company, I was responsible for making many decisions at that time, and sometimes, I was unsure if I was on the right track. I realized I needed to expand my knowledge and skills to excel in this profession. That was during the COVID-19 lockdown, so the classes were online, and I managed to work in Ijevan and study at the same time. 

I enrolled in the program, and it felt so right: it was a good match with what I was doing at work. I started to understand more about leading people and managing my team. A year after I graduated from the CHHM program, I was promoted to director of Yell Extreme Park. So, my AUA education not only gave me the necessary skills and knowledge to become a better professional but also contributed to advancing my career in the hospitality industry.

How have the skills you acquired from both programs influenced your career?

My years at AUA were intense in developing the knowledge and skills I use now. Even though I studied computer science, I acquired the tools for managing an operation in the hospitality industry, from finance and budgeting to evaluating its monthly performance and working with the IT department on our website and multiple other tasks. 

This year, I got more involved in marketing and sales and had greater influence on the decisions made in those departments, which was more constructive due to my CHHM education. We had classes on marketing and sales in the hospitality industry with Program Director Zara Zeitountsian, which were valuable for professionals working in the field. 

I also took various General Education courses that proved very helpful in many different areas of my life and career. The broad-mindedness these courses develop is so important, especially when one works in the hospitality sphere. Here, you meet different people with various mindsets and backgrounds, and knowledge helps you understand them better. Another advantage of the general education courses is that you get to meet so many people who are not from your major. You make friends with them and expand your network.

Of course, no single program could give you all the knowledge you would need in the sphere, but the courses directed me to where and how to obtain that information. What I appreciate most about AUA’s approach to education is that it opens doors for you to learn all you want and equips you with the tools necessary to support life-long learning. Though the professors show you the way, you are also given the space to make your own decisions in that process. 

How crucial is local hiring within the hospitality and service sectors, and what role does Yell Extreme Park play in local employment?

The importance of local hiring and Yell Extreme Park’s contribution to that is why I am working for this company. I see two perspectives that emphasize how crucial local hiring is in the regions. On the one hand, big companies operating in the regions contribute to keeping skilled professionals in the area instead of leaving for Yerevan or other countries. Absent those companies, there would be less opportunity for experienced professionals to grow in the regions.

Besides, for many of the youth in this region, Yell Extreme Park becomes their first workplace and job experience. The job opportunities are seasonal and mainly geared toward youth employment. It is convenient for students who seek a summer job with a big responsibility to work with us to get a positive first experience. Here, they will learn what is required from them as employees, what their rights are, and gain a helpful experience for future career opportunities.

When the company started, it only had 4-5 employees. Now, in the high season, we employ over forty people at Yell Extreme Park, most of whom are hired locally from Yenokavan or other parts of Ijevan. We prioritize hiring from the local community even when applicants may not possess prior experience or fully meet all our requirements. Youth in Yerevan have so many more opportunities than those in Ijevan. I believe all regional companies must give priority to employing locals. 

What has been your biggest challenge in building a successful career at such a young age?

I was never afraid to jump at an offer; besides, I don’t think the knowledge and skills one possesses depend on age. I became a general manager when I was 23, much to some people’s surprise. Aside from my age, there was also the factor of assuming a decision-making position as a woman, particularly in this industry. This factor makes me more confident, always aiming to reach better results. It makes me proud to see progress in the team and operation results. It just feels right.

What would you advise current AUA students who struggle to choose a career path? Would you recommend the CHHM program to them?

My advice to current AUA students is to believe that whatever career path they imagine for themselves can be possible. I’d encourage them to just work hard toward progress. Their focus should not be on earning money but on making positive changes in themselves and their community, transferring knowledge and experience to others, being respectful and honest, and making a valuable impact through the results they accomplish. 

The hospitality industry has so much space and potential to grow in Armenia. We need more educated professionals in this field who value their guests and the goals of the business operation. CHHM is an excellent program that produces this type of professionals in the country. I always recommend the program to my colleagues who want to receive a quality education in this sphere.

Throughout your undergraduate and graduate studies, you received Gregory and Seta Tcherkoyan, Turpanjian, Akian, and Manoogian Simone Foundation Scholarships. How did these scholarships impact your career and life?

It was only possible for me to study at AUA thanks to the scholarships I received from the University. Otherwise, my family would have been challenged or unable to cover the tuition fees. Without these scholarships, I would not have had the chance to study at AUA, and consequently, I would not be at the point of my career where I am now. I deeply appreciate the opportunity I was given, which encourages me to always think of ways to give back to the University. My fellow alumni friends and I often discuss how much we feel connected to AUA and want to always be part of this community. We are glad that the Office of Alumni Relations is there to guide us and keep us connected to our alma mater.