Chih-Chien Chen earned a bachelor's degree in library and information science in her native Taiwan before relocating to the United States and shifting to studies in her current field. She earned a doctoral degree in recreation, sport and tourism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Why UNLV?
The (William F. Harrah) College of Hotel Administration is considered the most highly ranked in my field. In addition, I find that the program aligns very well with my research and teaching agenda.
What is your field?
My field is hospitality and tourism management.
What drew you to your field?
My research focuses on consumers' reservation behaviors and how these behaviors are influenced by hotels' and airlines' revenue management policies. I consider myself to be a savvy consumer, and I am always interested in how other people (make their decisions) and the consequent impacts on the hospitality industry.
What is a misconception many people have about your field?
The study of tourism and hospitality is actually a very sophisticated area of discipline. Travel and staying at hotels is one thing, but researching and studying the field of tourism and hospitality is another.
If I weren't able to work in my current field, I would want to be...
I really cannot think of any other field I would have such passion for. I have the best job in the world.
One tip for success
To answer this question effectively, one has to define success first -- in other words, in this case how success is measured. Being successful at work and outside of work with one's family could involve different strategies, but to me, being sincere is one of the keys to success in most contexts.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Taiwan, and I came to the U.S. in 2001. I spent my first three years in California, an additional five years in the Midwest, and another five years in Philadelphia.
What has been the proudest moment of your life?
I live in the moment and enjoy every single moment of my life. Each moment is built upon my previous decisions, and I am the only one responsible for the consequences.
Something people would be surprised to learn about you.
I am an amateur indoor climber.
Who is your hero and why?
This question is related to (the success) question because whoever is sincere is a hero to me. One doesn't need to be intelligent or wealthy to earn my respect, but one must have a positive attitude toward whatever he or she is doing.
What are your hobbies?
In addition to indoor climbing, I like movies and enjoy going to theater plays -- especially at small or independent theaters. Oh, did I mention shopping?
