Hospitality degrees: Leading students to diverse industry opportunities

A hospitality degree directs students towards a variety of career opportunities all over the world.

For those looking to work in the US hotel industry, for instance, they’ll be pleased to know that it is currently thriving.

According to the latest Oxford Economics report on the economic impact of the US hotel industry, more than 2,270 new hotels, motels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts were added over the past three years.

AHLA President and Chief Executive Chip Rogers told the New York Times: “This is the tightest labour market we’ve seen in a generation, at a time when demand for hotels has never been higher.”

A lodging industry and associated businesses that are booming need a large and varied workforce.

“The single greatest challenge facing our industry is filling essential jobs to ensure the quality service and amenities our guests expect and deserve,” Rogers said.

But an increased demand for hospitality staff isn’t the only issue the industry is facing. The environment is increasingly being taken seriously, there is more emphasis on health and wellness and the hotel experience is becoming more digitised.

While technology offers convenience and independence, there is a push to return to a more  human-centred approach to hospitality.

US-based Studio Tack Partner W Brian Smith is one hospitality expert who agrees that new trends, like using technology that reduces interaction with hotel staff, isn’t the way forward. Instead, it’s people that matter.

“Too often hotels rush to provide new technologies without considering the impact it may have on the guest experience.

“Our desire to offer the latest in technology is often at odds with the fundamental tenets of hospitality, which champion empathy and human connection,” he says.

Like this vision of a hospitality industry that is brimming with opportunities and puts people first? Check out these four US universities to start a career in this exciting field:

JONATHAN M. TISCH CENTER OF HOSPITALITY – NYU SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Like many industries, hospitality and tourism are experiencing unprecedented disruption from COVID-19. However, once the crisis ends, career opportunities will — yet again — be limitless. Prepare now!

Source: NYU, Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality

The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality offers the MS in Hospitality Industry Studies, MS in Tourism Management, and MS in Event Management.

Gain the connections you need through unparalleled networking opportunities and benefit from the Tisch Center’s partnerships with companies including: Airbnb, Google, Dubai Tourism, Hilton Hotels, Marriott International, and Visit Britain.

You can also attend the Tisch Center’s world-class industry events, and visit iconic hotels, restaurants, and event venues.

A US$10,000, one-time scholarship is available for every new student entering their graduate programmes.

NYU anticipates students can begin the Fall semester on time this fall in NYC. Should the need arise, they are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to ensure continuity of the student experience.

SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY BUSINESS – MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University is the second-oldest hospitality school in the US.

At this long-established School, you will find yourself surrounded and encouraged by their dedicated staff, faculty and students, all of whom will help you achieve your goals.

This School of Hospitality Business is known for launching the careers of industry presidents at some of the world’s leading hospitality companies and includes an alumni network of more than 10,000 professionals in management careers across hotels, restaurants, clubs and more.

Source: Michigan State University

So if students wish to propel their career forward in the hospitality industry, they can take a look at this Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Business or Master’s programme in Management, Strategy and Leadership.

WILLIAM F HARRAH COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY – UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS

Just a few blocks away from the epicentre of the hospitality industry, the Las Vegas Strip, the William F Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)  accommodates just over 2,300 students.

Through the College’s Master of Science in Hotel Administration degree, many students graduate with valuable industry experience and a deepened understanding of the modern hospitality industry.

For senior UNLV student Cassandra Karsten, it was the promise of industry experience and a warm, welcoming campus that gravitated her towards a hospitality degree at the College.

“The focus of this College is people. We are taught how to treat customers so they’ll keep coming back. We are also taught how to treat employees so they’ll feel respected and want to be part of the team,” she says.

And by recognising the new needs of both industry and its future professionals, the College has inspired many learners like Cassandra to go forth into the hospitality industry and embark on a diverse and rewarding career.

ROSEN COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT – UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 

At the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management faculty members represent 17 different countries and are known worldwide for their research, teaching skills and professional experience in the hospitality industry.

Source: University of Central Florida

The faculty’s continuous research contributions are well respected by students and their peers, making UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management one of the most influential voices in hospitality and tourism research and education.

UCF hospitality students can also get involved in research of their own through the MS Hospitality and Tourism Management programme as it offers thesis and non-thesis options.

The former option is apt for students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree or a professional research position. Whereas the latter focuses on real-world insight and is intended for students aiming to be leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

Liked this? Then you’ll love…

Embark on a dynamic and global career in hospitality management

Become a leader in Hospitality and Tourism Management in the heart of Asia