Hospitality programs encompass everything from service to marketing, from
management to food preparation.
There are different levels of education available. There are training
institutes and colleges that offer diploma or certificate programs in a wide
variety of areas, including hotel management, cruise hospitality and tourism
management. These prepare students for entry-level positions in the hospitality
industry.
Four-year degree programs, as well as graduate and postgraduate programs,
prepare those wanting to work in the highest management levels of the
industry.
Choosing a two-year college program doesn't shut the door on getting a
higher degree later on. "You can start your training close to home without
the immediate need to go off to university," says William Pattison. He created
a major hotel chain before becoming the chair of a university hotel management
program.
Pattison recommends that high school students contact a community college
that offers hospitality training. He says the education gained would be the
same as two years at university and would often transfer into university credit
so you can finish a degree program later on.
Many community colleges, universities and technical institutions offer distance
learning courses in hospitality services management. Students complete
the courses via correspondence and over the Internet. These are worth investigating
if you are unable to commute to an actual campus. If you decide on this option,
though, make sure the program is legitimate. Find out if it's recognized by
travel and tourism organizations.
When choosing a school, you should always find out what kind of credentials
it has. Many schools are accredited by professional hospitality organizations,
which ensures that they meet certain industry training standards.
Students entering a hospitality program should possess certain qualities.
"The most important thing I look for in both students and prospective employees,
whether they are coming in at an entry level or in management, is whether
or not they basically like people," says Ernie Wilson. He is a professor of
hospitality management at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast.
But a positive attitude isn't the only thing you need. "The second component
to a proper preparation in the field," says Wilson, "is being well grounded
in business management skills."
The best way to develop those skills is to get experience working for
a business, preferably one that focuses on customer service. Any experience
in the hotel or restaurant industry would be especially helpful.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For information about occupations related to this field of study,
see: Meeting, Convention and Event Planners
For more information related to this field of study, see: Lodging
Managers
Hospitality Net
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Hospitality Career News
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