What it’s about:

Hospitality management is a career-oriented program focusing on anticipating and satisfying the needs of the travelling visitor/guest. It prepares you for professions in the travel, lodging, food service, and recreation industries.

What the study of this major like:

Hospitality is serious business, a fact that is often overshadowed by media images of a carefree vacation destination. The major requires a wide variety of business courses. In addition, you can expect hands-on experiences, including restaurant operation, front-office management, and housekeeping supervision. The program usually requires co-op service or an internship (which may be paid); study abroad opportunities are especially valuable in this major.

Often the faculty members have industry experience in addition to academic credentials. Moreover, there are generally several active student associations that arrange industry speakers, on-site facility visits, and fund-raisers to finance these activities.

When comparing programs, remember that there is no one best format. Colleges may take advantage of their closeness to large hotels, casinos, small resorts, or other establishments that attract business travellers and international visitors. Majors housed in a college of business tend to offer modified versions of traditional business courses. An emphasis on food and beverage operations is also a feature at some colleges. Customer/guest contact is the cornerstone of any variation of the major.

The hospitality industry thrives on outgoing, creative people. There is no routine day. The industry strives to produce to produce satisfied guests by customizing their experience, and in a well-managed facility, employees know how to meet the challenge. The ability to pay attention to detail is also required. A hospitality property rarely has a second chance to make a good impression. It is also a well-recognized reality that students in this major will have to adjust to the fact that they will be working while almost everyone else around them is playing! Finally, expect to travel.

Career options and trends:

Restaurant manager; hotel/resort manager; club manager; convention and visitor’s bureau director; supplier salesperson; convention and meeting planner; festival and even organizer, caterer; state tourism department employee.

This industry s sensitive to the business cycle, but opportunities always exist if you are willing to travel or relocate. Technological advancements in the form of “virtual meetings” and “virtual vacations” are having an impact on the industry (a simulation of a vacation destination may serve as an ideal preparation for an actual visit), and people who can manage that technology will be in demand. Security is a major concern and represents a rapidly growing career opportunity. However, travel agents have been hit hard by the popularity of self-service, Web-based travel planning.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors