There is no better time to invest in yourself and start working toward the career you have always wanted. Earning a degree in hospitality management can support your desire to travel, will allow you to explore your entrepreneurial spirit and may open the door to opportunities that you never envisioned.

When I was asked in December to write about the hospitality management program and industry, I anticipated sharing the industry’s newest initiatives. At that time, I expected to be revealing new travel and tourism trends and data, social media and virtual reality marketing strategies and the disposable income tendencies that were driving growth and expansion within hospitality businesses. However, the industry landscape changed significantly with the challenges that have been experienced because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

So, why is earning a degree in hospitality management more valuable than ever? The reality is that the hospitality industry will probably be forever changed, but with change comes opportunity. The most important and common attribute for success in the hospitality sector is impactful leadership. In what has always been an exciting and ever-changing industry, the most successful leaders ensure that they are prepared to quickly respond to changes that are often beyond control. Consider this example: A wedding was scheduled at your venue, and the bride and groom sent invitations with the incorrect time; guests begin arriving early. Another example: Due to supply chain issues, your published Valentine’s Day dinner menu items are not available. Consider these two examples and how you would respond in these situations.

Having the knowledge and ability to quickly navigate through challenges and go beyond normal operating procedures to continue enhancing guest experiences is the key. Identifying ways to modify your organization’s day-to-day functionality, communicating and changing the expectations of your team, training staff and successfully implementing new procedures are crucial to remaining relevant and profitable. As a leader, you must constantly evaluate your business, invest in your team and be able to define and uphold your competitive advantage.

FTCC's hospitality management degree will help you become an effective, customer-oriented, data-driven, decision-making manager, helping you excel as you progress in your career. Choose a career in hotel and lodging, food and beverage, restaurant, travel and tourism, spas or recreational segments. With coursework focusing on guest services, leadership, management principles, restaurant and lodging operations, marketing, sanitation, ethical decision-making, cost controls/loss prevention, law, and human resources, you will receive the knowledge and education to be well prepared for the workforce.

Certificates in event planning, hotel and lodging management, and restaurant management are also available at FTCC and are offered 100% online. All courses are taught by faculty personnel who have experience working in the industry, bringing the ability to share their real-world knowledge and perspective to the classroom.

If you enjoy working with diverse individuals in a fast-paced environment that can take you practically anywhere, hospitality management may be for you. For more information, please visit faytechcc.edu and enter “hospitality management” in the search tool. You can also contact me at goldk@faytechcc.edu or 910-678-8507. Registration for fall semester classes has begun; classes begin Aug. 17. Take the first step to an exciting new career today by signing up for fall classes at FTCC.