SBIT Hospitality & Event Management 

What was your program of study in college and why did you choose it? 

I had taken a year off after high school as I was uncertain on what I wanted to focus on. I originally started taking all business classes but quickly changed to a 2-year Travel and Hospitality Management degree because I had recently started working at a hotel and immediately loved the fast-paced environment. 

Which courses do you feel prepared you best for your hospitality career and why? 

Being a visual and hands on learner, the best courses for me were when we got hands on experience and shadowing all the positions allowed me to see a better understanding of what it would be like, I knew from this experience that Food and Beverage was not an area I would want to be in long term. My goal when I started courses was to be a Housekeeping Manager, I met this goal within 3 years. 

What is most rewarding about your job/work and why?

One of my many rewarding moments was as a Housekeeping Manager, leading our team to increasing cleanliness scores within 10 months to receive our hotel’s first Hilton Outstanding Inspection in 8 years. Creating a great culture among the team is so important. Other rewarding aspects are the guests you meet and relationships you build. Having repeat guests who may only come 1 time per year but remember you and you remember them is always great. Also delivering extra towels to Patrick Dempsey was cool too! 

Who has influenced your career path and how did they support you? 

I have been very fortunate to have worked alongside some great General Managers and other leaders over the last 17 years. One of my first GM’s, Josh Cushing, was a great influence, I learned quickly the importance of all positions providing a high level of customer service and the impact of guest satisfaction. I worked with Josh for 7 years in my early years in the industry as a Housekeeper, Front Desk, Front Desk Supervisor and Housekeeping Manager. He taught me the ins and outs of select service along with the basics.  Phone etiquette was a critical part for our front desk team. (Always answer within 3 rings and never pick up and immediately put on hold.) This may sound silly, but it’s often a standard that is not met.  We used to have some friendly competition with shop calls too. Our hotel received 7 consecutive Outstanding Hilton audits at the time of my departure. Josh was and continues to be a great mentor for me and within the industry.  Another influence in more recent years has been Matthew Nolan. I was able to expand my operational knowledge, learn the financials and employee relations. I worked alongside Matt for 6 years as Housekeeping Manager, Assistant General Manager and ending as Area Human Resources Manager for 3 hotels in the company portfolio. Today I am happy to have connected back with Matthew and his new team, recently reaching a new goal, as Accounting Manager. I thank Matt for opening the world of hotel financials to me as I have found this is the next direction I see myself growing in. I am very happy to be part of his team again and excited for future opportunities. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working in hospitality? 

Advice I would give to anyone who is interested in working in hospitality as a career is, lead by example and be able to adapt. The industry is ever changing. Be open to new ideas and possibilities. Always be willing to step in and lend a helping hand to other areas. To grow in the industry, you will benefit greatly by learning the ins and outs of each role to see how they come together full circle. Personally, I have held just about every position outside of Maintenance. It has proven to be very beneficial in my journey. 

What else would you like to share with students who are interested in working in hospitality or tourism? 

This is a great industry with endless possibilities. Have Fun! 

Did Amanda’s interview pique your interest in learning more about PG’s hospitality and tourism concentrations as well as a future in this industry? If so, feel free to reach out to Course Leads, Mimi Gough mgough@purdueglobal.edu or Julie Dort jdort@purdueglobal.edu for more information.

A career in hospitality can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. The interaction and networking with people are gratifying. If you enjoy meeting new people and creating memorable experiences for them, hospitality provides an abundance of opportunities to do so. Whether working in hotels, restaurants, or event planning, you'll constantly engage with guests and clients. The hospitality industry also encompasses a diverse work environment. Hospitality has many roles, from front-of-house positions like receptionists and servers to back-of-house roles like chefs and housekeepers. This diversity allows you to explore different areas and find the niche that best suits your skills and interests. Hospitality is a dynamic field with plenty of room for career advancement. With hard work and dedication, you can progress from entry-level positions to management roles or pursue entrepreneurship by opening your restaurant, bar, or hotel. Whether designing a new menu, planning a themed event, or revamping a hotel's guest experience, hospitality allows you to flex your creative muscles and develop innovative solutions to please your clientele. Many hospitality jobs offer travel opportunities, whether attending industry conferences, working in different locations, or even relocating for a job. The global hospitality market reached nearly $4.7 trillion and was forecast to grow to $5.8 trillion in 2027 (Donnellan, 2023).

Additionally, the industry is built on relationships, so networking is critical to success, and you'll have the chance to meet people from around the globe. Despite economic fluctuations, people will always need food, accommodation, and entertainment, making hospitality a relatively stable industry. A career in hospitality can also be demanding, with extended hours, high-pressure situations, and the need always to put the customer first. It's not for everyone, but it can be an incredibly fulfilling career choice for those who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy making others happy.

The hospitality industry's jobs span various roles and responsibilities, including catering, food and beverage service, event planning, and tourism. Some standard job titles include Front Desk Receptionist, Concierge, Restaurant Server, Chef, Sou Chef, Event Planner, Event Coordinator, Hotel Manager, General Manager, Travel Agent, and Tour Guide. Salaries vary depending on location, experience, education, and employer—contact Career Services at careerservices@purdueglobal.edu for assistance in finding more information.

In the next edition of this series we will be sharing hospitality career advice and reflections from alum, Amanda Arris, Accounting Manager at The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection, Portland Maine.

Donnellan, L. (2023, November 7). Hospitality students predict the future of a $4.7  trillion industry.  Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/laureldonnellan/2023/11/06/hospitality-college-students-struggle-to-predict-the-future-of-a-47-trillion-industry/?sh=eb932852e9b9