When people think of a major in Hospitality the first thing that comes to mind is most likely hotels. But it may come as a surprise that a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management is much broader than that. As a first-year hospitality student myself, I can already say that in my first few months we have covered more than I ever expected. The introductory course you are required to take as a hospitality student is Hospitality and Tourism Management 100, also known as HTM 100. We explore topics from winemaking to casinos, event planning to food and beverage operations. The point of this course is to touch on all aspects related to the hospitality industry, in hopes of sparking interest within a specific topic. 

Image

What is a Hospitality and Tourism Management major?

Are you interested in working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment? Do you like connecting with customers and guests? Are you passionate about making others feel welcome? Then hospitality may just be the perfect major for you. Hospitality management is a broad field that involves the administrative, operational, and commercial activities of businesses related to the hospitality industry. That may be hotels and lodging, food and beverage, casinos, event planning and conventions, catering, travel, and much more.

Although this industry experienced major repercussions of Covid-19, it remains the largest industry in the world and employs 1 out of 10 individuals globally. More than ever, people want and need good dining experiences and getaways, and the hospitality industry is here to give them that. In short, HTM is a dynamic degree that prepares you for the ever-changing service industry.

Image

What is HTM 100?

Hospitality and Tourism Management 100 is an introductory course that is designed to quickly cover each topic within a hospitality degree. HTM 100 is taught by Professor Laurie Salame, an engaging instructor with a widespread background in the industry, as well as an abundance of insight and knowledge in all aspects that are covered.

Within the semester, students are guided through information and management principles in many areas of the hospitality and related industries, including service, tourism, hotels and lodging, food and beverage, recreation and leisure, gaming, meetings and conventions, finance and revenue management, sustainability, and business ownership and development.

I am currently in this course, and I love how it is done. On the very first day, Professor Salame highlighted all of the possible career paths and sectors of specialization in hospitality. We discussed all possible jobs within the traditional sectors of hospitality, as well as crossover careers that I had never related to this major but that most definitely are, like food and beverage distributors, online booking, hardware and software support, and data analytics. To put it simply, any corporation that requires a well-managed customer service experience is related to hospitality.

Professor Salame refers to this course as “getting in and getting out” as it is very fast paced. For each subject we get in, look at it quickly and then move on to another topic. This is designed to excite students about their potential careers in the hospitality industry and spark an interest in specific areas of specialization. It is for this reason that it is one of my favorite courses so far. HTM 100 is only the beginning, and I can not wait to learn more!