What can I do in hospitality?
The career options in hospitality and tourism are endless. Lodging and resort managers have the opportunity to impact every aspect of the guest’s stay, beginning with arrival and registration. Event planners and convention services managers organize travel, food and beverage, lodging and entertainment for corporate and leisure travelers. Wedding planners can become specialists in the art of creating the perfect wedding.
What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?
Effective communication skills are vital, since hospitality professionals routinely communicate with clients, vendors and employees. Organizational planning as well as leadership, team-building and problem-solving skills are key in all areas of guest services. Hospitality professionals must be proficient in industry-specific technology, such as electronic property management systems, spreadsheets and online marketing and guest interaction software.
Where can I work?
Hospitality professionals work in hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, attractions, cruise ships, convention and visitors bureaus, conference services companies and catering firms. They may also find employment in historical venues, corporations, governments, travel agencies, and association management companies. Some hospitality professionals create and direct an array of independent businesses.
What does Trident Technical College offer?
Trident Technical College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management degree and certificate programs prepare students for supervisory positions in lodging operations, restaurants, beverage operations, resorts, tourism attractions and a variety of other areas of the travel and tourism industry.
Hospitality and Tourism Department Program Mission
The Hospitality and Tourism Management degree and certificate programs prepare students for successful career paths within the hospitality and tourism industry including lodging, food service, tourism, beverage and event segments.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Hospitality and Tourism Management AAS program, students should be able to:
- Identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations.
- Develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization.
- Demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management.
- Formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management.
- Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality and tourism industry.
Professional Placement Rates
Take advantage of our 92% graduate placement rate!
Student Retention Rates
Student Retention Data | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 |
Retention Rate % (Fall to Fall persistence) |
62.3% | 66% | 68.4% | 58.1% |
Associate Degree
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Free tuition for all programs thru Spring '24
Blythe Hill
Founder and Lead Designer
Hill & Co. Creative
When did you first become interested in your field of work?
In college
What made you decide to go to CIC?
The Hospitality program
What was the most important thing that you learned at CIC?
The importance of networking + volunteering
What was your first paid position in your field?
Marketing Director for Holy City Hospitality Group
What has been the highlight in your career so far?
Having my own event planning company!
What would be your advice for CIC students?
Spend time on taking as many internships as possible. The experience you gain and the networking opportunities have gotten me where I am today.