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First, some facts. Of the Hospitality Management graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 218 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Hospitality Management graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 15% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Hospitality Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 43% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Manager, Attractions Operations Universal Orlando Resort Mar 2013 - Jan 2014 Manager, Attractions Operations Universal Orlando Resort Jan 2014 - Aug 2016 Branch Rental Manager  Enterprise Holdings Aug 2016 - Sep 2019 Client Strategy Manager  Enterprise Fleet Management Sep 2019 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we dive into the job paths of recent graduates from Hospitality Management programs, we primarily encounter a blend of roles that can either directly relate to hospitality tasks or take a more general administrative or sales-oriented direction. Let's break this down and see what the trends suggest about the types of jobs alumni of these programs tend to hold, and how relevant their positions are to their studies.
First off, a significant number of graduates have found themselves in roles directly tied to hospitality. Positions like Event Manager, Guest Service Manager, Catering Coordinator, and Front Desk Agent are common. These jobs utilize skills learned in Hospitality Management programs, such as customer service, event planning, operational oversight, and guest relations. For example, many people have thrived in Event Coordinator roles where they are directly responsible for creating memorable experiences, showcasing a clear connection to their degree. These roles are not only common, but they also represent the core competencies taught in these programs, meaning graduates are often well-prepared for them.
However, not all paths lead directly to hospitality-specific positions. Many graduates branch into areas like sales, marketing, and operations management, leveraging some skills learned in their programs, but often missing out on the industry's finer hospitality management techniques. Jobs like Sales Manager, Operations Manager, or even roles in human resources are prevalent among alumni, but they may not require the same level of hospitality-specific knowledge that their degree offers. For instance, someone in a sales role at a hotel may use customer service skills, but their responsibilities could be more focused on the sales process rather than on providing a unique guest experience, which is a central tenet of hospitality training.
Finally, it’s worth noting that several graduates also end up in positions that only tangentially relate to their studies. Jobs in industries like finance, administration, or completely different fields may capitalize on soft skills learned through a Hospitality Management degree—like communication, leadership, and customer engagement—but they lack the daily hospitality management applications. This divergence is important as it suggests that while the degree provides valuable skills and knowledge, not all graduates stick to hospitality roles, and some may feel the need to adapt their careers based on job availability or personal interests.
In conclusion, graduates from Hospitality Management programs predominantly find roles that are highly relevant to their studies, especially those within hospitality settings directly involving customer interaction and event management. However, a notable portion veers off into other sectors where their soft skills are transferrable but the application of hospitality principles may not be as robust. This trend highlights the versatility of a Hospitality Management degree, even as it raises questions about whether graduates are fully utilizing their education in the workforce.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Hospitality Management graduates:
Based on the career trajectories of Hospitality Management graduates from various universities, we can draw some interesting conclusions about their career paths. Many graduates land their first jobs in positions that are directly related to the hospitality industry, such as front desk roles, shift managers, or event coordinators. These early roles often provide them with valuable hands-on experience in customer service and operations, which are crucial for building a solid foundation in the field. For example, several graduates started as front desk agents or catering assistants right after graduation, which is quite typical for those entering the hospitality sector. This initial step seems to align well with what you might expect from Hospitality Management programs, which typically emphasize experiential learning and customer interaction.
However, as we look further down the line—around 5 to 10 years post-graduation—the trajectory becomes a bit mixed. Some graduates transition smoothly into higher-level management roles within hotels, catering services, or event management. Positions like Event Services Manager or Director of Operations become common for those who stay closely tied to the hospitality industry. On the flip side, there are many who appear to venture into unrelated fields or take on roles that don't directly involve hospitality. For instance, we see graduates moving into sales, marketing, or even human resources positions that don't bear much relevance to their academic background in Hospitality Management. This divergence could be due to a variety of factors, including personal career interests, the job market at the time of their searches, or a desire to pivot to fields with potentially more lucrative opportunities. Overall, while many graduates find success and growth within hospitality, there's a noticeable number who seem to drift away from the industry altogether, suggesting a less than consistent career alignment with their degrees.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management can be a mixed bag. It’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest. You’ll find a lot of practical work involved, which can make things more engaging, but you also have to tackle subjects like business management, marketing, and event planning. If you enjoy interacting with people and doing hands-on projects, you might find it a bit more fun than other degrees that are more theory-heavy. Just be ready to juggle some group work and projects, and you'll be fine! Overall, I’d say it’s about average in terms of difficulty.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management.
When you look at the job trajectories of these Hospitality Management graduates, it's clear they have taken diverse paths, and their earning potential varies quite a bit. For instance, graduates from schools like Florida State University and Penn State have climbed the ranks into senior-level roles such as Senior People Partner and Corporate Director of Revenue. This indicates that they’re likely earning considerable salaries, especially in industries like hospitality and tech, which generally offer higher pay for leadership positions.
On the other hand, graduates who have continued to work in entry-level or mid-tier positions, like Event Coordinator roles or Assistant Manager jobs, might not be pulling in as much income. Some like graduate from University of South Carolina or those working as Front Desk agents may see more modest earnings as these roles historically have lower pay scales. Overall, those who have positioned themselves in managerial roles or specialized areas within high-demand companies seem to be in good financial standing, while others may need to continue developing their careers to see significant earnings.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Hospitality Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
|
66 | 11 |
 University of Central Florida
|
65 | 32 |