When most people hear the term “hospitality,” they may conjure images in their heads of large hotels or their favorite restaurant chain. Perhaps they think locally, focusing on where they get their morning coffee. This is not surprising, as hospitality is often advertised on a collegiate level as “Hotel and Restaurant Management.” And while it is no secret that those two sub-industries are large employers and economic statures, the online program at the University of Cincinnati inspires and encourages students to look beyond the norm.

The hospitality management program involves courses that are created with the purpose of creating versatile industry leaders, highlighting unique areas of hospitality such as wedding planning, which focuses on the extravagant details associated with celebrating the most important day of your “customers” lives. Event producers, both in large- and small-scale events, have a creative, and vital role appealing to those with a desire to story tell through their work. Another example of a less-explored area of hospitality is professional gameday experience work. A career in sports is a dream for many entering the workforce, and hospitality allows for a combination of hobbies and careers for those willing to celebrate the pageantry of the gameday experience. Additionally, a goal of this program is to produce leaders for local communities, which entails highlighting local hospitality draws such as distillery leadership and gaming operations.

Along with focusing on some of these niche areas, the program is designed to steer students towards the future of the hospitality industry. Program learning outcomes encourage students to emphasize skills over degrees.

Hospitality is about people, and experiences; therefore, the skills that are highlighted throughout the program are:

• Communication (both verbal and non-verbal)
• Real-world problem-solving
• Cultural awareness
• Tech adaptability 

You Might be a Fit if...

• You love planning trips and activities for you and your friends: Hospitality is an industry that takes the love for exciting moments and experiences and combines it with the detail-oriented people who enjoy creating them and making them their own.
• You love to travel: Hospitality is a worldwide offering. Any place that has people has hospitality. The industry is a billion-dollar, global market that allows you to see the world while working, and while taking advantage of your benefits.
• You are extremely flexible: Hospitality is one of the few industries where no two days are the same. You may have a nonstop day where your shift flies faster than you can blink, and you may have days where you are able to breathe and create. The beauty of this industry is that you will experience those two experiences in the same job.
• You are tech-forward: Hospitality is a fast-paced, constantly adapting industry. Leaders are always tasked with implementing tech in a way that is efficient but does not compromise customer service. 
• You like to have fun at work: Hospitality can be tough, there can be long hours and weekends, but at the end of the day, the premise of hospitality is to make others feel warm, and welcome. Your job is to put smiles on the faces of people of all ages. You may be at work and see someone watch their first professional sports game, see them taste the best bourbon they have ever had, or even get married to the love of their life.

How the University of Cincinnati can help you find your fit

The University of Cincinnati offers a 100% online Associate of Applied Business in Hospitality Management to help you build a lasting career in this dynamic, growing industry. The program builds a robust foundation in hospitality, tourism, and food & beverage management, equipping you with practical, real-world skills and a built-in field experience at one of the top universities for co-ops and internships.

With personalized career services and a dedicated online support staff to guide you from application through graduation, UC is here to support you through each step of your journey.

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