Hotel/Resort Management

[David Roberts]

Hi guys, I'm new to the the forum. Anyway, I'm 18 and about to gradguate high school. My long term goal has always been to work for Walt Disney World in some way. Recently that dream has only become more intense. I've decided that I want to major in business and management and in particular Hotel/Resort Management. Basically I would appreciate any advice from any employees or former employees especially in the Hotel fields. Thanks.

 

[DisneyRoxMySox]

Hey!

I'm currently enrolled at Boston University in the School of Hospitality Administration. There are a few schools (Cornell, Johnson and Whales, University of Nevda, Central Florida) that all have Hotel/Hospitality Managment as a specific major.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

It is a tough area to get in to especially as you move higher up since there aren't a lot of positions. So expect to start low or somewhere else and work hard.

 

[David Roberts]

How is the course going? Do you know which school would be the best in this field?

And I don't mind starting low. I realize I'll probably have to start at a desk, like a lobby job but the hope would be to work my way up.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[DisneyRoxMySox]

It's good, definately fun and intresting.

The last time I checked the rankings for Hospitality Administration or Hotel Management were..

1. Cornell
2. Boston University
3. University of Nevada

I know that both Cornell and BU require two seperate 400hr work experiences to graduate. This is when you will end up working the front desk, etc. Typically when you graduate, you are offered a lower level management position.

Also, do the Disney College Program! It's a great way to get your foot in the door and also the only way to enroll in the Disney Professional Internship Program. I am a candidate for the CP this spring.

 

[David Roberts]

Has anyone attended The University of Central Florida. I've looked into it and it looks like they have a good course. Plus, their right in the thick of things being located close to Walt Disney World, not to mention tons of other theme parks and resorts( but who cares about them?:lol

 

[mkt]

This may be a bit of snobbery, but remember also, that Cornell is an Ivy, so that diploma carries a bit more prestige (and a lot more debt) than the other programs. IMO, you'd be more likely to have a higher paying job, or an offer to work overseas in management with the Cornell (or BU) degree than with the others.

 

[DisneyRoxMySox]

This may be a bit of snobbery, but remember also, that Cornell is an Ivy, so that diploma carries a bit more prestige (and a lot more debt) than the other programs. IMO, you'd be more likely to have a higher paying job, or an offer to work overseas in management with the Cornell (or BU) degree than with the others.

Thanks mkt! :wave:

Even all of the BU hospitality students conceed that Cornell is the best program in the nation. Though, I know a few people that decided to come to Boston because of the better work opportunities than Cornell. Cornell is in Ithaca, NY there isn't much around there. They do have a hotel on site which is plus. But since Boston is a big city, the city which is full of hotels and restaurants, the city is basically our campus.

Though I have heard that Central Florida is a hospitality school that places a bigger emphasis on theme parks. I beleive that Al Weiss is a noteable alum.

 

[David Roberts]

Although I'm sure Cornell is a great school I'm also a self aware person and it is far more likely that I would be accepted to a school like Central Florida or Johnson and Whales, but thanks anyway.

 

[mkt]

the city is basically our campus

The same can be said about any other student in any university in and around Boston

Boston is just a giant college town. And I like that... a lot.

 

[DisneyRoxMySox]

Although I'm sure Cornell is a great school I'm also a self aware person and it is far more likely that I would be accepted to a school like Central Florida or Johnson and Whales, but thanks anyway.

There isn't any harm in applying, besides the $50 application fee. If it were me? I wouldn't go to Johnson and Whales, from what I can remember they put an emphasis on culinary managment and what not..

The same can be said about any other student in any university in and around Boston

Boston is just a giant college town. And I like that... a lot.

Exactly. I didn't mean to brag that BU was the only university that could do that! I just mentioned it to show that we were better than Cornell. :lookaroun

And beleive me..I like it a lot too. :lol:

 

[SonicBoom]

I'm a sophomore majoring in Hospitality/Hotel Management at UNLV.. have to tell you, if you really want to get into the industry, UNLV should be among your top choices. Not to mention Disneyland is a couple hours drive from Las Vegas and reps from the Disney College Program regularly visit the campus and recruit.

they have the presentation tomorrow, so I'm applying for the internship for next Spring 2010 at Disneyland myself, hoping and praying I get in

good luck