Thinking about going back to school for Hospitality and Toursim

[DannyDisneyFreak]

So I'm thinking about going back to school for Hospitality and Toursim. About myself: I am 29 years old and a single dad, I am near complete a BA in History but haven been back to school in a few semesters and plan to go back in the Fall. I don't plan to be able to doing anything with my history degree because I never really thought through what my career one day would be (in other words I never know what I wanted to be when I grow up) and just went with History bc it was interesting to me. I realize if I think about what my dream job would be it would be to work in a Disney park or resort. I would love to be part of making magical memories for people and families. Any thoughts or advice? Is this a crazy dream?

 

[collegejunkie]

if you're close to finishing your degree, i would just finish it and then aim for a masters in hospitality/whatever. cornell has special programs for those over 24 in some areas, so maybe you can check to see if the hotel school does that. if not, i'm sure you could find another school that would help you get a more advanced degree. having 2 bachelors isn't anything special, and having to start from square one just to change your major is a waste of time. good luck!

 

[Woodskeeper]

It's all about experience experience experience! I'm about to graduate with a BS in Recreation, Parks and Tourism (Spec. Event Management) and basically all masters programs told me was that they prefer people who come to them with experience to relate to their studies. They suggest to go out and work for 5 years and then apply for Grad School.

I say, if it's your dream, go for it! If you're close to completing your history major you should just have a double major for the heck of it =D

Remember though, many in this field work up because of their experience, and not so much their degree.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Niagara University right here in my town has an extensive Hospitality and Toursim program and my plan is to finish my history BA and the persue the masters in H&T. Regarding experience I know the program at NU requires 800 hours of field experience.

 

[pipermae]

I think it's a fabulous idea if it's something you're truly interested in. I'm a Hospitality and Resort Management student and I love my program and my classes. You shouldn't have to start at square one, though. My fiancé has gone back to school for his 2nd bachelors (first was Music Education, now he's Management Information Systems) and only has to complete his core classes and the maths he didn't have to take when he was an education major. No gen ed classes for him. Best of luck with what you choose!

 

[epfootballcutie04]

Im a hotel mgmt/event mgmt major and it's a fun major!! Some schools even offer that entire degree online, so I know that's something that peaked my interest since I have a VERY busy schedule.

I actually worked at the DVC resorts front desk in Disney World. I had 2 years experience in hotels... but some of my co workers had NO hotel experience and weren't even hotel or tourism majors... go figure! Maybe consider applying and see if you can get the job without any experience?!? Save some money, that way!!! And other posters are very correct... moving up is mostly about your experience not necessairly your degree.

 

[Traveliz]

So I'm thinking about going back to school for Hospitality and Toursim. About myself: I am 29 years old and a single dad, I am near complete a BA in History but haven been back to school in a few semesters and plan to go back in the Fall. I don't plan to be able to doing anything with my history degree because I never really thought through what my career one day would be (in other words I never know what I wanted to be when I grow up) and just went with History bc it was interesting to me. I realize if I think about what my dream job would be it would be to work in a Disney park or resort. I would love to be part of making magical memories for people and families. Any thoughts or advice? Is this a crazy dream?

If your dream is to truly to work at a Disney park I would consider moving to Orlando and getting your Masters at UCF. I don't know how the Masters there works but I know for the BS they did three internships (wherever -- my daughter did all three of hers at Disney, had to work 16 hours a week for three semesters) and most stay in their jobs and move up from there or start applying at others through Disney.

No time like the present!.

Liz