Chicago, Ill., November 13, 2009 – The current state of the economy has many high school students thinking about their future career opportunities and ability to secure a job after graduation. That is why Chicago-based Kendall College’s School of Hospitality Management today announced that its “Backpack to Boardroom” educational camp was a huge success this summer in enlightening teens on the world of career choices within a growing hospitality industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2016, wage and salary employment in hotels and other accommodations is expected to increase by 14% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Guide to Industries, 2009-10 Edition); employment of lodging managers is expected to grow 12% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009-10 Edition); and employment of meeting and convention planners is expected to grow 20% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009-10 Edition).
Many prospective college students may not be aware of the wide variety of career options offered by a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. Kendall College’s popular hospitality and business camp offered high schoolers the opportunity to get an inside glimpse at the industry and learn about the wide variety of potential career options in hospitality management such as Spa Manager, Concessions Director for a theme park or attraction, Wedding Planner, Marketing Executive and more.
When Taylor Levy, high school senior at New Trier High School in Winnetka, discovered that Kendall College was offering a five-day hospitality camp, she realized it was a perfect chance for her to develop a better understanding of the ins and outs of the industry. The school’s educational, “Apprentice”-style camp allowed Taylor to gain hands-on experience by competing in daily missions, discussing career success strategies with top industry professionals, taking behind-the-scenes tours of famous Chicago establishments such as the Trump Tower, U.S. Cellular Field, the Board of Trade and more.
“Attending Kendall’s Backpack to Boardroom camp this summer confirmed my decision to pursue a degree in hospitality management in college next fall,” said Taylor. “I realized a few years ago that my organizational skills and passion for planning could lead to my ideal career in event planning. The camp gave me a sneak peek into the field and strengthened my passion for it.”
In 2008, 97% of graduates from Kendall’s School of Hospitality Management who were seeking employment found jobs in their fields within six months of graduation (This information includes graduates from 7/1/2007 – 6/30/2008.) The curriculum blends the art of hospitality with the science of management and uses tools such as experiential learning, case studies and mandatory internships, giving graduates an unparalleled competitive edge.
To help prepare students for careers in different aspects of hospitality management, Kendall offers a choice of three specific management career tracks – Meeting Planning, Rooms, and Food & Beverage. Students must also select one of seven management concentration options including: Hotel & Lodging, Restaurant, Assets, Events & Meetings, Casinos, Clubs, or Sports & Leisure.
Graduates’ ambitions can lead to careers in a wide variety of organizations such as hotels, restaurants, private clubs, sports facilities and casino properties. They can pursue careers as: Hotel General Managers, Catering Directors, Events Coordinators, Restaurant General Managers, Directors of Marketing & Sales, Sports Facility Managers, Casino Food & Beverage Managers, and many more.
Jeffrey Catrett, Dean of Kendall’s School of Hospitality Management, brings a professional and academic background to the program that spans 25 years and four continents. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students work closely with experienced faculty and have the ability to develop personal connections with local restaurant, hotel and business executives.