San Antonio: UTSA Bolsters Local Hospitality Sector with New Undergraduate Program
The University of Texas at San Antonio Introduces New Hospitality and Events Management Program
San Antonio, a city recognized for its flourishing hospitality and tourism industry, is now playing host to one of the most innovative academic programs recently launched by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Launched under the University College, the Hospitality and Events Management (HEM) program marries academic knowledge with practical industry experience, preparing students to fulfill the city’s growing demand for professionals in this field.
Connecting Academia with the Thriving Local Industry
The newly established HEM program rises from the backdrop of San Antonio’s thriving tourism and hospitality sectors, which reported a massive contribution of $19 billion to the local economy and employment for over 140,000 individuals in 2022. Designed with a localized approach, the program aims to equip its students with a competitive advantage in the city’s vigorous hospitality workforce.
According to Rebecca Schroeder, UTSA professor of instruction and interim associate dean of University College, emphasis is placed on building a curriculum that mirrors the local job market and industry trends. The program, she added, primes students with a unique combination of skills linked exclusively to the city, preparing them for immediate employment after graduation.
Experiential Learning through Robust Local Partnerships
The HEM program’s strength comes from its strategic alignment with local industry leaders to create an advisory board. This board, boasting executives from notable organizations like Visit San Antonio and Marriott International, has played an instrumental role in curating a course content that reflects the authentic taste of the local hospitality and events business.
The primary objective of this joint endeavor is to manage a diverse set of industry experts such as hotel managers, event planners, caterers, and public relations individuals to guide the program’s growth. Subsequently, internship opportunities for HEM students are directly offered by companies represented on the advisory board, not only fostering professional development but also connecting them with industry stalwarts.
Localizing the Learning Experience
Data indicates that San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas, making the hospitality and event management sector an ever-steady, booming industry. The HEM program has been strategically designed around this reality, allowing students to harness the rich cultural heritage and industry-specific skills that are unique to the region.
Furthermore, the program is divided into three crucial focus areas- management and human resources; communications, logistics and planning; and lastly cultural enrichment. This comprehensive mix of disciplines establishes a nuanced understanding of the sector, enabling students to transition from classroom learning to real-life application seamlessly.
The Future Promises ‘Micro-internships’ and More
As part of UTSA’s commitment to broaden academic horizons, the HEM program will introduce additional experiential learning opportunities including ‘micro-internships.’ These offer students a chance to develop industry-specific skills and explore possible career paths through short-term professional assignments. UTSA also plans on increasing the scope for job shadowing and cooperative employment, which will blend classroom learning with practical full-time work, underlying UTSA’s intent to create an employment-ready workforce.
A Tailor-Made Learning Experience
In addition to these initiatives, students pursuing the B.A. or B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies through the program can tailor their degree to fit their specific interests and professional aspirations. With the city’s rich cultural history and high demand for industry professionals as its primary pillar, the UTSA HEM program promises a promising blend of academic enrichment and industry-specific preparation.