Experiences Beyond the Classroom: Hospitality Management

Research

As a student in the Hospitality Management program, you will have the opportunity to participate in and learn from cutting-edge research being done at Penn State. Whether it is the college’s The Center for Food Innovation which is unique a research venture between the food industry and academia. Or the living laboratory of Café Laura, where students get experience running a dining facility open to the public on a daily basis.

You can have the opportunity to develop your professional skills and gain valuable experience from faculty members and researchers who are looking to move the food industry and hospitality management into the future.

Internship

Students have the opportunity to spend time in professional settings throughout their time in the School of Hospitality Management. As a student, you will participate in 1,000 hours of industry-related experience.

You will also have the opportunity to coordinate an internship in the hospitality business. Not only will you gain valuable skills and knowledge, you will establish contacts in the industry and be able to explore job opportunities. Sometimes, internships can even lead to permanent employment after graduation.

Internships can be done locally, across the nation, or around the world. There are a number of opportunities for you to travel and learn.

Our dedicated and passionate alumni network is also a great resource for you. They help to mentor and guide students during their time in the program.

We also have a strong global network of professionals at many of the hospitality industry leaders. Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to meet many of these companies when they visit campus.

Study Abroad

Students in Hospitality Management have the opportunity to study abroad. We recognize that our industry is a global one. As a student in Hospitality Management, you can study abroad to become an industry professional who is highly competitive internationally.

There are semester-long opportunities in Gold Coast, Australia, Florence, Italy, and Hong Kong, China. In each of these programs, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of your host country while receiving key instruction in hospitality.

You also have the opportunity to choose shorter programs to destinations in Europe, such as France, Italy, and The Netherlands. There are also short-term programs to Hong Kong and Macau. Each will introduce you to hospitality, cuisine and culture.