HTM Career Pathing

Hospitality & Tourism Management majors concentrate on the management needs of the food, lodging, and tourism industry. Jobs will often include the practical application of managerial skills including effective communication and leading teams, as well as conceptual and analytical skills within the specific sector and as related to the broader tourism industry. HTM Majors may also work in corporate or private event planning. HTM majors may also consider pursuing a Business Analytics, Human Resource Management, or Real Estate Certificate.

Industry Areas, Concentrations, and Salaries

Customer Experience

Customer Experience (CX) refers to the perception a customer or a company has of a brand. Facilitating successful CX requires understanding what people want, need, and value in order to build a relationship. The full experience includes pre-purchase connections with the brand (via marketing and consumer awareness), the process of researching and making a purchase, and post-purchase interactions (regarding service, repairs, returns, reviews, etc.). Positive CX is a way to build brand and excel among competitors. CX is present across all of the Hospitality & Tourism Management industry.

Entertainment (Casinos, Theaters, Arenas/Stadiums)

Casinos and casino hotels offer many career opportunities including gaming managers, dealers/slot machine supervisors, sports book writers, and runners. There are other opportunities in accounting, advertising, business/finance, event production, food service, high-end retail, hotel management, human resources, information technology, compliance and legal affairs, public relations, restaurant managment, security, software development, etc. Arena Management consists of overseeing operations at a large event venue and encompasses a large range of responsibilities including facility maintenance, event planning and promotion, ticketing, security, staffing, financial management, and customer service/experience.

Event Planning

Corporate and private event planning involves coordinating and managing various aspects of an event, from concept development to execution. Some typical roles are event coordinator assistant, decorator/designer, event marketing or outreach/registration coordinator, venue or operations coordinator, catering manager, AV technician, and event coordinator/producer/manager.

Hospitality

The primary responsibilities of those in hotel and lodging include operations management and maintaining a positive customer experience. “Front-of-the-house” positions may include front office, service staff, managers, marketing/sales and experience staff, and other jobs that are more visible to visitors and to the public. “Back-of-the-house” positions may include food and beverage staff, housekeeping, maintenance and engineering, accounting, finance, and human resource staff.

Hospitality Law

Hospitality law covers a broad range of legal issues including contract law, employment law, intellectual property law, health and safety regulations, and consumer protection.

Human Resources

Human Resources manages the employee life cycle including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training and development, benefits administration, compensation, performance management, and termination. HR roles may also include labor and resource distribution, contract negotiation, union and other strategic partnerships, technology management, risk assessment, company policy and legal compliance. 

Marketing

The purpose of the marketing industry is to communicate companies’ offerings to consumers, clients, and the general public. Businesses may hire marketing professionals to conduct marketing and sales research (public opinion polls, surveys, etc.), perform sales forecasting, draft marketing objectives and policies, develop and price new products, promote products and brands, and provide more broad assistance with improving business operations.

Restaurant/Food Service

The food service industry includes a wide variety of independent, chain-operated, and franchise establishments that prepare, supply, and serve food and beverage to clients across restaurants, schools and colleges, hospitals and nursing homes, retirement facilities, catering and vending companies, casinos, and hotels. Management roles may include staff and operations management, menu planning and development, customer experience, marketing and promotion, and financial management.

Sales

Sales is present across almost every industry and includes informing potential buyers of products and services in order to transition them to customers. Sales jobs often act as an entry point for many fields. Sales consist of two sectors, B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-customer), and is structured into groups, inside and outside sales. Inside representatives focus on customer acquisition in a remote setting, which more typically has a shorter, more method-driven sales cycle. Outside reps primarily build relationships with customers in person, which often requires a longer and more personal sales cycle and results in higher margin sales of products and services.

Tourism/Travel and Leisure

Tourism, travel, and leisure includes a vast array of professionals across multiple industries including airlines, cruise lines, hotels and restaurants, theme parks and museums, music and sports, and tour companies. The primary elements in tourism and travel are comprised of transportation, lodging, dining, and recreation/entertainment/experience. Travel and leisure represent one of the largest industries in the United States.

Salaries

The salary range for professionals in hospitality and tourism management can vary significantly based on factors such as job role, industry, years of experience, level of responsibility, geographic location, and the size and type of organization. To obtain more accurate and up-to-date salary information, consult industry salary surveys, job postings, professional associations, and resources specific to your location and industry. These sources can provide more detailed insights into the salary progression along career trajectory.

  • Isenberg median starting salary: $54,500
  • Isenberg entry level salary range: $45,000 – $64,000

*Additional pay may also be included in some positions, such as bonuses, commission, tips, and profit sharing.

  • Hospitality and Tourism Manager: Entry Level: $35 – $65K Mid-Career: $45 – $85K
  • Event Coordinator: Entry Level: $35 – $60K Mid-Career: $40 – $75K
  • Front Desk Supervisor (Hotel): Entry Level: $35 – $55K Mid-Career: $40 – $65K
  • Restaurant Manager: Entry Level: $40 – $65K Mid-Career: $50 – $80K

*Additional pay may also be included in some positions, such as bonuses, commission, tips, and profit sharing.

Top Employers & Job Titles

Top Employers

  • Marriott International
  • Oracle
  • TJX Companies Inc.
  • Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
  • Shelter Harbor Golf Club
  • Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
  • Walt Disney Company
  • Hilton
  • Signature Bank
  • Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
  • Fidelity Investments
  • WinnCompanies
  • PPX Events
  • Wayfair

Common Job Titles

  • Client Concierge or Manager
  • Event Coordinator, Planner or Manager
  • Food & Beverage or Kitchen Manager
  • Front Desk or Office Manager
  • Guest Services Manager
  • Hotel, Resort, Casino, or Club Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Marketing or Promotions Coordinator
  • Operations Manager
  • Project or Program Manager
  • Property, Real Estate, or Community Association Manager
  • Public Relations or Fundraising Manager
  • Sales Representative or Manager
  • Travel Coordinator or Counselor

Clubs/Organizations & Professional Organizations

Isenberg & UMass Clubs

HTM majors may be interested in getting involved in the following student organizations:

  • Advancement of Diversity in Business (ADB)
  • American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
  • Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
  • Club Management Association of America (CMAA)
  • Delta Sigma Pi (DSP)
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management Career Day Committee (HTM CD)
  • Isenberg Global Citizens
  • Isenberg Management Association (IMA)
  • Isenberg Sales Club
  • Isenberg Women in Business (WiB)
  • Jewish Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship (JLBE)
  • National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH)
  • Women of Isenberg Conference (WoI)

Professional Orgs

Some organizations by industry are the following:

  • Hospitality & Tourism: American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA); American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI); Events Industry Council (EIC); International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE); Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); The Travel Institute
  • General Management (non-industry specific): American Management Association (AMA)
  • Human Resources: Association for Talent Development (ATD); Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
  • Facilities Management: International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
  • Project Management: Project Management Institution (PMI)

Skills & Certifications

Technical Skills & Tools

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio)
  • Google Suite
  • Data Analysis and Mining (Python, Tableau)
  • POS [Point of Sale] Systems (Toast, Square, Lightspeed Restaurant, Revel Systems, Upserve, TouchBistro, Shopkeep)
  • Hospitality Software Systems (Agilsyst, Frontdesk Anywhere, Simple Order)
  • RMS/PMS [Revenue/Property Managment] Systems (Hotelogix, Maestro)
  • Operations Managment Software Systems (Jolt)
  • CRM [Customer Relationship Management] Systems (Salesforce)
  • HRIS [Human Resources Information Systems], TMS [Talent Managment Systems], and LMS [Learning Managment Systems]
  • Project Management and Workforce Management Software

Broad Skills

  • Professionalism and Customer Service
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Logistics, Operations, Event Management
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Financial Management
  • Solutions Generation
  • Workflow and Resource Management

Certifications by Industry

  • Hospitality & Tourism: MA TIPS Certification; ServSafe Certification; Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) [entry to mid-level management]; Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) [mid-level management]; Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM); Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) [senior-level management]; Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE); Certified Meeting Professional (CMP); Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) [senior-level executive]; Certified Travel Associate (CTA); Certified Travel Counselor (CTC); Certified Tour Professional (CTP); Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP)
  • Human Resources: Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Project Management: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) [0-3 years project management experience]; Project Management Professional (PMP) [3+ years project management experience]*

*A comprehensive list of Project Management Institute’s progressive PM certifications can be found here: Certification Framework

Four Year Success Habits for Isenberg Students

Year 1

Learn more about Hospitality & Tourism Management and other Isenberg major academic and career paths! Connect with a Career Peer, ask your Transitions TA for connections, and come chat with a Career Coach.

Explore Vault Guides and Lightcast Research tool on the IConnect’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Major page for an overview of jobs and careers by industry related to HTM. 

Follow companies of interest on LinkedIn and other social media outlets!

Explore The UMass Business Collection Resources (under the Career Exploration tab): O*Net (in the “Find Occupations” box, click Career Cluster > Hospitality & Tourism; click on Industry and Job Family to find multiple filters based upon specific interest within the HTM field); IBISWorld (enter “hotel,” “casino,” “food,” “restaurant,” “tourism” or other related keywords in the search box to find several related industries to research).

Read hospitality and tourism management industry publications such as Hospitality Technology, Lodging Magazine, Hotel Management Magazine, Restaurant Business Magazine, Travel Weekly, Skift, HVS (Market Reviews and Industry Insights), Cornell Hospitality Quarterly.

Discover and get involved in HTM-related clubs such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Club Management Association of America (CMAA), Hospitality and Tourism Management Career Day Committee (HTM CD), National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH), Women of Isenberg Conference (WoI), and other business clubs that offer management experiences – this includes many/most other Isenberg clubs and organizations as well as other UMass organizations. There are ample opportunities for involvement related to career interests as well as affinity groups – you can also join student government, residential life, or volunteer for community service opportunities.

Set your preferences in IConnect to receive tailored and relevant information including jobs, blogs, resources, emails, and event blasts based on your major, affinity group, and more!

Apply to participate in the Isenberg Strategy Summit (Capsim Strategy Simulation Competition and Isenberg Undergraduate Consulting Group [IUCG] Case Competition). Learn more by contacting IUCG, or by stopping by or calling the Management Department Office (Isenberg room 227; 413-577-7022).

Get to know our Business Librarian, Alison Messier, by going to in-person Isenberg or virtual office hours. Learn how the Business LibGuide resources can support your future internship and job search activities. 

Begin to “professionalize” your experience profile!  Gain skills and work experience through a micro-internship/externship (i.e. Paragon One or Parker Dewey), or simulated work experience (i.e. Forage or Bright Networks). Some specific HTM-related Forage experiences include “Careers in Tourism: Customer Support,” “Careers in Tourism: Event Operations,” or “Food & Agribusiness: Agronomy” offered by Moreton Bay

Take relevant LinkedIn Learning courses/paths such as “The 10 Pillars of Customer Experience,” “Customer Experience (CX) Foundations,” “Event Planning Foundations,” “Develop Your Strategic Planning Skills,” POS (Point of Sale), PMS (Property Management Systems), CRM (Customer Relationship Management) trainings, and more!

Get started on writing your Isenberg Resume, developing a LinkedIn Profile and building your Competency Inventory. 

Learn from others: Ask an upper classman to have coffee with you, get to know your Transitions peers and TAs, or chat with a Career Peer! Practice networking in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. This success habit continues as you move through your professional development process!

Follow “Hospitality & Tourism Managment, Isenberg Management,” “Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst,” “Isenberg School of Management, UMASS Amherst, Official Alumni Group” and other management affiliated professional organziations and publications on LinkedIn (i.e. “HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine,” “Hotel Management,” Hospitality Technology,” and “Cornell Hospitality Review”)

Search postings on job boards (Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed) to familiarize yourself with the key words and desired skills and experiences sought after in the Hospitality & Tourism Management field and in the specific industry or area that you hold an interest.

Check out in-person and virtual career events such as employer series, meet and greet opportunities, information sessions, and career fairs posted on the calendar through IConnect and in Handshake. Talk with employers tabling in the Learning Commons (in the Hub), and attend other career events to practice your professional communication and networking skills!

 Leverage the search terms “freshman” “freshmen and “rising sophomore” in job boards (UMass Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed.com) if seeking summer internships

Learn how your town’s Chamber of Commerce = Internships (Career Coaches can show you how!) 

Attend HTM Career Day! Many industry employers are interested in First Year students for summer internships and employment!

Year 2

Check out how credits work for internships at Isenberg.

Learn the difference between externship, internship, and co-op. Discover how a Co-op = Resume Booster! (Ask a Career Peer or Career Coach!)

Thinking of Going Abroad? PLAN NOW and meet with a Career Coach to understand how being abroad may impact internship recruiting timelines.

The Business Analytics Certificate (for undergraduates) prepares students to analyze data and make data-driven recommendations to improve business performance.

The Human Resource Management Certificate prepares students with knowledge in key HR functional areas including recruiting, training, performance appraisals, motivating employees, workplace communication, workplace safety, and compensation.

The Real Estate Certificate prepares students for a career aligned with commercial real estate and real estate entrepreneurship. Consider pursuing a certificate option if you have an interest in any of these areas and boost your resume!

Visit careers.marriott.com/career-paths to find out about internship and post-graduate program opportunities as well as various paths in hotel, residence, and corporate jobs with Marriott International.

Pay attention to IConnect blasts in your Sunday-evening Isenberg email to stay on top of career-related activities and job postings

Identify SOPHOMORE and Affinity Group-focused “Summit”, “Leadership” and other early professional development engagements hosted by numerous employers.

Seek and step into committees and/or leadership positions in your Isenberg and UMass clubs and organizations to allow you to gain skills in project/event/team management.

Apply for opportunities as a Career Peer in the Office of Career Success!

Develop career readiness with the SCH-MGMT 200: Career and Professional Development course. Build your confidence in your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interviewing skills, and ability to use numerous career-focused resources.

Read up on hospitality and tourism management’s industry trending topics such as profitability, labor, sustainability, and technology (i.e. AI and robotics).

Build technical skills by learning about management tools and software used across the industry for Inventory, Records, Project/Program, Performance, Workforce, Property, and Asset Management, as well as technology systems used across industry such as Point of Sale (POS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Systems Analysis Program Development (SAP), Python and Tableau (data analysis and mining).

Update your Competency Inventory with new skills and accomplishments. Bring to Career Coach appointments to help further progress!

Investigate Early Talent and Diversity & Inclusion programs offered by employers and other organizations.

Find the Networking/Job Search Excel Template on IConnect and make it yours! This organization tool will be your BEST resource of gathered information about companies, professional contacts, industry keywords and MUCH MORE.

Build relationships with advisors, faculty, and staff. They can provide you with insights and understanding that could influence your choice of a major or pursuit of a career. They may also become a key part of your professional network.

Network with UMass Alumni in various HTM careers through LinkedIn and Connect UMass. Consider setting up an informational interview with them to ask questions and gain valuable advice!

Use IConnect, UMass Handshake, and your club networks to find out about key employer or industry events at Isenberg and across campus. Hone in on your career interests by attending events and asking thoughtful questions during Q&A or Meet & Greet times.


Use “Sophomore” as a keyword in job board searches (Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed). Realize the efficiency of using Handshake filters! You can refine your job/internship search and find opportunities that align with your preferences and qualifications. Remember to adjust the filters as needed to tailor your search to your specific needs and career goals.

Participate in on-campus recruiting and explore internship and co-op options early. Application deadlines vary but may be as early as September for major employers and many internships. Check out postings on Handshake, UMass Student Employment Job Board, LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites to learn about the required skills and qualifications.  Connect with students and employers on Handshake and LinkedIn to find out more about specific opportunities. 

Attend HTM Career Day! Many industry employers are interested in hiring students for summer internships and employment!

Year 3

Make time in your weekly schedule for career and professional development activity. This success habit continues as you move through your academic career in Isenberg!

Stay informed about the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the industry. Subscribe to industry newsletters and publications; follow relevant blogs, company profiles, and social media accounts; engage in discussions with peers and faculty members!

Search internships and co-op options early to prepare for early fall deadlines. Find postings on Handshake, LinkedIn, industry specific job boards, and direct company sites.

Explore aggregate job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Monster, CareerBuilder, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter to see what types of entry level jobs are posted associated with your interest/industry, and which may be most helpful as you begin to launch your job search process.

Find career path information and resources as well as both domestic and international job postings on industry-specific boards such as Hotel and Restaurant Jobs, Hcareers, Hospitality Online, ResortJobs, HotelCareer, CatererGlobal, Hospitality Careers, and Hotel Resource.

Cast a wide industry net! Explore other areas within and outside of hospitality for career launching opportunities, such as sales, technology, marketing and branding, asset management, revenue management, corporate event planning, etc.

Apply to be a Career Peer in the Office of Career Success!

Study Abroad or experience a Domestic Exchange program. Meet with a Career Coach to talk through any career questions and concerns!

Stay positive. Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible and realistic. The internship/co-op search can take time. Have at least one focus area, but pursue alternatives.

Update and refine your resume and LinkedIn profile to include industry keywords, relevant projects, and specific coursework such as Lodging Management, Food and Beverage Management, Customer Experience Management, Event Management, Club Management, Human Resource Management, Revenue Management, and Data Analytics.

Identify and participate in Case and Pitch Competitions, and on-campus conference events to expand your resume and skills!

Utilize your Competency Inventory and experiences to draft “STAR” examples for interview questions. Practice interviewing on Big Interview and make time to mock interview with Chase Career Coaches.

Develop your professionalism: Enhance communication and time management skills, practice business etiquette, seek mentorship, maintain a professional online presence, and more!

Become a student member of a professional organization that aligns with your field/industry of interest (i.e. AHLA, PCMA, AMA, SHRM, PMI). These organizations offer discounted or free membership rates for students.

Prioritize time for building connections, networking, and maintaining relationships. Continue to collect all information in your Networking/Job Search tracking document.

Expand your network with Isenberg seniors and recent graduates to learn about possible internships/co-ops and contacts.

Identify alumni on LinkedIn and Connect UMass who have experience in target jobs, companies, fields/industry, and request information from them about their experiences, potential contacts, and opportunities.

Sign up for the Women of Isenberg Conference newsletter and attend the Conference!

Pay attention to IConnect blasts in your Isenberg email to stay informed about career-related activities, events, and job postings.

Attend Isenberg Career Days (September) and Career Blast (February) in addition to other OCS events for career development in your specific area of interest.

Attend HTM Career Day! Focus your efforts on summer internships and employment as well as to explore opportunities for leadership/rotational programs!

Expecting an internship or early full-time offer? Learn how to manage multiple offers and offer response deadlines. A Career Coach can support you in managing these situations.

Year 4

Don’t panic if you’re still not sure what you want to do! Meet with a Career Coach for guidance!

Stay open to new possible career or employer options, and continue to learn about career paths in different areas of your industries.

Considering an advanced degree after graduation? Meet with a Career Coach to discuss how this fits into your future career goals!

Seek an independent study or research project with a professor to add a unique industry-related experience to your resume.

Celebrate and highlight leadership accomplishments in interviews and while networking. This includes club/organizational leadership, internship experiences, virtual learning, other experiential learning, significant projects, and more!

Gain food and beverage industry related certifications such as MA TIPS Certification or ServSafe Certification.

Tailor your resume with industry-specific keywords and make sure it speaks to the job you are applying for by analyzing the job description; add major coursework and projects for depth

Highlight Commonwealth College Thesis on your resume, if relevant

Practice and advance interview confidence! A career coach can be an invaluable asset in this activity!

Practice problem-solving by tackling complex real-world issues and finding effective solutions. 

Engage with corporate representatives at Business Innovation Hub events.

Become a student member of a professional organization that aligns with your field/industry of interest (i.e. AHLA, PCMA, AMA, SHRM, PMI). These organizations offer discounted or free membership rates for students.

Continue to expand your network in specific areas of interest. Add new employers and regularly update your Networking and Job Search Tracking Sheet.

Update LinkedIn profile with accomplishments and employment news. Commit to maintaining an updated profile beyond graduation.

Complete the Isenberg Senior Survey in the Spring semester and contribute your placement information to Isenberg’s data!

Regularly review your IConnect Sunday emails which are full of opportunities from the Office of Career Success!

Research and apply for leadership/rotational programs such as Marriott Voyage Global Leadership Development Program, Hyatt Corporate Management Training Program, Hilton Elevator Program, Four Seasons Manager in Training Program, Disney Management Development Program, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Future Leaders Program; Consult a broader list of rotational program opportunities curated by Columbia University’s Center for Career Education.

Attend HTM Career Day! Focus efforts on full-time employment in the industry!

Gain insight into job offer evaluation and the protocol around accepting and declining opportunities.

Leverage your network of family, friends, faculty/staff, alumni, and former/potential employers to discover additional opportunities!