The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, in collaboration with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism, has launched its inaugural summer camp for high school students. This camp aims to give students an immersive experience in the hotel industry, exposing them to various career opportunities.
Immersive Learning Experience
Hands-on Training in Hotel Operations
The summer camp offered students a comprehensive understanding of front and back of house operations. At the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center and the Stella Hotel, students observed how hotel management works from both perspectives. This hands-on training provided them with valuable insights into the daily operations, enhancing their grasp of the practical aspects of the industry. From housekeeping to guest services, every facet of hotel management was covered, giving students a well-rounded perspective.
This immersive learning experience endeavored to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. As students navigated the bustling environments of these hotels, they gained firsthand experience in problem-solving and critical thinking. Through interaction with hotel staff and management, they were able to understand the complexities that come with delivering seamless hospitality. This real-world exposure is integral in shaping their understanding of the industry’s dynamic nature, which is characterized by high standards of service and efficiency.
Texas Friendly Hospitality Ambassador Certification
A standout feature of the camp was the Texas Friendly Hospitality Ambassador training. This certification program schooled students in the six pillars of customer service, equipping them with essential skills that are transferable to various career paths like sales, social media marketing, human resources, accounting, security, and food and beverage management. This foundational training set the stage for students to excel in multiple fields within the hospitality sector.
The training emphasized the importance of empathy, communication, and problem resolution in customer service. Students learned how to effectively engage with guests, anticipate their needs, and handle complaints proficiently. By participating in role-playing exercises, they developed a deeper understanding of the nuances involved in delivering exceptional customer service. This aspect of the training not only made them more confident but also prepared them for diverse career opportunities within and beyond the hospitality industry.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Exploration of Effective Communication
Communication is key in the hospitality industry, and the camp made sure to emphasize this by including sessions focused on effective communication and the art of listening. These sessions were designed to help students understand the significance of clear, concise, and empathetic communication, preparing them for the interpersonal demands of the industry. Through practical exercises and interactive discussions, students learned how to convey their message effectively, both verbally and non-verbally.
The focus on listening skills underscored the importance of understanding and addressing guest concerns. Active listening exercises enabled students to appreciate the impact of empathy in resolving issues and enhancing guest satisfaction. Furthermore, the camp explored the role of body language in communication, teaching students how to read and respond to non-verbal cues. This holistic approach to communication training ensured that participants were well-equipped to foster positive interactions in their future hospitality careers.
Business Etiquette Training
The business etiquette dinner hosted by Visit College Station was another notable feature. During this event, students learned valuable etiquette skills that will serve them well in professional settings. This training was instrumental in teaching the students how to conduct themselves in various business environments, making them more versatile and professional. The dinner provided a formal setting where students could practice these skills in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and improvement.
The etiquette training covered a wide range of topics, including dining manners, professional attire, and networking strategies. Students were taught the intricacies of making a good first impression, from a firm handshake to maintaining appropriate eye contact. By engaging in role-playing scenarios, they learned how to navigate formal business dinners and social functions with confidence. This aspect of the curriculum aimed to prepare students for the corporate world’s social demands, ensuring they can present themselves professionally in any setting.
Sustainability Focus
Hotel Concepts with Eco-friendly Initiatives
Sustainability has become a significant concern in the hospitality industry, and the summer camp ensured that students were well-aware of this growing trend. Students were encouraged to conceptualize hotel models that included sustainable practices. This focus on eco-friendly initiatives aimed to prepare students for the industry’s move towards more sustainable operations. By integrating sustainability into their hotel concepts, students learned to balance guest satisfaction with environmental responsibility.
The workshops on sustainable practices covered various aspects of hotel operations, from energy-efficient technologies to waste management and water conservation. Students explored how implementing green initiatives can reduce operational costs while enhancing the guest experience. By examining case studies of eco-friendly hotels, they gained insights into best practices and innovative solutions that promote sustainability. This knowledge will be invaluable as they enter a hospitality industry increasingly committed to environmental stewardship.
Workshops on Sensory Branding
To personalize the learning experience further, students attended workshops on creating a signature scent for a hotel. This unique session highlighted the importance of sensory branding and connected the olfactory sense to brand identity, reinforcing how subtle sensory details can enhance guest experiences. By understanding how different scents can evoke specific emotions and memories, students learned to craft a more immersive and memorable guest experience.
These workshops emphasized the role of sensory branding in differentiating a hotel from its competitors. Students experimented with various scents, blending them to create unique olfactory profiles that could be associated with a brand. They also explored how other sensory elements, such as music and lighting, contribute to a hotel’s overall atmosphere. This comprehensive approach to branding taught students to consider all facets of the guest experience, ensuring a cohesive and engaging environment that aligns with the hotel’s identity.
Interactive and Collaborative Activities
Presenting Hotel Concepts
At the camp’s conclusion, students had the opportunity to present their hotel concepts in groups. These presentations allowed them to showcase their understanding of best practices for hotel success, including location analysis, sustainable initiatives, innovative marketing strategies, and personalized guest experiences. The depth and coherence of their presentations were a testament to the skills and knowledge they had acquired. Each group demonstrated their ability to think critically and creatively, proposing solutions to modern hospitality challenges.
These presentations served as a platform for students to refine their public speaking and presentation skills. They received feedback from industry professionals, which helped them improve their concepts and delivery. This interaction also provided networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with potential mentors and future colleagues. By presenting their ideas in a professional setting, students gained confidence in their abilities and a deeper understanding of the industry’s expectations.
Tours and Broader Learning Context
In addition to focused training, the camp also included tours of the Texas A&M University campus. These tours provided broader context and enriched the students’ overall educational experience. By exploring the campus, students were able to see the larger educational framework in which their newfound skills fit, making the learning experience more holistic. The tours also highlighted the resources and opportunities available at Texas A&M, inspiring students to consider higher education in hospitality.
During the campus tours, students visited various departments related to hospitality management, gaining insights into academic programs and research initiatives. They interacted with professors and current students, which helped them understand the potential career paths and opportunities for further study. This exposure to higher education reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the hospitality industry, motivating students to pursue their ambitions with renewed vigor.
Strategic and Transformative Initiative
Industry and Academic Collaboration
The collaboration between the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and Texas A&M University marked an important milestone in hospitality education. Brian King, Ph.D., head of the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism, emphasized the importance of this initiative in cultivating prospective students. This camp aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in hospitality by providing them with hands-on experience and direct interaction with industry professionals.
This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to education, blending academic rigor with practical industry insights. By working closely with hospitality professionals, Texas A&M ensures that its curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry needs. This partnership also facilitates valuable internships and job placements for students, enhancing their career prospects. The camp’s success underscores the potential of such collaborations in shaping the future of hospitality education and preparing students for a rapidly evolving industry.
Transformative Impact on Students
The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, in collaboration with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism, has recently launched an exciting new initiative: a summer camp aimed at high school students. This inaugural camp is designed to provide these young minds with an immersive and hands-on experience in the hotel industry, offering a comprehensive overview of the many career paths available within this dynamic field. By participating in this program, students will gain invaluable insights into the operations and management of hotels, from front-of-house services to behind-the-scenes functions. They will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals, engage in practical workshops, and even participate in job shadowing experiences. This camp aims not only to educate but to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders, giving them a glimpse into the multitude of opportunities that a career in hotel management can offer. The program also emphasizes the importance of customer service, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are essential for success in the hospitality industry. In essence, this summer camp offers a holistic introduction to the hotel industry, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to consider a future in this thriving sector.
