Hospitality or hotel management are common concentrations in college, but there is a big difference between a hotel and a resort. This semester, Methodist College became the first school in the country to offer resort management.
Methodist College is already known for itsProfessional Golf Management Program. The private school is now taking a swing at something new.
At the urging of Pinehurst Resort, Methodist College has formed an alliance with The Pinehurst Company. Business and marketing students can now receive a concentration in resort management.
"It will clearly define to the student that he's getting associated with a company and an industry clearly niched in resorts," says John Meeske, director of the program.
Meeske is a former resort owner and former partner of Pat Corso, the current president of Pinehurst.
Students see Meeske's experience, and this idea, as a hole in one for their careers.
"I think it will give me more opportunity at Pinehurst to get a job, but because of the name and the status, opportunity at other places, too," says sophomore Emily Brown.
Pinehurst will provide internships, capital, and a hands-on management program not just at Pinehurst, but at its other resorts across the country.
Sophomore Trent Erpf thinks hotel management is too narrow a field. He thinks learning about things like land and tournament development will really set him apart.
"The resort management industry is booming if I take my experience and knowledge back to Australia, there a lot of money to be made right now," he says.
The Pinehurst Company has hired several Professional Golf Management students, and hopes to do the same with graduates of Resort Management.
Students will really have their pick with over 22,000 resorts worldwide.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
