Hospitality Management Field Experience

CONSCI 3191, HM 4810 and HM 3730

Gain experience and income while earning college credit!

With opportunities for multiple internships and substantial support from the Hospitality Management Industry Advisory Board, the Hospitality Management program at The Ohio State University develops students into future hospitality management leaders.

The curriculum for the Hospitality Management program is designed to give you a well-rounded experience, including exposure to multiple segments of the hospitality industry, lodging and food serving.

Please note that for CONSCI 3191, HM 4810 and HM 3730, internships/field experiences must start the first week of classes. It is recommended that you begin your search at least a month in advance - or longer - to secure a position. 

Steps to secure field experience:

  1. Determine requirements for class.
  2. Create a list of companies that interest you, as well as possible positions.
  3. Research companies by visiting their websites. Search on the career tab, as most hospitality companies have careers/job search information on their websites.
  4. Register for and search for companies that match your interests on Buckeye Careers Network: http://go.osu.edu/HMexperience.
  5. Update your resume and include an objective to match your position of interest (e.g., “Secure a part-time position as a Guest Service Representative in a company that offers long-term growth opportunity.”) Bring your resume to Career Services, where staff will serve as a resource, reviewing your resume and providing feedback.
  6. Create a cover letter that includes the following information:
    • Introduction
    • How you received their information
    • Statement that you are seeking an internship for course credit
    • Your short-term and long-term professional goals
    • Preferred work areas or positions
    • How many hours a week you would like to work
    • Additional information not found on your resume, such as background details that make you suitable to the company or reasons for your interest in the company.
    Career Services will review your cover letter and serve as a resource. In the event you are e-mailing your resume, it is sufficient to omit a cover letter and put applicable data in the body of your e-mail.
  7. Follow company guidelines for submitting an application. This may require applying online.

Fun and helpful facts

You are not required to secure an unpaid internship; you are required to secure field experiences that will fulfill course requirements. Many employers offer paid internships. You are required to complete both a hotel lab experience and a food service lab experience. You are given autonomy to determine the areas in which you would like to gain experience; please consult with your advisor as you consider your choices. You are encouraged to seek experiences that will help you in future positions (e.g., supervisor opportunities, operations).

You are encouraged to think holistically when planning field experiences. All field experiences could be used to gain experience toward desired career goals. 

Basic requirements include:

  • Hotel Lab – Secure an opportunity in front desk, housekeeping, sales, administration, accounting or F&B. The minimum hour requirement is 105 hours during the semester and must occur in a hotel.
  • Food Service Lab – Secure an opportunity in a food service setting within hospitality (restaurants, banquets, etc). Minimum hour requirement is 105 hours during the semester.
  • Advanced Internship – Secure an opportunity in the segment of hospitality of your interest: lodging, food service, event planning, etc. All learning objectives should be advanced. The Advanced Internship should offer opportunities for advancement post-graduation with a desired company. 

Need Help?

Contact Anne Turpin, turpin.26@osu.edu
Want to learn more? go.osu.edu/hm