INDUSTRY PARTNERS & Strategic Initiatives
BUILT ALONGSIDE THE INDUSTRY
PARTNERSHIPS CREATING CAREER PATHWAYS
EXECUTIVE ENGAGEMENT & CORPORATE PRESENCE
From the beginning, the Hospitality Manage - ment program at Kennesaw State University has been shaped in close collaboration with the industry it serves. These partnerships are not transactional. They are enduring relationships built on shared goals, mutual investment, and a belief in developing future hospitality leaders through experience. Over five years, the program has cultivated a network of corporate partners, profession - al associations, and global institutions that actively engage with students through men - torship, internships, recruitment, and applied learning. The result is an ecosystem where education and industry advance together. Guidance from industry advisors has been instrumental to the program’s growth. An ad - visory group composed of senior executives across hospitality sectors provides insight that ensures curriculum remains relevant, for- ward-looking, and aligned with market needs. Advisory members regularly engage with stu - dents through guest lectures, site visits, and mentorship, offering firsthand perspectives into leadership, operations, and strategic decision-making. Their involvement has in- fluenced course development, experiential learning opportunities, and career pathways.
One of the program’s defining strengths is the intentional connection between education and employment. Strategic partnerships create clear pathways that introduce students to the industry early and support them through grad - uation and beyond. Through these relationships, students gain access to internships, part-time roles, man- agement training programs, and full-time po- sitions. Employers benefit from early access to motivated, well-prepared talent with a strong foundation in both hospitality operations and business strategy. On-campus engagement plays a key role in these outcomes. Recruitment days, executive networking events, and immersive learning experiences allow students and employers to build meaningful professional relationships long before graduation.
When industry leaders visit campus, students are given invaluable expo- sure to real-world leadership. Senior executives share candid insights into career progression, leadership chal- lenges, and the evolving hospitality landscape. Among the prominent hospitality brands participating in these valuable experiences are Omni Hotels and Re - sorts, Marriott Northwest and Spring Hill Suites, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), Aimbridge Hospitality, and more.
Corporate engagement days offer op - portunities for students to learn about organizations, interview for roles, and interact with leadership teams in a professional setting. These experienc- es frequently lead to internship offers and early career placements, reinforc - ing the program’s strong employment outcomes. Just as importantly, these interactions humanize leadership. Students see how successful profes - sionals lead teams, navigate complex- ity, and build careers grounded in service.
“Graduating from the Hospitality Management Program laid the groundwork for the rapid career growth I experienced shortly after... The knowledge, confidence, and professional skills I gained from the program positioned me to step up in a big way.”
Braidlyn Atkinson, Class of 2023, Complex Sales Manager, Downtown Atlanta
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