Student clubs are great ways to make friends, have fun, and take an active part in learning more about specialties within the profession that interest you. Clubs can sponsor activities on campus, take field trips and guided tours of hospitality properties such as luxury resorts, company headquarters, and other unique points of interest. Employers look for more than just good grades when evaluating candidates. So, not only do your club activities bring you fun and increase your knowledge, they can boost your career as well. Many students make lifelong friendships though their involvement with student clubs.
A number of industry associations sponsor chapters for CSU students. For example, the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is the professional association for managers of membership clubs. Student chapters provide opportunities for students to make professional contacts with professionals in the field. Eta Sigma Delta is an honor society for hospitality students who qualify based on their grades. It is affiliated with the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.
Along with industry-affiliated clubs, many programs support campus affiliated clubs for students who are interested in a specialty within hospitality. Such clubs range from sports and entertainment facility managers, to culinary specialists and special-events planners.
For more information about clubs that are currently active at a campus of interest, refer to the By Campus web page or contact the student services coordinator or academic advisor for the hospitality program at that campus.
Many industry and professional associations offer scholarships or discount rates for students who wish to attend their conferences and conventions. Some organizations sponsor student competitions that involve travel. In addition, hospitality management students are often welcome to volunteer as ushers or assistants for locally held meetings, or in exchange for the costs of their attendance. Students are encouraged to participate in these events.
Service learning projects allow students to practice their skills while making a difference in their communities. And student can often receive in-class credit for doing so. Whether it is assisting a new restaurant in reducing food waste or helping a local charity put on a gala fundraiser, CSU hospitality management students have valuable skills to share. Leading industry employers generally require members of their management team contribute of their time to the community, and doing so brings with it a sense of genuine accomplishment.
The CSU offers many opportunities for students to enjoy their college experience. Some of these include:
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