Professional Unlocks Full Potential with UF’s Online M.S. in Tourism and Hospitality Management Program
October 3, 2024
Jeffrey Martinez is always learning. Working as a copywriter for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, he knew that furthering his education was the key to unlocking his full potential in the tourism and hospitality industry. "What I love most about the tourism and hospitality industry is that it combines a whole host of fascinating disciplines - including heritage and culture, data and technology, consumer psychology and sociology, and the environment and sustainability," he said. "This keeps me on my toes for sure, as there's always something new to learn!"
After earning a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in marketing and a minor in psychology, Jeffrey wanted to pursue a graduate degree aligned with his passion. His wide-ranging interests include writing, reading, traveling, museum hopping, history, and architecture. He wanted to develop these skills and interests while working in his hometown of Miami, Fla., so he looked for an online degree program that would help him achieve his academic and professional goals.
The University of Florida's online Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management program quickly caught his attention and Jeffrey enrolled in the fall of 2023.
"I chose this particular program because it checked off all the boxes: a fully online program at a great value, with a concentration in the field I've worked in for 15 years - all offered by one of the most prestigious institutions in the nation," he said.
Jeffrey was instantly drawn to UF's online program because it offered a specialized degree focused on tourism and hospitality that would help him build a solid theoretical foundation to complement his extensive real-world experience. Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, his advisor and department chair, also played a pivotal role in solidifying his decision to attend the University of Florida. Her warm disposition and willingness to answer all his questions made him feel welcomed and supported.
The online curriculum's flexibility met Jeffrey's needs as a busy professional. While there are deadlines for assignments, tests, and other course participation requirements, all lectures and resources were available for him to access at any time. This asynchronous framework allowed Jeffrey to fit learning into his schedule so he could continue to work full time.
"My job combines two of my deepest passions: writing and travel," he said. As a copywriter, Jeffrey creates messaging for marketing materials across multiple platforms, from direct marketing to web. "I take pride in doing my part to help travelers create lifelong memories."
After just one year in the program, Jeffrey has expanded his expertise in crisis management, revenue optimization, research methodologies, and tourism planning and development. He successfully earned a Certified Hospitality Industry Analytics (CHIA) certification through his revenue management course. Through engaging courses like Trends and Issues in Hospitality and Tourism and Hospitality Business Perspectives, he has sharpened his critical thinking while gaining insights into the internal and external challenges that hospitality businesses face. From hotels integrating AI to enhance guest experiences to theme parks and restaurants adopting sustainable practices, the knowledge acquired has prepared Jeffrey to navigate and contribute to an evolving industry landscape.
Jeffrey has also seized opportunities provided by the online M.S. in Tourism and Hospitality Management program to become involved with the department, even from 300 miles away. In his first semester, he served on a judging panel for a group project assigned to undergraduate students. He also joined the Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management (THEM) Society, remotely participating in meetings. His academic success made him eligible to join Eta Sigma Delta, an international hospitality honor society. "I've sought to cultivate close relationships with fellow peers and faculty, exposing me to new ideas and diverse viewpoints," Jeffrey said.
As a current student who enjoys his studies, Jeffrey recommends the online graduate tourism and hospitality management program to prospective students. "I would highly encourage them to apply!" he said. He credits the expert UF faculty for providing a wealth of academic and industry knowledge that fosters an enriching student learning experience. "When you couple UF's sterling reputation with the program's affordable cost and the convenience of being able to take the courses in the comfort of your home, it's a can't-miss opportunity."
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ABOUT THE ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
The 100% online, instructor-led Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management is designed for busy, working professionals or those just getting started in their careers.
This program allows you to earn your degree and apply what you learn in the classroom to your current and future work environments. Using real data from top industry experts, graduate students develop resource-based views and comprehensive strategies for managing and leading tourism and hospitality organizations. Students will also obtain a holistic perspective of environmental concerns that impact visitation to sensitive areas, including how to build sustainable initiatives into a business model and how to use unique faculty-developed tools to better respond to these issues.
Ignite your tourism and hospitality career with our streamlined admissions process.