[DJ56]

Hey, i am planning on Transfering to UNLV at the beginning of next school year i changed my major to Hotel Management and was wondering if any one know anybody in that field and how they get up to the big time hotels and info like that?? Thanks

[cjski21]

My fiance is a junior in Hotel management at UNLV. What do you want to know. I can get you info if you are a little more specific.

[DJ56]

well i know what classes i have to take but i was like wondering how to get into the industry after you graduate if they place you or how it works?

[DJ56]

also just some like general info on class sizes for that major and any thing else she would say would be great. Thanks

[cjski21]

She has an internship with the Venetian all lined up and has an interview with them for a full time position. She pounded the pavement alot to help herself, but for the most part, the school has tons of resources to assist you. Talk to your professors, they are all to willing to help. One of her professors even helped me get a job interview at one of the casinos and I am in Law Enforcement. they are all extremely well informed and know the industry very well. The Hotel program has a section that has all sorts of job opportuninties. They will not place you, but they will do everything the can to prepare you for a job and to help you find one. My fiance will make good money as a desk clerk for the Venetian if she gets it and the internship pays less at $12 an hour, but the experience is invaluble. The foot in the door is worth everything. She is also looking at trying to get a director of guest services position out at one of the Lake Las Vegas properties. UNLV helped her find the position. You will still have to pound the pavement yourself though. It is easy to find employment in Las Vegas and most of the hotels will help you pay for your schooling too.

[cjski21]

Originally Posted by DJ56

also just some like general info on class sizes for that major and any thing else she would say would be great. Thanks

Some of her classes are very large. She had over 200 in one of her classes and just 15 in another. It just depends on how many other majors need the class. She takes half of her classes online and half on campus. We are in the same english class and there are about 100 people in that one but alot of majors require this class. We are not in Las Vegas at this time (she was last year) but the nice thing with her major is some of her classes are condensed. That allows her to take over 20 credits in a semester but only 12 at a time. She says the classes are not hard if you have a passion for the work and are prepared to do the work (the work can be demanding). She told me that all of her professors have been extremely accomodating with her. Hope this helps. If you have any more questions just ask and I'll see what I can do as far as answers.

[DJ56]

so its kind of like in the industry you have to work your way up to the manager position you just dont start out after you graduate right?

[cjski21]

Pretty much. You will start higher with the degree than without it. You may be able to jump into mid level management, but from there you need to work your way up. She is a Sales manager right now at a local property and still does not qualify for upper management until she graduates. Las Vegas is a whole different story though, even with her current experience, she is hoping for a front desk management position at best, which would be a pay cut locally but is a huge pay raise in LV. At that point, her experience combined with her education will qualify her for upper management. The property she is talking to is interested in her and is offering to pay off student loans and to assist her in obtaining her masters degree. Just be aggressive and try to stand out among the thousands of hotel students at UNLV trying to make a name for themselves.

[Chest Rockwell]

UNLV requires that you have 1000 hours experience in the Hospitality industry in order to receive your degree, so you'll be working while you go to school for at least a semester or two.

A friend of mine graduated from the program with decent, but not great grades and immediately got a low level managerial position at Four Seasons in Seattle. Hope you like working nights and weekends!

[cjski21]

Yes the 1000 hours requirement. The 1000 hours is not hard to get though, she met the requirement in her sophamore year. Get in with the front desk at a property. My fiance recomends the Pallazzo at the Venetian, they are hiring left and right for there December opening. As long as you can pass their IQ test, then you are in.