CSCF & UCF Unite to Spotlight Hospitality & Tourism Careers

CareerSource Central Florida and UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Unite to Shine a Light on the Diverse Career Paths in Hospitality & Tourism

Driving conversations and shifting perceptions in careers in the hospitality & tourism industry

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 11, 2024) – CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF), the region’s innovative workforce leader, unites with the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, distinguished as the nation’s top college for hospitality research and education, to showcase the vast array of career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. This partnership aims to change perceptions and spark conversations about the diverse and rewarding career paths available in a sector that employs nearly 40% of Central Florida’s workforce.

Together, CSCF and Rosen College are tackling misconceptions about the hospitality industry, such as the idea of limited career growth, low wages, and few opportunities for advancement. Through their united efforts, they strive to highlight the endless opportunities available within the hospitality and tourism industry. Pam Nabors, President & CEO of CareerSource Central Florida, expressed the initiative’s importance: “As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure the hospitality and tourism industry remains at the forefront of career innovation and opportunity in Central Florida,” Nabors said. “By creating these conversations, we are raising awareness about the variety of career opportunities available in the hospitality and tourism industry now and in the future.”

A significant aspect of this partnership was a panel discussion at CareerSource Central Florida’s February Board of Directors meeting, featuring insights from Dr. Cynthia Mejia, Interim Dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management; Dr. Alan Fyall, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Visit Orlando Endowed Chair of Tourism and Marketing at the Rosen College; and Pam Nabors. The panel underscored the importance of developing partnerships and enhancing educational and training opportunities for young people and professionals aspiring to careers in the hospitality industry.

Dr. Cynthia Mejia shared her vision for the partnership’s impact on the industry’s future: “The future of hospitality and tourism lies in our collective ability to innovate, educate, and inspire. Together with CareerSource Central Florida, UCF Rosen College is at the forefront of this journey, creating pathways that not only elevate the industry but also empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential in diverse and fulfilling careers. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders, equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a dynamic and evolving landscape.”

Central Florida is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and leadership in global travel and tourism. The industry offers life-changing careers in various sectors, including management, finance, data analytics, customer service, event leadership, and marketing. These careers provide competitive salaries, valuable benefits, and the development of crucial, transferable skills that pave the way for rewarding and progressive career opportunities.

Through their collaborative efforts, CareerSource Central Florida and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management are crafting innovative strategies, solutions, and curricula that address the needs of local businesses and prepare the workforce for future challenges and opportunities. Their goal is to establish pathways to career advancement, competitive wages, and attractive benefits, motivating the existing workforce and attracting new talent to the thriving hospitality and tourism industry.

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