What if your classroom looked more like the real world you are preparing to enter?
In the latest episode of Charting the Course, we sit down with Paul Bonnette, the Katherine Griffin Boatwright Endowed Chair for the Hospitality Management and Tourism program at Gulf Coast State College, to explore how experiential learning, industry partnerships, and intentional teaching prepare students for careers in one of Florida’s most essential industries.
Hospitality and tourism are more than hotels and restaurants. They are the backbone of Florida’s economy and a gateway to careers in resorts, attractions, cruise lines, events, food and beverage, and beyond. In this episode, Paul breaks down just how wide that pathway really is.
Hospitality Is More Than You Think
Paul describes hospitality as a “rabbit hole” of opportunity. Students may enter the program thinking about hotels or restaurants, only to discover careers in theme parks, attractions, cruise ships, event management, and tourism marketing. The program is designed to help students explore these possibilities and tailor their education to what truly interests them.
Currently offered as an Associate of Science degree, the Hospitality Management and Tourism program is also expanding into certificate options. These certificates give working professionals and returning students a flexible way to build new skills, advance their careers, or explore hospitality without committing immediately to a full degree.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Learning by Doing
A defining feature of the program is its hands-on, experiential approach. Instead of traditional exams, students complete real-world projects that mirror industry expectations. From pitching hotels to panels of local hotel managers to creating full restaurant concepts and business plans, students gain experience that goes far beyond the textbook.
These projects often include feedback and evaluation from industry professionals across the community, creating valuable networking opportunities and building student confidence. By the time students graduate, presenting, problem-solving, and adapting to unexpected challenges are skills they have already practiced in a safe, supportive environment.
Why It Matters
At its core, the Hospitality Management and Tourism program is about return on investment. Students leave not only with a credential, but with confidence, experience, and industry connections that open doors locally and beyond. As Paul emphasizes, hospitality is a career where the skills you learn can take you anywhere.
If you’re considering your next step, the Hilton Hospitality Management and Tourism program offers flexible options, with a wide variety of courses to choose from. Interested students can reach out to Paul Bonnette at pbonnette@gulfcoast.edu
Listen to Episode 2 of Charting the Course to hear the full conversation and learn how Gulf Coast State College is helping students turn education into opportunity.
Until next time, Go Commodores!
Daniela "Danie" Oestreich
Digital Media Program Faculty
As an alumni of the Digital Media Program at Gulf Coast State College, Daniela is frequently looking for new ways to bring her students experiences from outside of the classroom. She works to improve her writing by covering student projects, and promoting collegiate collaboration.
