How a Specialized Business Major in SPS Prepares You for a Career

Next, I had to decide what colleges and universities I should apply to. After going through an extensive set of college tours, NYU New York set itself apart. At NYU SPS, students take liberal arts classes like writing, math, and natural sciences. In addition, we take general electives and industry specific business classes. Lastly, we take a set of concentration courses. There are three specialized business majors to choose from that each offer industry specific business courses taught by career experts:

• Hotel and Tourism Management
• Sports Management
• Real Estate

In my first year at NYU, the program swept me in with hotel site tours and guest speakers such as Ian Schrager of the iconic Studio 54. I quickly learned that NYU SPS teaches way outside of the textbook. In class, I’ve presented a marketing presentation in front of four marketing professionals, and went to the New York Marriott Marquis to see how what we learn is used at one of the largest hotels in New York. Furthermore, the average class size for my major is around 15 students, often less. This has given me the ability to constantly participate in class discussions and form relationships with my professors and fellow students on more meaningful levels. 

At the end of this year, I will be declaring my five concentrations: event management, hotel development, marketing and revenue management, organizations and operations, and tourism development. These concentrations help to solidify a more specific career choice after graduation. Although students can take courses across concentrations if they are interested! I chose organizations and operations, aligning with my goals of hotel and restaurant management in New York City. Required to complete the concentration are five courses, including Customer Relationship Management, Conferences and Special Events, and Food, Beverage, and Catering Operations.

COVID-19 is a significant challenge for college students around the world with a shift towards online learning. One challenge has been pushing out my study away experience to a later semester. I originally planned on studying away in the spring semester of 2021, and I now hope to go in 2022. Studying away through the Tisch Center of Hospitality, I can go in J-term, spring break, summer, or for an entire semester. I hope to intern in a city like Florence or London to gain a more global view of hospitality. Additionally, to help in navigating these unprecedented times, I spoke with an adviser at the Office of Global Programs who helped me to craft a study away plan for a few semesters ahead. Choosing to study away at NYU, all financial aid and scholarships travel with you!