IFT launched its first postgraduate programmes this academic year and the first candidates for IFT master’s degrees say they expect their studies to give them a leg-up on the career ladder.
Ms. Hilda Leung is pursuing the degree of Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. “I’m looking to broaden my knowledge in the area in order to get a better grasp of the industry,” Ms. Leung says. She has been working in the tourism and hospitality industry for the past 7 years.
“Apart from academic knowledge, I also hope to expand my social network, exchanging information and experiences with like-minded industry peers in order to keep my career moving forward,” she says.
Ms. Leung is an IFT alumna. She says it was a no-brainer to return to the Institute for further studies. “I found a sense of belonging at IFT when I was an undergraduate here,” she says. “I trust the postgraduate programmes at IFT will help us gather useful hospitality-related knowledge.”
A classmate of Ms. Leung, Mr. Simon Ho, shares her expectations. Mr. Ho intends to burnish his curriculum vitae by topping off his 10 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry with the Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. “The programme gives me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and join cultural exchanges, not only with local students but also students from Mainland China and overseas,” he says.
In the academic year 2019/20, IFT is offering postgraduate programmes leading to master’s degrees in International Hospitality Management, in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and in International Food and Beverage Management. Altogether, 39 students are enrolled for the programmes. Classes began in August.
Another opportunity for further studies introduced by IFT in this academic year is the programme leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality and Tourism Management. A total of 3 students is taking the programme.
The Institute has also commenced a programme leading to the degree of PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The programme is meant for postgraduates that envisage careers in academia or research.
All IFT postgraduate programmes are taught in English.
One of the postgraduates pursuing the degree of Master of Science in International Hospitality Management is Ms. Nancy Ho. Ms. Ho says she enrolled in her programme to broaden her knowledge of the tourism and hospitality industry and improve her qualifications to work in it, so she can climb the career ladder. “Opportunities to expand my industry knowledge in the workplace are limited,” she says.
Ms. Ho entered the labour market 5 years ago. She says she hopes her studies at IFT will strengthen the theoretical foundation that she will build her career on.
