Whether it’s by their boundless intellectual curiosity or the swagger that comes with working in enviable research quarters, you’ll know a UNLV Hospitality College graduate student when you meet one.
The personal stories of the college’s 160-plus graduate students are all distinctive, as are their academic journeys. But all are linked by a common desire to take learning—and by extension, their careers—to the next level. Here’s a glimpse into the experiences of five such graduate students:
Ankita Ghosh (Kolkata, India)
Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration degree program
- Dissertation focus: Organizational behavior
- Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management (Kent State University, Ohio)
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
Why did you choose this Ph.D. program?
It was the fact that the college is consistently rated among the top hospitality colleges in the world and has cultivated relationships with the industry’s top employers and organizations.
What was your favorite course?
Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry with Mehmet Erdem. His class featured different guest speakers from the industry. Their perspective and insights into different human-resources management topics and trends were quite appealing.
What surprised you most about this program?
The flexibility and independence that exists here to accommodate the needs and research interests of each student.
What are your career aspirations?
To inspire and support young minds in the industry through distinct hospitality education.
Saeed Hasanzadeh Vayghan (Shabestar, Iran)
Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration degree program
- Dissertation focus: Marketing and technology application in hospitality and tourism
- Master’s degree in Tourism Management (Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran)
- Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature (University of Tabriz)
What attracted you to the Ph.D. program?
I had many friends going to school in the U.S., and they would talk about the great resources available at UNLV.
How did you hear about the program?
I researched the program on the Internet. I looked at the rankings, and UNLV was always in the top for hospitality and tourism.
What was your favorite course?
Travel and Tourism with Chih-Chien Chen. I love the way she teaches that class, and there were very interesting readings.
What surprised you most about this program?
I found everyone to be very friendly — the faculty, staff, and also my peers. It takes time to learn how to live here. They helped me get used to the culture.
What are your career aspirations?
To work in academia. I’d also like to learn about wine.
Rochelle Good (Waterloo, Canada)
Dual degree: Master of Science in Hospitality Administration & Master of Business Administration
- Thesis focus: Motivating hotel patrons in Hawaii to use reef-safe sunscreen
- Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (University of Waterloo)
What attracted you to this program?
I did quite a bit of research, and it came down to this program, Cornell, or attending school in Europe. [UNLV] had the dual program, so that kind of sold me. Plus, I considered the amount of opportunities surrounding this school, so I went with UNLV.
What was your favorite course?
Thesis course with Christine Bergman. I was able to blend my interests in hotel management and sustainability with a research study that I’m truly passionate about.
What surprised you most about this program?
The diversity here, especially within the Hospitality College. On top of that, the mentor program was the best thing that I’ve gotten involved in. My mentor allowed me to spend a day in every department [in an MGM Resorts International property] and attend different meetings, including revenue meetings, orientation, events planning. These were really amazing mentors willing to give back to students.
What are your career aspirations?
I want to be a general manager of a Four Seasons property, and promote sustainability programs in which guests can participate.
Dale Billings (Phoenix)
Master of Science in Hospitality Administration degree program
- Research focus: Exploring the intersection between hospitality and technology
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science (DeVry University)
What attracted you to this program?
I was interested when I found out how much diversity in academic focus there is here at the Hospitality College. After I met with [Christine] Bergman [professor and graduate advisor], I was hooked.
What surprised you most about this program?
I was blown away by the quality of people who were brought in as classroom speakers. These are people building multimillion-dollar casinos! It’s also great to see how strong of a network exists with alumni and their willingness to help students.
What was your favorite course?
Statistical Analysis for Hospitality with instructor Daryl Boykin. Once we got past the basics, and got into the analytical part, it all came together. I smoked it.
What are your career aspirations?
I’m hoping to figure that out the more I get involved with the mentorship program. Through this program, and with the help of my professors, I know I’ll be able to find my place.
Jason Voltz (Balsam Lake, Wisconsin)
Master of Hospitality Administration online degree program
- Professional paper topic: The Impact of the Millennial Generation on the Las Vegas Strip Casino Gaming Market
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism (University of Wisconsin-Stout)
What attracted you to the online program?
It was very flexible and worked better with my lifestyle than a traditional program. It also gave me the opportunity to take what I know and run with it.
How did you hear about the program?
I heard about it at work, through word-of-mouth.
What was your favorite course?
I really enjoyed the classes taught by Gail Sammons. In particular, the online Training and Development course.
What surprised you most about this program?
I’ve met so many people [who work] in other areas—cruise ships, hotels, restaurants. You build relationships you never thought you could.
What are your career aspirations?
I’m focused on advancing my career in gaming, and am looking into different opportunities around the world.
