Graduates of Kirkwood’s hospitality program have gone on to work across different sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotel management, country clubs and event planning.
At first glance, hospitality may sound simple, serving guests, managing hotels, or working in restaurants. But at Kirkwood Community College, the hospitality program is preparing something more complex: leaders in a people centered industry.
According to Greg Krawiec, professor of Hospitality Management and program coordinator at Kirkwood, hospitality is essentially a business degree. It covers travel, tourism, lodging and service.
“It’s the business of hospitality,” he explained, emphasizing that students are not just learning how to serve, but how to manage and lead.
Krawiec noted that there are many opportunities available for students who complete the program successfully, especially those committed to working with people.
“It’s a people-based job,” he said, adding that success requires a genuine interest in serving others and creating positive environments.
A key strength of the program is its strong focus on hands on experience. Students complete more than 500 clinical hours over two years.
In their first year, they build foundational knowledge. By the second year, they take on more responsibility, stepping into leadership roles and gaining real world experience in places such as hotels and country clubs.
These opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge directly to real situations. Rather than relying only on lectures, the program immerses students in the realities of the industry early on. Students interact, collaborate and develop practical skills that prepare them for the workplace.
Students describe the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
For Benadja Kalubi, entering the program was unexpected. He said he initially had little interest in hospitality but his perspective changed over time. Through hands on experience, he discovered a passion for the industry and gained confidence.
“My experience in the industry so far has grown and developed me,” he said, noting that he has learned valuable skills for his future career.
Another student, Jaelin Stevemer, highlighted the strong sense of community within the program. Because students take many classes together, they build close relationships.
“We take almost all our classes together, so we get to see each other often and become like a family,” she said.
Students also emphasized the program’s structure. Balancing coursework with clinical hours can be demanding, but it prepares them for real industry expectations. The experience pushes them to develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Instructors also play an important role. Students described them as supportive and committed to helping them succeed. Their guidance, combined with real world training, helps students build confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Beyond technical skills, the program places strong emphasis on leadership. There is growing demand in the hospitality industry for individuals who can manage teams, solve problems, and adapt to different environments.
The program aims to meet that demand by preparing students not just for entry level jobs, but for long term careers. As the hospitality industry continues to grow, programs like Kirkwood’s are shaping the next generation of professionals.
Through classroom learning, hands on experience and leadership development, students are being prepared for careers that extend far beyond hotels and restaurants.
In the end, the program is not just about service. It is about understanding people, building relationships and leading with confidence in a fast-paced global industry.
Categories: Feature
