Program Highlights
Tourism offers a dramatic variety of career possibilities and is one of the world's fastest growing industries. It employs over 200,000 people in British Columbia and, according to Statistics Canada, 354,000 job openings are predicted nationwide in the next 10 years.
Over 65,000 of those openings are anticipated to be for supervisors and managers. So, whether you are just starting out, looking to advance your current situtation or transferring your skills from another industry, North Island College can put you on a path to a successful career in tourism.
Whether you are just starting out, looking to advance your skills, or changing careers, the Tourism & Hospitality Management program will open the door to a wide variety of exciting, high-demand job possibilities.
During year one of the program, students learn the key components of the manager/supervisor's role. They gain hands-on, practical experience in a formal dining room setting and become familiar with an operating kitchen. This first year provides a solid foundation in key management areas such as accounting, marketing, computers and human resource management. Students are introduced to practical applications in food and beverage and rooms division. A strong emphasis is placed on skills that will provide graduates with an advantage in the workplace. Students develop strong interpersonal, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
During year two, students have the opportunity to supervise and manage staff in a variety of hospitality settings. They direct staff in the dining room, take the lead role in planning, organizing, marketing and operating a special event, as well as directing a catering function. Supervisory abilities, communication, conflict resolution, public speaking and computer use are developed and students participate in field trips and attend lectures with guest speakers. Students also learn about key sales and advertising techniques, the economics of tourism businesses, refine their account management skills and have the opportunity to create a business plan for the business of their choice. Students will also participate in an international field trip in year two. Past classes have travelled to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Cuba, and Mexico.
Graduates will complete the program with experience in the industry, qualifying for employment up to the supervisory and management levels. The diploma also provides graduates with two full years of transfer credit toward many tourism and hospitality degrees both within BC and nationally.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are employed in all areas of the tourism and hospitality industry, including hotels, skiing resorts, adventure tourism businesses, wilderness and fishing resorts, restaurants, tourism services and the travel trade. Some graduates have chosen to operate their own tourism business, while many others choose to work in small or large tourism organizations on Vancouver Island, Whistler, Vancouver, and elsewhere in Canada. The possibilities are endless.
Transfer Opportunities
The Tourism & Hospitality Management diploma provides two full years of transfer credit toward a variety of four-year degree programs, including:
- Bachelor of Commerce, University of Victoria (UVic)
- Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management, University of Calgary (UofC)
- Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Mount St. Vincent University (MSVU)
- Bachelor of Applied Management in Hospitality and Tourism, University of New Brunswick (UNB)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management, Royal Roads University (RRU)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel Management, Royal Roads University (RRU)
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Vancouver Community College (VCC)
- Bachelor of Tourism Management, Capilano University
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Vancouver Island University (VIU)
- Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- Bachelor of Business Administration, North Island College (NIC)
Important: Each university has its own unique deadlines and transfer requirements, such as course prerequisites (particularly for math courses) and grade point averages, that must be met. Transfer and degree requirements may also change frequently and without notice. Students interested in pursuing a degree should meet with a Student Advisor to develop a transfer plan as early as possible.
Field Trips
During each year of the program you will participate in a field trip as part of your studies. During the first year, you will travel to a major urban centre, stay in a 4- or 5-star property and experience its daily operation and guest accommodations and services. During year two, you will travel to an international tourist destination, again stay in a 4- or 5-star property and experience the operation and guest services of this type of resort. Students are responsible for their own travel costs, which are not included in the program tuitions. Field trip costs are estimated to be approximately $500 for year 1 and $750 for year 2.
Co-operative Education
A mandatory component of the program, Co-operative Education integrates paid, program-related work experiences with academic study. The practical experience gained on these supervised and structured work terms is an integral part of the student's education. The result is graduates with increased confidence, new employment contacts, and practical work experience.
A wide range of Co-op job opportunities are available to choose from, not only on Vancouver Island, but elsewhere in Canada and internationally. The Co-op staff and program instructors work closely with students to determine how the work term can best fit each student's individual interests and career goals.