The primary responsibility for finding practical employment is placed on each student. HBM maintains relationships with many colleagues and alumni in the industry who are willing to assist and hire interns. Contact the HBM office for more information.

*Note: If all 1,000 hours of practical experience is gained in places managed or operated by relatives, the following requirements must also be met:

·  The operation must be full-service (excluding fast-food service, limited item menu, taverns, etc.).

·  A consultation is required before these hours can be considered for acceptance.

Recruiters are impressed with the high quality of instruction each student receives together with their level of motivation and realistic job expectations. All certified students in the major are required to work 1,000 hours in hospitality operations. This enables them to gain practical work experience and to study possible career options. Many students obtain work experience through internships.

Finally, the HBM program is fortunate to receive substantial financial industry support along with guidance from corporate leaders and executives. An Advisory Committee, established in 1980, comprised of alumni and industry executives provides valuable support and leadership to the activities of the HBM program. Their efforts have greatly enhanced the level of financial gifts along with scholarships, faculty research grants, and support for student tours and travel. A large gift from the Ivar Haglund estate in 1985 has permitted the HBM Program to expand its national and international visibility and quality of instruction. In 1999, the ARAMARK Corporation, a company that focuses in managed services and consistently hires a large percentage annually of HBM graduates, selected WSU to become their fifth partner school. WSU is the only school in the west to have been selected for this honor.