CNC’s Tourism and Hotel Management Post Diploma program started fewer than two years ago, but it’s already popular.
CNC has two intakes a year - every fall and spring. In each intake, the College can accept a maximum of 37 students into the two-year program, and so far, about three times that many are applying, according to program instructor Dooseon Jung. As a post diploma program, applicants are required to have at least two years of post-secondary under their belt.
“Most of the students actually have a bachelor's degree,” said Dooseon. “Many students already have a lot of experience in the industry. Many are working at hotels and restaurants in Prince George while they go to school, so they have lots to share with classmates. That means courses are quite high level and can go really in-depth.”
Many similar programs encompass on tourism and hospitality management. CNC’s program is unique as it places a direct focus on the hotel industry.
“Hospitality includes hotel management but is broader,” she said. “We give special focus to the hotel field amongst the accommodation industries.”
According to Dooseon, the tourism industry in Prince George often has difficulty finding qualified employees. CNC’s Tourism and Hotel Management program
“We hope that our graduates will stay in Northern BC to live and work,” she said. “We want them to spread their knowledge. If you’ve got a good resume, you can get a good job here – more easily than in other areas in B.C.”
CNC’s Tourism and Hotel Management program is a popular choice for international students coming from all around the world to study in Prince George. Dooseon is originally from South Korea and moved to Canada with her Canadian husband eight years ago, so she knows what it’s like to move to a new country. Her international students have felt welcomed by CNC’s multiculturalism.
“We also have a really good faculty with diverse backgrounds, and an international department that helps our students in various ways,” Dooseon said.