RLC Hospitality Management Program

Southern Illinois is experiencing dynamic growth in the hospitality industry. The expansion of hotels and restaurants here and throughout the country has increased the demand for qualified, knowledgeable employees who are ready to excel in the world of lodging, food and recreational service.

Rend Lake College’s newly established Hospitality Management Program provides the perfect start for students who are looking for a competitive edge in the hospitality industry. Rend Lake’s program gives a student all of the core skills and knowledge that today’s hospitality employers are desperately looking for . Course offerings cover topics such as: managing human resources, supervision, legal issues pertaining to the hospitality industry, purchasing, sales, marketing, tourism, and technology as it relates to the hospitality industry. Hospitality Management Instructor Craig Zinzilieta has ten years of work history in the hospitality and tourism industry. As a member of the Professional Golfers Association of America, he has made a number of invaluable contacts around the country over that time in all areas of the hospitality industry. These contacts help to make up a well rounded advisory committee for the program that helps to make sure that its curriculum is staying up to pace with trends in this fast paced industry. These contacts also help to provide a solid base for opportunities for internships as well as a great chance for a full time job after graduation.

RLC’s program gives a student all the core skills & knowledge that today’s employers are desperately looking for.

Rend Lake also has an articulation agreement with S.I.U. Carbondale for those students who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management.

Rend Lake College’s Hospitality Management Program uses materials from the Educational Institute (EI) of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the world leader in hospitality education and training. Educational Institute texts are developed with input from hospitality industry professionals and reflect the most current industry practices and trends. Employers know that students who have completed Rend Lake College’s Educational Institute influenced courses are well prepared to handle supervisory responsibilities and be a valuable addition to their staff.

Career advancement in the hospitality industry happens quickly for those who have the knowledge and skills taught in a program like the one offered by Rend Lake College.

The hospitality industry has a long history of promoting from within, and stories abound of people who have risen from the ranks of entry-level employees to become general managers, corporate executives or owners of their own properties. According to one research study, the average hotel general manager worked in the industry for two years before becoming a department manager, and another seven before becoming a general manager. These statements prove if you have the knowledge, skills and work ethic, you will be rewarded quickly.

The $460 billion hospitality industry has a career to fit every interest!