SCC Grads Thrive in Arizona’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Arizona continues to grow as a popular tourist destination, with approximately 47 million people visiting the Grand Canyon state in 2019, spending more than $25 billion and generating more than 300,000 hospitality and leisure jobs, according to the Arizona Governor’s Office. Catering to the influx of guests requires highly skilled professionals in hospitality and tourism management.

Scottsdale Community College’s Hospitality Management program helps prepare students for successful careers across many management positions at a hotel, resort, spa, or restaurant, as well as in event planning, golf, or tourism development. Graduates of the program are not only supporting the local hospitality and tourism industry, they are helping drive its five-star appeal. 

SCC officials recently met with several alumni to learn more about their roles at leading local hotels and resorts, how they have been successful in the vocation, and the impact that the Hospitality Management program has had on their careers. Their inspiring stories are featured in the following videos:

Vanessa Lister

Area Executive Meetings Manager for the Hyatt Place, Phoenix, and the AC Hotel, Tempe

By leveraging SCC’s partnership with NAU, Lister earned her Bachelor’s degree without leaving SCC’s campus. The convenience of the 90/30 program allowed her to continue working locally in hospitality as she completed her NAU coursework.  View Vanessa Lister's video interview.

Joseph Assaf

Event Operations Manager at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

As an international student, Assaf values the experience and education provided by SCC. He was afforded opportunities to explore all avenues of Hospitality Management, from culinary to operations management to event planning.  View Joseph Assaf's video interview.

Zachary Sporbert

Assistant General Manager of The Camby Hotel, Autograph Collection

One of the many reasons Sporbert recommends SCC’s Hospitality Management program to future students is the industry-expert faculty. SCC’s relationships with local hospitality groups enable SCC to offer internships, externships, and workforce development opportunities to students.  View Zachary Sporbert's video interview.

“SCC’s Hospitality Management program offers degrees and certificates that provide real-world experience, so our graduates are ready to join the workforce,” said Janelle Hoffman, Director of SCC’s Hospitality & Tourism Management programs. “Students wishing to pursue a higher degree will benefit from SCC’s university partnerships, allowing for a seamless transfer of credits.” Learn more about the program in this  Video Interview with Hoffman.

SCC’s Hospitality Management program offers degrees and certificates that perfectly align with Scottsdale’s world-renowned reputation as a travel and tourist destination, preparing students for successful careers in managing a hotel, resort, spa, or restaurant, or specializing in event planning, golf, or tourism development. The program trains students in guest services, facilities management, golf coaching, tourism development and management, events and meeting management, ecotourism, accounting, information systems, marketing, resources, and hospitality law. Through an agreement with Northern Arizona University, students have the option to pursue a four-year degree entirely on the SCC campus. In addition, SCC’s Culinary Arts program is recognized as one of the top schools in the Southwest for culinary arts and commercial baking.

Learn more about SCC’s Hospitality Management program.

Learn more about SCC’s Culinary Arts program.