Today, in the UW College of Business, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Wyoming will host a hospitality, tourism and outdoor recreation career day in conjunction with a state push to diversify and strengthen Wyoming’s economy under Gov. Matt Mead’s direction.
“There are three areas of Wyoming’s economy that have really come under focus as being able to provide both jobs and income as time goes on and those are hospitality, tourism and outdoor recreation,” UW Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism Degree Coordinator Dan McCoy said. “We had an opportunity where all these entities were meeting in Cheyenne this week and we just said we should invite them over to meet with our students.”
Representatives from major corporations and industry leaders such as Vail Resorts, National Outdoor Leadership School, State Parks and the State Office of Tourism will be on hand to discuss shaping a new economic future for Wyoming’s residents and its colleges.
“There’s no mistaking a shift in direction around the university and the state,” UW graduate and Laramie resident Erin Peterson said. “Watching leaders and students try to prepare for this change in economy reminds me of watching everyone try to get their groceries before a big snow storm, you’d better be prepared.”
The UW Haub School of Natural Resources along with the UW College of Business is setting out to create a uniquely Wyoming take on the economy by putting together the schools first outdoor recreation and tourism degree.
“We’re focused on expanding and diversifying Wyoming’s economy through outdoor recreation and sustainable tourist use, also maintaining and expanding those areas responsibly,” McCoy said. “There are elements of business in all of these areas so you have to have the fundamentals of budgeting and marketing to be successful.”
There are some students currently working within old program guides to prepare themselves for the outdoor rec and tourism degree, something that has been an act of faith for many.
“Right now I’m a business major with a minor in outdoor leadership who’s getting eyeballed by the business department for being undeclared,” UW undeclared business major Joseph Eisenhardt said. “My heart’s been set on this degree path since hearing it could be a possibility, but it’s really been an act of faith to take the classes and do the work for a theoretical degree that might exist someday, it’s really kinda nuts.”
Businesses and entities offering employment and career options will be in the college of business building today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the atrium with a panel discussion and luncheon around noon for interested students.
