Is Tourism a Good Degree?

By Michael Ferguson

Tourism has become an increasingly popular field of study in recent years, with more and more students opting to pursue a degree in this area. However, the question remains: is tourism a good degree?

What is Tourism?

Tourism is the industry that focuses on travel for the purpose of leisure, recreation, or business. This includes everything from planning and organizing trips to managing hotels and resorts. The tourism industry is vast and encompasses many different areas of expertise.

The Pros of Studying Tourism

One of the biggest advantages of studying tourism is that it opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can go on to work in hotels, travel agencies, airlines, cruise lines, event planning companies, and much more.

Another advantage of studying tourism is that it allows students to develop a broad range of skills that are transferable to other industries. These skills include communication, customer service, problem-solving, time management, and leadership.

Studying tourism also offers the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience through internships or work placements. This practical experience can be invaluable when it comes to finding employment after graduation.

The Cons of Studying Tourism

One potential downside of studying tourism is that it can be highly competitive. With so many graduates entering the industry each year, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and secure a job.

Another issue with studying tourism is that it can be quite specialized. This means that graduates may struggle to find employment outside of the industry should they choose to change career paths later on.

Finally, some people argue that studying tourism may not provide the same level of intellectual rigor as other degrees such as science or engineering.

Conclusion

So, is tourism a good degree? The answer depends on your career goals and personal interests. If you are passionate about travel and hospitality and enjoy working with people from all over the world, then a degree in tourism could be an excellent choice.

However, if you are looking for a degree that is highly specialized and offers a clear path to a specific career, then tourism may not be the best option.

Ultimately, it is important to do your research and consider all of your options before deciding on a degree program. With the right preparation and dedication, any degree can lead to a successful and fulfilling career.

  • Pros: Wide range of career opportunities, transferable skills, practical experience
  • Cons: Highly competitive, specialized, may not provide same level of intellectual rigor as other degrees