Business Administration: Hospitality & Tourism Program
Emma Busnengo's journey into the world of hospitality at Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) is not just a tale of academic pursuit but a narrative deeply woven into her family's legacy and the vibrant fabric of Cape Cod itself. As she navigates through her educational journey, Emma's story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep-rooted connection to the hospitality industry.
Discovering the Path:
"I chose the hospitality program because it was the most realistic choice for me at this point in my life," Emma reflects. "I have been exposed to the hospitality industry my entire life. My mother runs a motel, and my grandparents ran the restaurant on the property for over 20 years."
But Emma's path to hospitality wasn't always clear. "I never imagined I would be a Hospitality major when I was applying for colleges my junior year of high school," she admits. However, her familial ties and the practicality of the program drew her to 4Cs.
Nurturing Passion:
"What solidified my decision to pursue a career in the Hospitality industry while being in the program at 4Cs is all of the real-life experiences and successes that Professor Keough and Professor McCormick share daily in their classes," Emma shares. "Their insights, drawn from years in the industry, opened my eyes to the vast opportunities within hospitality."
As she delved deeper into the program, Emma's passion for hospitality blossomed. "I never imagined I would be a Hospitality major when I was applying for colleges my junior year of high school," she admits. "But, hearing from people like Professor Keough...has opened my eyes to the idea that there is more out there in the hospitality industry and there is still more for me to accomplish."
Hands-On Learning:
"The 'Dining Room Operations' class as a whole provides a lot of valuable insights into the industry through hands-on experience," Emma explains. "As a class, we learn to work together as a team to run our luncheon series. This class provides culinary experience as well as front of house experience."
For Emma, these experiences transcend the classroom. "It's a blend of creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving," she reflects, recognizing the real-world applicability of her coursework.
Balancing Act:
"I'm very fortunate to have my seasonal business and spring semester only overlap for about two weeks," Emma acknowledges. "But for the last month or so of school, I typically go to my classes in the morning and start getting the restaurant ready to open during my second half of the day."
Balancing her academic commitments with her family's business demands resilience and discipline, traits Emma has honed throughout her journey.
Future Aspirations:
Looking ahead, Emma's aspirations extend beyond the classroom. "I would love to work myself up to being a district manager of some corporate company and someday own my own business," she shares. "I'm not sure if that will be a restaurant, rental properties, apartments, or maybe a little motel like my mom."
For Emma, the possibilities within the hospitality industry are as vast as the Cape Cod landscape itself, offering endless avenues for growth and exploration.
Advice for Aspiring Students:
"My advice for prospective students looking to join the Hospitality program here at 4Cs is just do it!" Emma urges. "There is so many kinds of students within the program, and so many new things to learn. This program opens you up to many opportunities and exposes you to many different jobs."