Bowling Green State University (BGSU) offers employees working at Universal Orlando Resort higher education.
BGSU offers a bachelor’s degree in resort and attraction management (RAAM). Universal Orlando Resort was drawn into BGSU with its program and strong alumni connection, according to an article released by BGSU.
The resort employs about 32,000 people who can apply to BGSU. Universal Orlando Resort is even paying tuition for those employees who pursue this opportunity.
“Their company offers them tuition reimbursement. It allows those employees to pursue higher education without actually leaving where they are,” said Swathi Ravichandran, the director and founder of the RAAM program.
Ravichandran has a clear goal in mind when it comes to students in RAAM and those who are going to join.
“The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Resort and Attraction Management Program is to prepare leaders, future managers, who want to work in this industry and are passionate about this industry,” Ravichandran said.
For those employees who want higher education, they just need to apply to the BGSU website to become students. The RAAM program is fully online with its classes, but like a full-time student, they still need to do all the credit hours required.
“Our degree does require 120 credits. They can still plan out their day while also working. Students are not really logging in at a set time; you proceed at your own pace,” Ravichandran said. “Go through the learning materials for the week, but just make sure that they follow all the deadlines for when any assessment or assignment is due.”
Currently, there are around 160 students enrolled in the RAAM program and Ravichandran is hoping more will join soon.
“We definitely want to grow our online program and the partnerships with companies like Universal Orlando Resort definitely are a step toward achieving that goal,” Ravichandran said. “We also think it’s a great opportunity for somebody who wants to pursue an education in this field but isn’t able to move.”
BGSU expressed excitement over the partnership with Universal Orlando Resort, hoping to expand the RAAM program.
“As a leader in innovative partnerships, Bowling Green State University is proud to partner with Universal Orlando to expand learning experiences and opportunities for its employees enrolled in the resort and attraction management program,” as written in a statement from BGSU. “Through the partnership, Universal Orlando employees will be empowered to earn a quality education that advances their careers and professional goals. BGSU is honored to be a trusted educational partner of Universal Orlando and looks forward to further collaborative opportunities to support student learning and career success in the growing resort and entertainment industry.”
As the saying goes, ‘if you love your work, it’s not really work.’
“If there’s anyone who’s out there who has a passion for the resort and attraction industry and more importantly, if they consider themselves a people person and they want to play a role in creating those great memories and fun times for future generations. They are welcome to pursue this,” Ravichandran said.
