University of Houston
The Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston was founded by hotel icon Conrad N. Hilton in 1969, and remains the only hospitality programme in the world where students help operate an internationally branded, full service hotel as part of their studies.
A living hotel as a classroom
The Hilton University of Houston, a full service Hilton hotel with 150 guest rooms and 25,000 square feet of event space, sits at the heart of the college. Students make up seventy percent of its workforce, gaining direct experience in guest service, hotel operations, banquet and restaurant management inside a genuine internationally branded property rather than a simulated one.
A comprehensive path through hospitality
Hilton College offers seven distinct hospitality degrees alongside a beverage management minor and a graduate certificate in Hospitality Decision Making and Analytics, spanning undergraduate, master's and doctoral study. Every undergraduate completes 1,000 hours of industry related experience, ensuring graduates arrive in the workplace already comfortable with real operations.
Studying at Hilton College brings together several distinct advantages:
- The only hospitality programme where students help operate a branded, full service hotel
- Seven hospitality degree pathways from undergraduate to doctoral level
- 1,000 required hours of hands on industry experience
- Home to the Hospitality Industry Hall of Honor and Hospitality Industry Archives
- Location in Houston, one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the United States
A launchpad into global hospitality leadership
Graduates move into hotel, restaurant, event and hospitality technology roles worldwide, carrying with them genuine operational experience earned inside a working international hotel. For candidates seeking a hospitality education grounded in real, daily hotel operations, Hilton College offers a genuinely distinctive path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is headhunting?
Headhunting is the direct, proactive approach of specific professionals for a specific role, rather than waiting for applications. It is common for senior, scarce or confidential positions. CourtesyMasters has practised headhunting and direct sourcing for hospitality since 1999, always discreetly and with respect for everyone involved.
What is a boutique executive search firm?
A boutique executive search firm is a small, specialised practice that takes on a limited number of assignments with senior attention, in contrast to large, volume-driven firms. CourtesyMasters has worked this way since 1999: a dedicated team, deep hospitality roots and personal involvement from first briefing to final placement. Read more about us.
What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?
Recruitment typically fills open vacancies through advertising and applications. Executive search works the other way around: a consultant proactively identifies and approaches accomplished professionals, including those not actively looking, and guides both sides through a confidential, structured process. CourtesyMasters combines both disciplines, always with a hospitality focus.
What is executive search?
Executive search is a specialised form of recruitment for senior and hard-to-fill positions. Instead of waiting for applications, a search partner proactively identifies, approaches and assesses proven professionals, often confidentially. CourtesyMasters has applied this craft exclusively to hospitality since 1999, through a structured six-step methodology. Discover more about executive search services.
How can I report recruitment fraud or impersonation involving CourtesyMasters?
If you receive a suspicious message or offer that claims to come from CourtesyMasters, please contact us directly before responding. We will confirm whether the communication is genuine and take action to protect you.
Where is CourtesyMasters headquartered?
CourtesyMasters is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, and works internationally from hubs in Madrid, Florence, Rome, London, Monaco and Cannes. See our locations for the full overview.
When was CourtesyMasters founded?
CourtesyMasters was founded in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 1999. From Rotterdam to the world: over more than twenty-five years we have grown into an international hospitality search partner built on trust and discretion, working today from our headquarters in The Hague. Read more in our story.