16 Unit One Welcome to Hospitality
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Public Relations
Public relations involves providing information
about the industry to the general public. There are
two purposes for public relations. One is to inform
the public about the profession to attract new pro-
fessionals. Another is to build a positive image of
the profession and industry. For example, many
professional organizations develop environmental
guidelines for the business they serve. However,
they also release the guidelines to the general
public to emphasize the industry commitment to
responsible use of environmental resources.
Government Relations
Government relations involves informing local,
state, or national governments about the issues
that are important to the profession. Sometimes
a profession wants to make sure its point of view
is considered when public policy is made. Many
associations have offi ces that monitor legislation
affecting the industry. Associations also have staff
members who communicate with lawmakers
about issues affecting the industry and profession.
Value of Involvement
There are many advantages to being involved
in professional organizations. Many professional
organizations offer scholarships to students plan-
ning to enter the profession. Also, employers know
that job candidates involved in their professional
organizations are usually more up-to-date in their
knowledge. An employer might choose a person
who is active in a professional organization over a
person who is not.
Involvement in a professional organization
helps you stay informed and, therefore, do a better
job. Attending meetings and conventions can be fun
and keep you excited about your career. Many pro-
fessional organizations provide help to job seekers by
posting job openings in their messages to members.
Professional organizations also give you an
opportunity to develop your abilities and leader-
ship skills. There are many volunteer positions that
need to be fi lled in a professional organization.
The president and vice president lead the organi-
zation, which helps them develop their leadership
skills. The treasurer handles the fi nances of the
organization and gets experience in fi nances. The
program chair organizes and plans programs for
monthly meetings. Through planning such pro-
grams, the program chair gets to meet important
people in the fi eld.
Career and Technical Student
Organizations
Students can become involved with profes-
sional development through career and techni-
cal student organizations. A career and technical
student organization (CTSO) is an organization
for students with an interest in a career area, such
as hospitality or business. The purpose of a CTSO
is to give students the opportunity to develop
interpersonal, leadership, career, and technical
skills. Most CTSOs work closely with profession-
als in an industry and give students an oppor-
tunity to meet these professionals. Many CTSOs
provide scholarships. Some of these scholarships
are sponsored by major businesses in the industry.
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1-14
Networking can help professionals share
information and ideas.