Undergraduate Work Requirement

In addition to academic coursework, SHA undergraduate students complete two 300-hour non-credit work experiences (HF140 and HF240) and one international experience (HF440). These requirements are designed to provide students with practical experience, offering firsthand exposure to the hospitality industry both in the United States and worldwide. The work experiences can be full-time or part-time internships or jobs. See below for what counts as an international experience.

If you are an incoming SHA student, you are required to meet with Career Services to discuss the two 300-hour non-credit work experience requirements (HF140 and HF240) and one international experience (HF 440).  You can make an appointment on Handshake or email Maureen Ricciuti at mricciut@bu.edu.

Examples of Approved Work Experiences:

• Summer Front Desk Agent at a Resort/Hotel
• Event Coordinator Intern with a Private Club
• F&B Intern/Server/Host at a Restaurant
• Summer Analyst with a Real Estate Development Firm
• Marketing/Social Media Internship for a Hospitality Group

Students must receive approval of their work experience PRIOR to beginning each experience. Please download and complete the form below.

HF140 & HF240 Pre-Approval Form

Once complete, please upload the form here.

Work Experience I (SHA HF140)

The first work experience is designed to give students a better insight into the field of hospitality. A minimum of 300 hours in an internship or job within the industry is required. This position is intended to be an exploratory experience, helping students understand various roles and career paths in hospitality. The job or internship must be hospitality related and is a great opportunity for students to learn about various career paths in hospitality

Requirements:

• Complete at least 300 continuous hours working in the same position for the same hospitality employer.
• Obtain a letter from your employer verifying that you worked 300 hours (click here for a sample of what the letter should look like)
• Domestic students: Register for SHA HF 140 after completing your first 300-hour work requirement.
• International Students: Register for SHA HF140 while completing your first 300-hour work requirement.
• Other assignments will be given when enrolled in SHA HF 140 to reinforce learning objectives (see syllabus sample below for reference)

View the Syllabus for SHA HF 140

Work Experience II (SHA HF240)

The second work requirement will provide students an opportunity to work in a position that involves more responsibility than their first experience. A minimum of 300 hours in a leadership or supervisory position will give students the background necessary to become a strong candidate for a career position upon graduation.

Requirements:

• Complete at least 300 continuous hours working in the same position for the same hospitality employer.
• Obtain a letter from your employer verifying that you worked 300 hours (click here for a sample of what the letter should look like).
• Domestic students: Register for SHA HF 240 after completing your second 300-hour work requirement.
• International Students: Register for SHA HF240 while completing your 300-hour work requirement.
• Other assignments will be given when enrolled in SHA HF 240 to reinforce learning objectives (see syllabus sample below for reference.

View the Syllabus for SHA HF 240