Texas Tech University

Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management Alumnus Credits Hands-On Approach to Success in Hotel Industry

Abigail Morgan

April 6, 2020

Jamie Barr

The Department of Hospitality and Retail Management Provides Students With Real-World Industry Experiences

Jamie Barr graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional Management (RHIM) from Texas Tech University in 2013. Jamie is also a Certified Revenue Management Executive (HSMAI) and a Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (HSMAI). Currently, Jamie is employed as a Corporate Area Director of Revenue Strategy for Interstate Hotels and Resorts.

Jamie explains that his position works to help the on-property hotel teams develop the most effective pricing strategy through system manipulation, leveraging Online Travel Agent (OTA) relationships, and varying discounts.

Choosing a major was easy for Jamie, and the RHIM program at Texas Tech was the perfect fit.

“I have worked in restaurants ever since I was able to get a job,” Jamie said. “I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career that would challenge me mentally as well as physically, and I knew I wanted to be able to help other people figure out what was best for them. After meeting Dr. Charlie Adams (Associate Professor in the RHIM program) and hearing him speak about RHIM with so much passion and purpose it became really hard for me to not fall in love with this program.”

Jamie credits his professors' hands-on approach to learning as what has helped him the most in his career. In the hotel industry, no two days are ever alike as the industry as a whole is always evolving. Jamie says that Texas Tech helped prepare him for a career that was ever-changing.

“Every professor I had in school would say that this career field was going to be hard work, and I can tell you that they weren't lying,” Jamie said. “The training experience that I received from the Overton and Skyviews, as a requirement in my degree plan, is something that has helped prepare me for the duties of my current career. The experience of helping clean a room at the Overton in a time restrictive manor showed me how to work with a quick deadline as well as cover a lot of area.”

Jamie says that he is able to impact the lives of others daily through the work that he does in his career.

“Everything I touch on a daily basis is seen by thousands of individuals around the world,” Jamie said. “From organizing a business trip to planning a family weekend getaway, my work impacts everyone at one point or another in their life.”

When asked if he had any advice to offer current students and recent graduates Jamie said that they need to be prepared to put in the work to succeed.

“This industry is no cakewalk, but at the same time enjoy it,” Jamie said. “Don't put yourself in any geographical restriction right out of the gate. There are hotels and restaurants everywhere so go do, go see, and go explore! Who knows, you may end up somewhere 10 years from now that you never would have imagined.”

To learn more about the Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management program please visit: http://bit.ly/2VkOeEK