HRM Students Gain Industry Insight Through Dallas Corporate Field Trip
Students and faculty from the Texas Tech University Hospitality & Retail Management (HRM) program recently traveled to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for an immersive corporate field trip designed to connect classroom learning with real-world industry experience. Over the course of three days, students visited leading companies in hospitality, retail, and customer service operations, gaining firsthand exposure to career opportunities and corporate culture.
The trip included visits to Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, H-E-B Plano, 7-Eleven's corporate office, Hilton Reservation & Customer Care (RMCC), and Neiman Marcus's corporate office.
Throughout each visit, students engaged with professionals across multiple sectors and learned about operations management, marketing strategies, customer experience, revenue management, and leadership within globally recognized brands.
Students were especially impressed by the hands-on, interactive experiences provided by each company. At 7-Eleven’s corporate office, students explored a mock store designed to test marketing concepts and consumer shopping preferences. At Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, students learned more about luxury hospitality operations and guest experience management.
“This experience truly brought learning to life,” said HRM faculty member Leslie Cuevas. “From exploring company culture to gaining insight into both the hospitality and retail industries, this trip gave students an inside look at what it takes to succeed across dynamic, customer-focused fields.”
While students were excited for the experience, some admitted they initially felt nervous about entering professional corporate environments and interacting with industry leaders.
“Before the trip, I was a little nervous about meeting professionals and making a good impression, but once we arrived, everyone was incredibly welcoming and willing to answer questions. It quickly became an exciting and comfortable learning experience,” Lauren Hosni, a participating student, said. “I would absolutely encourage students to go on this trip, even if they feel unsure.”
The experience also helped students clarify their own career goals and interests.
“I learned so much about these businesses and what I want my future to look like,” student Katie Glover shared. “I was able to connect with professionals who shared advice about internships, career growth, and what employers are looking for in students entering the industry. Those conversations made the experience feel very personal and motivating.”
As the annual Dallas Corporate Field Trip continues to grow, Texas Tech’s Hospitality
& Retail Management program remains committed to creating meaningful industry connections
and providing students with experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through
opportunities like these, students are able to better understand the evolving landscape
of hospitality and retail while building confidence for their future careers.
“A huge thank you to Omni PGA, H-E-B, 7-Eleven, Hilton RMCC, and Neiman Marcus for opening your doors and investing your time in our students,” Cuevas shared. “Your hospitality made this experience unforgettable.”