Career Development

From Volunteer to Visionary

Launch Your RHTM Career

Your journey toward a fulfilling career in retail, hospitality, or tourism starts the moment you step on campus. In the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM), your career development is central to our mission.

This commitment means you get exclusive access to specialized internships, networking events with global brands, and one-on-one career coaching. We are dedicated to helping you build on your coursework to become a leader in these dynamic, fast-paced industries.

Your Degree in Action: Alumni Success

A degree in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee is a passport to a diverse world of opportunity. Our alumni are ready to lead, innovate, and shape the future of these exciting industries. They are proof that with the right foundation, your passion can become your profession.

Here is just a sample of the paths our RHTM alumni have taken:

Taylor Kyte (HTM, 2013)

Senior Event Manager, Charlotte Regional Visitor Center | Charlotte, NC

“I focused on Event Planning during my time in RHTM & that’s exactly what I do every day! Logistics & organization are the key points of my job and in my major I learned by doing internships, independent studies, & group projects!”

Katherine Pearson (HTM, 2018)

Director of In-Room Dining, Mandarin Oriental | New York, NY

“Earning a degree in Hospitality gave me valuable insights into the industry and helped me rapidly grow over a short period of time. Some highlights from my time in RHTM were meeting others who were passionate about the same things I am and sharing ideas with each other. In one class we were able to create and run our own event which was an incredible experience and directly helped prepare me for my career.”

Lexane Adrion (RMM, 2019)

Merchandise and Business Planner, Gucci | New York, NY

“Choosing RHTM was hands down the best decision I made for my career. RHTM’s greatest assets are their strong alumni network and professors. Vols love to help Vols and my first job out of college in the buying offices at Neiman Marcus was from an alumnus of the RHTM program. “

Amaya Linsey (RMM, 2018)

Senior Analyst, Visual Merchandising, Home Depot | Atlanta, GA

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the RMM Program and the support I received from the faculty who broadened my perspective on potential career paths in the retail industry. I’ve held roles in retail buying, online merchandising, product development, and visual merchandising since graduating from this program.”

RHTM Internships: Your Career Starts Here

Internships offer valuable learning experiences and serve as a vital stepping stone for launching your career in the fast-paced industries of retail, hospitality, and tourism. They provide hands-on opportunities to develop new skills, expand your professional network, and gain clarity on the career path that excites you most.

Volunteers in the Field: Recent Student Internships

Every semester, our students take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to hands-on roles at some of the most respected companies in the industry. These experiences build powerful resumes, create professional networks, and often lead to full-time job offers before graduation.

The Internship Program: How to Get Started

Ready to find your own amazing internship? Here’s what you need to know about getting academic credit for your experience.

How do I find an internship?

While completing the prerequisite courses, students are encouraged to begin searching for internships on their own using resources like Handshake, the university’s official job and internship board, as well as LinkedIn. Students also receive personalized guidance from RHTM’s academic advisors and the university’s Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration.

Can I get credit for my internship?

With prior approval from RHTM academic advisors, students may register for the appropriate internship course: HTM 492 or 495, or RMM 422 or 423. HTM students can earn two credits for HTM 492 or three credits for HTM 495, while RMM students earn three credits for either RMM 422 or 423. Your academic advisor will explain specific rules and requirements and will also help coordinate your internship and the associated coursework.

Who is eligible for the internship program?

To receive academic credit, a student must be a junior or a senior and must have completed any prerequisite coursework.

What is required for the internship course (HTM 492/495 or RMM 422/423)?

Beyond working at your internship site, students registered for HTM 492/495 or RMM 422/423 are required to complete accompanying academic coursework. This typically includes assignments such as regular reflection papers on your internship experience, a self-evaluation, and an evaluation from your internship supervisor. All assignments will be managed through the course’s Canvas site.Your academic advisor will oversee the internship process.