Graduate student awarded scholarships, leveraging hospitality management coursework in day-to-day career

With aspirations to become a manager in the hospitality sector, Intan Maharani was drawn to the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program.

Maharani has already leveraged the program’s material in her day-to-day career after just one year in the program. She’s also being recognized as a future leader in the hospitality industry having recently received two scholarships — one through Amazon, which was presented at the Business Travel News Awards Dinner at New York City this past December, and another through the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS), the school’s alumni society, which is comprised of hospitality industry professionals.

“One thing I love about the Penn State School of Hospitality Management is that it is opening the whole gate for me,” Maharani said. “Each professor leverages extensive industry experience and generously shares professional connections. These scholarships have not only helped me financially but also provided opportunities for me to network with experts in the hospitality industry.”

The Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program helps professionals gain in-demand skills and leadership experience that translate directly into upper-level management positions. The program is currently accepting applications for the fall 2025 semester.

“My primary goal is to return to the hospitality sector in a managerial capacity,” Maharani said. “I have a bachelor’s degree in tourism, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic limited my opportunities in this field. Through this program, I am refreshing my foundational knowledge while acquiring specialized skills to prepare me for leadership roles.”

Graduate students in the program delve into profit maximization, data analytics, leadership and future industry trends. They also take web-based, MBA-designed courses from the Penn State Smeal College of Business and learn tactics that can be directly applied to improve their day-to-day work. 

Maharani, who once found finance and revenue management intimidating, said the program helped her gain a better grasp on these subjects and introduced them in a way that felt accessible and exciting. 

“I am currently enrolled in Hospitality Profit Optimization, a course I have looked forward to since the beginning of my studies,” Maharani said. “Despite just a few weeks of classes, I have already gained insights that will be invaluable for my future career. These lessons blend seamlessly with my professional development and boost my newfound confidence in quantitative analysis.”

The graduate-degree program supports professionals through a hybrid learning approach. Students enjoy the benefits of flexible, online learning for traditional courses while building face-to-face relationships with professors, peers and professionals during regular immersive executive-in-residence experiences.

Maharani said the online components of the program have provided her with the flexibility to commit to an internship as well as other career opportunities and this experience has been both manageable and rewarding.

“I highly recommend the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management to anyone considering a master’s program that effectively combines in-depth exploration of hospitality management with elements of an MBA,” Maharani said. “The program’s prestigious standing, extensive networking opportunities and practical course design provide an exceptional platform for professional growth. This program is not just an academic endeavor but a comprehensive experience that promotes personal and professional development.”

To learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program, register to attend an informational webinar from 10-11 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask Penn State staff and faculty questions about the program. 

About Penn State School of Hospitality Management

Established in 1937, the Penn State School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation’s earliest and most respected schools of hospitality management. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused on engaged scholarship and features partnerships with Penn State Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services and top global hospitality brands. It is also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society.

Originally published February 2025