In this first week, you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, just as Santiago did in "The Alchemist." You'll meet your mentor, a seasoned hospitality expert who will guide you throughout the program with other classmates and project participants. Together, you'll delve into the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that explores your passions, skills, societal needs, and potential rewards. You'll take the Ikigai Test with your mentor's guidance to gain deeper insights into your own path. Simultaneously, you'll begin your Personal SWOT Analysis, identifying your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, a foundation that you'll continue building upon throughout the 8 weeks. As you start this journey, you'll meet your fellow students, forming a collaborative team that will work together and connect regularly with your mentor and each other.

With your mentor's guidance, you'll dive into the foundational aspects of hotel and hospitality management and start your Business SWOT Analysis. You'll explore various types of hotels, their history, and their current state in the industry. You'll delve into research, statistics, and data analysis, and understand the intricacies of owning, investing in, and franchising hotels. Additionally, you'll explore the world of hotel management, organizational development, and the guest path. The mentors will simplify the intimidating and deceivingly complex jargon used in the corporate boardroom and humanize it in a way that you'll be comfortable walking with kings and never losing the common touch. This week sets the stage for your comprehensive understanding of the hospitality business and builds confidence that nothing is impossible, just follow the signs and keep building knowledge and support system of positive people around you.

In Week 3, you'll turn your attention to the market and location aspects of the industry. You'll examine supply and demand fundamentals, competitive sets, and brand or franchise considerations. Strategic planning, identifying your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and understanding loyalty and brand value will be key topics. This week equips you with the knowledge to navigate and strategically position a hotel in the market.

Safety, security, and risk management take center stage in Week 4. You'll delve into sustainability, energy management, and waste reduction strategies. Understanding the concept of "highest and best use" for hotel properties and conducting square footage analysis will be part of your toolkit. You'll also learn about inspections, preventative maintenance, health and food safety certifications, and emergency training—a holistic approach to managing the physical aspects of hospitality.

In this week, you'll explore the heart of hospitality—the people. You'll delve into property leadership, human resources basics, and management structures. Team building, community engagement, and providing a stellar guest experience will be at the forefront of your learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into services, amenities, and online review management, recognizing the pivotal role of people in the industry.

Week 6 is all about understanding the financial aspects of hospitality. You'll learn about budgeting, scheduling, cost controls, vendors and contracts, forecasting, and profit and loss statements (P&L). You'll become familiar with property management systems, reservations and booking systems, accounting, business intelligence, and reporting systems. This financial literacy training will prepare you to make informed decisions and set goals in the hospitality sector.

As you near the end of your 8-week journey, Week 7 is dedicated to reviewing and solidifying your knowledge. You'll complete your Personal SWOT analysis and the SWOT evaluation of a hotel property's People, Market, Building, and Financials. You'll also earn certifications in human resources, food and beverage safety, and financial analysis. This week is about reinforcing your understanding of the hospitality business.

In the final week, you'll come together with your mentor and fellow innovators to make a group presentation. Drawing on the collective knowledge and insights gained over the 8 weeks, you'll present the results and opinions of the SWOT analysis of a hotel's Market, Building, People, and Financials. This presentation is not just about showcasing knowledge; it's an opportunity to hone your communication and professionalism skills, essential for articulating ideas and gaining support in the business world. As you elevate your understanding and skills, you'll also connect with employer partners, continuing your journey toward income security, job security, and the confidence to excel in the hospitality industry. Your mentorship relationship and connection with Hi3 will serve as a lifelong support bridge, ensuring you have the guidance and encouragement you need to make a lasting impact on the world through hospitality.