What course to follow?

The expert panel
Our expert panel comprises representatives from the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC), Accor Hotels UK & Ireland, Greene King Pub Company, MaydayExec, Bartlett Mitchell, Learnpurple, Conran, and Portfolio International.

The question I'm just about to start my final year at college, studying BTEC national diploma in hospitality supervision. I'm interested in going into events but am unsure of the best way to do so. I can't decide between four years of university and a degree, or staying in college to get an HND in hospitality management and then going on to a training programme.

In deciding how to further your education and gain more qualifications you need to think about your learning style.

Some people enjoy the more academic approach of university, while others do better through more practical training programmes with an employer. If you have a clear idea of the kind of business you'd like to work in, it may well be worthwhile for you to get in touch with some key employers and find out what they offer in terms of training. They will also be able give you an idea of the level of education they prefer for entrants to management training schemes.

If you're unsure about committing to a lengthy university programme at this stage, it's worth remembering that many employers will support you in getting a degree as part of their training programme.
Johnny Johnson, communications director, HCTC
- If you'd like to submit a question, send it to chris.druce@rbi.co.uk.