19-year-old BGSU student credits unique resort and attraction management program with early career success

With the flexibility of the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program, Ethan Kirk was able to earn his bachelor's degree and work in hospitality simultaneously

By Branden Ferguson

At 19, Ethan Kirk will graduate from Bowling Green State University with hands-on experience, a solid business and resort and attraction operations foundation and will be on the pathway to becoming an assistant general manager at Drury Hotels.

Kirk took college classes as a high school student through College Credit Plus, which allowed him to enroll as a junior in the innovative BGSU Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program in Sandusky. Kirk spent the next two years completing two co-ops at Cedar Point and working full-time for North Coast Inns, also in Sandusky.

"The RAAM program allowed me to learn outside the classroom and complete co-ops with Cedar Point in resorts, guest services and workforce management," Kirk said. "Thanks to the program's flexibility, I also worked in the industry while earning my degree, gaining valuable experience working 40 hours a week as a shift manager."

Through a partnership with Six Flags, the RAAM program offers students like Kirk experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for resort and attraction management leadership roles. 

"Our students are incredibly goal-oriented and genuinely passionate about the resort and attraction industry," said Dr. Swathi Ravichandran, founding director of the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program. "When you combine their passion with the University's one-of-a-kind partnership with Six Flags, our students are set up for successful careers."

BGSU is the only university in the country to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in resort and attraction management, drawing significant interest from students nationwide

The RAAM program underscores the University’s commitment to bolstering student success through robust regional and global partnerships with industry leaders in growing sectors.  

Often referred to by his peers as "one of the hardest working people in the program," Kirk admitted that he knew working and going to school full-time was not normal, but said it was the best decision for his future.

"I have always been a hard worker, striving to give 110%," Kirk said. "I never realized that I was juggling so much, as I just saw it as the best way to ensure career success and grow to be the best person."

Kirk's drive, passion and strong resume were unique to Crystal Pierce, a senior recruiter for Drury Hotels.

"Ethan stood out for a few key reasons," Pierce said. "His practical and real-world experience was evident, particularly his ability to adapt quickly to new challenges. Ethan's degree from BGSU, combined with his hands-on experience, gave him a solid foundation in management and hotel and resort operations."

Kirk will begin a three-month manager-in-training program in late May. As part of the program, he will learn line-level positions to ensure he understands the roles of front-line team members. Following the first seven weeks, he will transition into learning the responsibilities of leadership roles. Upon completing the program, Kirk will be assigned as an assistant general manager at a Drury Hotel.

"It's rewarding to see how Ethan's experience at BGSU helped shape him into the strong candidate he is today," said Pierce. "His drive, combined with Drury's commitment to team members growth, makes for a great partnership. I'm excited to see where his career goes with us."