It’s harder to get into a hospitality program than it is to get into Harvard — why grads are flocking to the hotel trade

The hospitality industry has become increasingly competitive, with some programs receiving more applications than Ivy League schools. Hilton's Launch program, for example, received 5,000 applications for just 20 spots, making its acceptance rate a mere 0.4%. This is higher than Harvard's acceptance rate for the class of 2029, which was 4.18%.

The program, designed to foster future leaders, offers participants a combination of corporate experience and a chance to learn outside the United States. The two-year program begins with a 10-month stint at Hilton headquarters, followed by rotations in various hotel operations worldwide. Key to the program's appeal is the promise of a full-time job upon completion.

Hilton's Chief Human Resources Officer, Laura Fuentes, attributes the intense competition to the rise of AI, which not only increases the number of applicants but also makes it harder for candidates to stand out. She advises young job seekers to only apply to positions they truly want, as the program will be looking for genuine interest.