MONEY

Ocean County College offers tourism industry training

Michael L. Diamond
@mdiamondapp

In a bid to bolster the skills of employees in the Shore's tourism industry, Ocean County College will begin offering a new associate in science degree in hospitality, recreation and tourism management.

The program will teach students about industry trends, consumer behavior and the nuts and bolts of operating a tourism-based business, college officials said.

Melissa Konchalski, an associate at Carlo's Bakery on Broad Street in Red Bank, adds finishing touches to desserts.

"It’s been long overdue," said Rosann Bar, dean of business and social sciences for the Toms River-based college. "This is one of the leading areas for hospitality and tourism."

Tourism is a major economic engine, particularly in Ocean County. The industry last year generated $4.6 billion in sales and accounted for more than 26,000 jobs in the county, according to a report by Tourism Economics, a research firm.

READ MORE: Jersey Shore employers look abroad for workers

The industry is not without peril. It has been hit hard in recent years by casino competition in neighboring states and superstorm Sandy. As a result, New Jersey is one of just nine states nationwide that have yet to recover all of the jobs they lost during the Great Recession, according to a report by New Jersey Policy Perspective, a research group.

Students wait in line outside the Ocean County College bookstore in this 2010 file photo.

But hospitality and tourism businesses teach skills that can come in handy in plenty of careers from airlines to theme parks, particularly for students who enjoy being around people and want variety and excitement in their daily work, college officials said.

Once they graduate from Ocean County College with an associate degree, they can begin working, or they can transfer to a four-year school for a bachelor's degree in hospitality, recreation and tourism management, college officials said.

READ MORE: Frozen road work kills NJ job growth.

For more information, contact Jennifer Evans, program chair, at 732-255-0400, ext. 2821, or jevans@ocean.edu.

Meantime: New Jersey's job market sputtered in July. The state lost 4,700 jobs, and its unemployment rate rose to 5.2 percent from 5.1 percent, going the opposite direction from the rest of the nation. Still, "Help Wanted" signs aren't hard to find.

Who is hiring at the Shore?

1. Logical Solution Services, Lakehurst

Job opening: Inside sales person for logistics company that transports equipment worldwide.

Pay scale: About $15 an hour, health insurance and vacation days.

Skills for the job: Experience with customer service. Following up with customers to keep them abreast of market changes in rates.

Other qualities you look for in a candidate: Reliability. Outgoing personality. Be a team player. Fit in with the other employees.

For more information: Go to https://www.solutionservices.us/

Interior of Carlo's Bakery on Broad Street in Red Bank.

2. Carlo’s Bakery, Red Bank

Job opening: Sales associate

Pay scale: Minimum wage to start.

Skills for the job: Be courteous, friendly and efficient to ensure a positive customer service experience.

Other qualities you look for in a candidate: High energy. Engaging personality. Work well in a busy environment. Professional demeanor. Work on your feet for extended periods of time. Flexible hours.

For more information: Go to www.carlosbakery.com

3. Bonfiglio & Asterita, Red Bank

Job opening: Paralegal with residential real estate experience

Pay scale: Commensurate with experience — expected to increase as office expands. Participation in the firm’s retirement plan, bonus structure.

Skills needed for the job: Assisting with residential real estate matters — attorney review, inspection issues, read interpret and work through title reports, review closing disclosures, preparation of deeds and related title transfer documents. Excellent computer and communication skills are a must, and the employee must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Other qualities you look for in a candidate: Personality is important — able to handle heavy client interaction and communicate efficiently and professionally with mortgage lenders, title companies, real estate agents and attorneys.

Where to find more information: Go to www.BonfiglioAsteritaLaw.Com

Michael L. Diamond: 732-643-4038; mdiamond@gannettnj.com