Ashani Ranathunga ’26 is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Management degree to prepare her for leaderships roles within this dynamic industry. Discover how JWU Online’s dedicated student services and flexible online format have supported Ashani on her academic journey.
Enrolling at JWU Online
I chose Johnson & Wales because it is renowned in hospitality education and experiential learning methods.
Professional Goals
My professional goal is to build a career in Customer Success Management, starting with gaining hands-on operational experience and eventually moving into a leadership role where I can manage teams and improve customer experiences. To reach this goal, I need a strong foundation in both business strategy and real-world industry practices. JWU Online is helping me achieve this by offering career-focused courses that emphasize practical skills in Hospitality Management. The program’s connection to industry trends and its focus on experiential learning prepare me to apply what I learn directly in the workplace.
The online format allows me to balance my education with my current responsibilities and being a full-time parent, giving me the flexibility to gain experience while completing my degree. This is helping me move steadily toward my long-term goal of becoming a leader in my field.
Standout Experience
My academic advisor, Debra, has always been on top of enrolling me in the courses, and my financial advisor, Marybeth, has helped me understand college expenses. My career advisor, Sonia, has been very influential in reaching my career goals and made me aware that navigating today’s competitive job market is not hard with the right help and right mindset.
Work/Life Balance
I balance school, work and personal responsibilities by staying organized and am very intentional with my time. I currently manage working full-time, raising two kids with my husband, documenting my cooking/baking journey on Instagram and devoting my time to volunteering. I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and break larger assignments into smaller, manageable steps so I can stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. I heavily rely on ulearn and my personal calendar reminders to stay on track. I always try to keep Sunday for family.
The flexibility of JWU Online allows me to complete my coursework at times that fit my schedule, which makes it possible to stay committed to both my education and my responsibilities. By staying disciplined and planning, I’ve been able to maintain a healthy balance and continue progressing toward my goals.
Advice For Future Students
My advice to someone considering JWU Online would be to make sure they are ready to stay organized and manage their time effectively, since online learning requires a lot of self-discipline. It’s important to take advantage of the support systems available, such as academic advisors and faculty, and not be afraid to ask questions.
Journey To Today
My career journey was never a steady one. I said bye to what I achieved in Sri Lanka before I immigrated to the US. I started from scratch and transferred from Community College of Allegheny County. I always wanted to be a student at JWU. Educating myself at JWU has given me strength and hopes of reaching my full potential!
JWU Online Is Right For You
Get the support you deserve at JWU Online. From our wide range of program offerings, dedicated support services and flexible, online format, you can achieve your educational and career goals. To get started, complete our brief Request Info form, submit a free application or contact the admissions team at [email protected].