Looking for advice on hostel management

My name is Alyssa and I am hoping to manage and own my own hostel. I've had the best time of my life staying in hostels and I'm in love with travel and the travel industry. Right now I am attending Hospitality Management classes in college. Lately I've been wondering if I'm going about my dream the right way. In school I'm learning about things that are indeed important to management of tourism-based operations, but the focus is on hotels and restaurants. I've learned valuable things, but I feel like it's all common sense, and sometimes the information doesn't transfer to the unique operations of a hostel. Wouldn't I learn more from actually doing work for stay programs at various hostels? I've thought that a degree title would look good when applying to manage a hostel, but the more classes I take the more I feel like a long list of real world experience would benefit me more.

I have a year and a half of school left, and until July on my lease. I've had plans to transfer schools at the end of my lease, but I'd also love to and would be prepared to start working at hostels.

So, what do you guys think? Is a Hospitality Management degree actually beneficial in this field?
Hostel managers, how did you gain your title?

I'd love to hear any feedback! Thanks for reading. :love: