Careers in hospitality

Overview of Careers in Hospitality

• The hospitality industry is vast and varied, encompassing roles from entry-level positions to upper management.
• Entry-level roles in hospitality may include roles such as wait staff, bar staff, receptionists or housekeepers.
• With experience and training, individuals can progress to supervisory or managerial positions such as restaurant manager, hotel manager or events coordinator.
• There are also opportunities for specialisation, such as sommelier (wine expert), chef, or wedding planner.
• Careers in hospitality can be found in a variety of settings, from small independent businesses to multinational hotel and restaurant chains, as well as event planning companies, cruise ships, and resorts.

Skills & Traits Needed in Hospitality Careers

• People Skills: Hospitality is a people-oriented industry, so it’s crucial to enjoy interacting with people. Staff should be friendly, patient, and approachable.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is key when dealing with customers, as well as between team members.
• Problem-Solving: Things can often go wrong in customer service situations. The ability to think quickly and find solutions to problems is essential.
• Flexibility: The hospitality industry can require work during evenings, weekends, and holidays. It also often involves dealing with unexpected situations, so flexibility is a key trait.
• Attention to Detail: Whether it’s getting an order exactly right or making sure rooms are perfectly clean, attention to detail ensures customers have the best possible experience.

Potential Career Progression in Hospitality

• It’s possible to start with an entry-level role and work up to management in hospitality, often with on the job training.
• Some choose to gain formal qualifications such as a degree in hospitality management to fast track their progress to higher-level roles.
• Hospitality staff may also move between different types of businesses within the industry, broadening their skillset and experience.
• International hotel and restaurant chains can offer the opportunity to work and gain experience globally.
• Those with entrepreneurial ambitions may even progress to owning their own hospitality business.

Rewards & Challenges of a Career in Hospitality

• One of the most rewarding aspects of hospitality is the ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
• It’s a people-oriented industry, providing many opportunities for social interaction and meeting new people.
• Careers in hospitality can be challenging due to demanding customers, long and unsociable hours, and the need to remain calm under pressure.
• However, the industry also offers variety, as no two days are the same, and plenty of opportunity for career progression.