How to start a career in hospitality

The hospitality industry is diverse and offers opportunities for a rewarding career. As the hospitality industry covers a range of areas from hotels, restaurants, events, cruise ships, and theme parks to holidays, it provides a wide berth for an exciting career. What kind of qualifications would you need to get started in the hospitality industry? What traits will help you get ahead? Let’s discuss.

hospitality managment | img by Glion Institute of Higher Education via flickr

How to earn qualifications in the hospitality trade?

A lot of people vie to get into the hospitality industry. Hence, you will need to gain a competitive edge to differentiate yourself. You can do so by earning a hospitality management degree. Once you follow a valid degree programme you will not only gain the right skills but also let potential employers know that you are eager and hardworking. A number of institutes such as the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management offer hospitality degrees. Gaining qualifications and knowledge is the first step towards kick-starting your career in the hospitality industry.

Why do you need to start at the entry-level?

Even though you would have your degree in hand, it is always a good idea to start at the entry-level. This is how you learn all the tricks of the trade. As you gain valuable experience and insight into the trade, you can work your way up the proverbial ladder. It is possible to skip the entry-level job and start on a middle rung but understanding the complete picture will help you stay steady and go far.

What are the roles and duties of a hospitality job?

In general, a hospitality professional would have to oversee the day-to-day operations of customer care. If you were to work in a hotel, you would take on responsibilities like checking guests in, managing complaints and requests, making travel reservations, and managing staff. You might have to look into bookkeeping and accounts and inspect core areas like kitchens, service stations etc.  You would need a thorough understanding of industry standards and regulations.

How to use networking to get ahead in the hospitality industry?

In the interconnected world we live in, networking is half the battle in getting ahead in any career. Even though hospitality employers post jobs on search platforms, they often recruit people through personal referrals. This is why it is important to make friends in the industry and make your unique mark. You can start by getting to know the people that you work with and using your unique personality and authenticity to impress. Moreover, there are forums and boards that cater to professionals in the industry. You can reach out to members and even obtain membership. Use social media platforms to engage with industry peers.

What are the skills you need to become a professional in the hospitality industry?

Communication skills count the most in this interactive, customer-oriented industry. You would also need to have a cool head on your shoulders and work well under pressure. Work on your interpersonal skills and fine-tune your ability to work with different personalities. Be prepared to work variable hours when you get into the industry.  As the hospitality industry continues to change in tandem with technology, teach yourself these new skills. Work on understanding how social media works in the industry and learn about the role of mobile technology. A large number of hospitality players use social media platforms to engage customers. Your own social media presence will be an added bonus in making yourself a sought-after candidate in the industry. The hospitality trade keeps on evolving, and professionals need to adapt to the changes and learn new skills. Train yourself to unlearn, learn and relearn.