The typical work environment can range from the kitchen of a restaurant to a ticket office, hotel reception or an airport. The career paths related to bars and restaurants may be of interest to people who love food and don’t mind working long hours standing. Career paths related to tourist attractions may appeal to people who have a passion for culture, arts, and traveling.
7 Reasons Why You Should Explore A Career In Hospitality And Tourism
Many of us list “eating out at restaurants” as a favourite pastime and spend hours planning our next dream vacation, yet we often overlook these industries during our hunt for a job after graduation.
Perhaps you’ve worked in these industries before – it’s increasingly common for students to work while they complete their studies, and hospitality and tourism are often your best bet to get hired. But did you realize there’s a world of opportunity beyond that entry level position?
Here are a few more reasons why you should consider sticking with that part-time tour guide or bartending gig:
Work with awesome people
This is a no-brainer. Both the hospitality and tourism industries are people-driven. Therefore, they hire people with excellent interpersonal skills – people who are easy to talk to, outgoing and good-natured – and then you have the good fortune to be able to work with these awesome people. It’s not uncommon to become friends with your coworkers outside of work, and that makes coming into work each and every day a lot more fun.
Acquire a global skill-set
What you learn in a restaurant in Ontario is going to cover the same basic principles you’d learn at a restaurant in Paris (…did I just admit that out loud? Sacré bleu!) If the mood strikes you, you could easily pick up and move clear across the globe – and you’d find the experience of applying for work permits, internships and jobs easier in these industries than in many others. But more than that… the skills you’ll pick up working in hospitality and tourism are transferable to many other industries as well. If you’re not sure what to do or where to do it, this is often the perfect place to get your feet wet.
Experience variety in your day
Being in the business of “making people’s day” often has the effect of making (and re-making) your own. You might find that you have a plan for how your day will unfold, but a call from a regular hotel guest or sudden change in business volume sends you off in a different direction – this is great news! You will never be bored. Those who succeed in this industry revel in change and contingency planning – if you want to think on your feet and turn on a dime, a career in hospitality and tourism is for you.
Get creative
Successful restaurants, hotels and travel companies are constantly offering new products, packages and experiences. It takes a lot of hard work to get those initiatives off the ground – and, a lot of creativity. Your latest adventure overseas or that foodie blog you started? These types of experience make you ideally suited (in my opinion) to provide quality input into your new company’s direction. In the world of hospitality and tourism, we rely on you to bring us your great ideas. You can help us craft our unique proposition to customers, and bring the best options to market.
Accelerate your career
Yes, employee turnover can be higher in hospitality and tourism than you might see in other industries. Is it a challenge at times? Sure. Could you use it to your benefit? Absolutely! Certain hotels and resorts will hire seasonal staff, with the expectation that a large number will leave when the season ends. Be one of the few that stay, and your promotion is not long to follow.
Enjoy flexible scheduling
Did you schedule all your classes in the evening, Mr. Night Owl? Most restaurants and bars seek out staff who are interested in starting their “day” in the evening. Or perhaps you were Ms. Early Bird? Thanks to shift work, some positions within a restaurant or hotel are finished their work day as early as 2pm! Did you stack your classes in as few days as possible to enjoy a long weekend every weekend? It’s entirely possible to enjoy the benefits of full-time work in a shortened work week too.
The perks!
Let’s get real… the pay? It’s competitive. It’s common for managers in hospitality and tourism to receive compensation packages that include bonuses tied to financial results, employer RRSP-matching programs, flexible health and dental coverage, long-term disability and life insurance, and more. But come on! The real perks are all thanks to your friends in “The Industry” – insider access to international hotspots, hard-to-get restaurant reservations made easy, discounted (or free!) flights, discounted (or free!) food and drinks, complimentary show or game tickets… and the list goes on!
There is nothing we can’t or won’t do for a friend. Behind every great “Instagram-able” meal, there’s a crew of people working – the culinary team, service staff, floor managers, accountants and human resource professionals, and career opportunities. The next time you search “cheap vacation” on the internet, know that there are destination marketers, web designers, and hoteliers competing to capture your attention.
The world of hospitality and tourism – and yes, it is literally a world – extends far beyond what the everyday consumer sees, and the opportunities for your career development are practically unlimited.
THE GROWING JOB PROSPECTS OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT WORLDWIDE
In an era marked by globalization and expanding horizons, Hospitality and Tourism Management has emerged as an exciting and dynamic career choice for students worldwide. The multifaceted advantages of pursuing Hospitality and Tourism Management, showcase the diverse spectrum of career prospects it offers. This section explores the increasing opportunities students should consider in this innovative field for a future brimming with possibilities.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Hospitality and Tourism Management programs are precisely designed to equip students with a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base tailored to excel in the industry. These programs offer a blend of classroom education and hands-on experiences, covering a wide range of modules. Here's a sneak peek into what students can anticipate learning:
1. Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
2. Managing Front Office Operations
3. Managing Housekeeping Operations
4. Property Management Systems (e.g., OPERA)
5. Service Management in Food and Beverage Operations
6. Food and Beverage Operations Management
7. Point of Sale Systems (Food & Beverage)
8. Supervision in the Hospitality Industry
9. Hotel and Restaurant Accounting
10. Hospitality Sales and Marketing
11. Security and Loss Prevention Management
12. Managing Hospitality Human Resources
13. Leadership and Management in the Hospitality Industries
14. Hospitality Facilities Management and Design
15. Internship Experience
These modules are carefully designed to give students a complete education that includes both the basic knowledge and practical skills needed in the exciting world of hospitality and tourism.
JOB PROSPECTS
The career prospects for graduates of Hospitality and Tourism Management programs are not only abundant but also exceptionally promising. Armed with a bachelor's degree in this field, students can embark on thrilling careers across various domains. Some of the directly related job roles include:
1. Accommodation Manager
2. Catering Manager
3. Chef
4. Conference Center Manager
5. Event Manager
6. Fast Food Restaurant Manager
7. Holiday Representative
8. Hotel Manager
9. Public House Manager
10. Restaurant Manager
Moreover, this versatile degree opens doors to a wide range of roles where graduates can use their expertise, including:
1. Air Cabin Crew
2. Business Development Manager
3. Customer Service Manager
4. Fire Risk Assessor
5. Health Service Manager
6. Human Resources Officer
7. Marketing Executive
8. Retail Manager
9. Tour Manager
10. Tourism Officer
These diverse career options underscore the flexibility and adaptability of this degree, making it an ideal choice for those keen on exploring various facets of the service industry.
CONCLUSION
The time has come for students to reconsider their career trajectories and embrace the evolving panorama of opportunities. Hospitality and Tourism Management chart a course towards a gratifying and prosperous career that resonates with global dynamics. By breaking free from the confines of conventional career paths, students can not only stay abreast of a changing world but also embark on an exhilarating journey toward personal and professional enrichment. It is time to expand our horizons and explore the diverse and promising realm of Hospitality and Tourism Management.