For many young professionals, the idea of working in the hotel industry after a business school education is often associated with stress and tough working hours. However the hospitality sector may also be one of the most rewarding and promising. Why?
According to the latest research, being happy at work requires a job that is collaborative, that benefits others, that is rewarding and flexible. The hospitality business has serious assets in this area:
Hospitality management is social, friendly and culturally enriching
The hospitality industry is all about people. It's an incredibly vibrant, friendly and dynamic industry that aims to generate happiness - because happy employees make happy customers - and a happy company.
It is also a melting pot of diverse cultures, which means you will meet many different people from all walks of life.
Anyone working in the hotel industry also knows that they are very well connected. You'll run into friends and colleagues wherever you go. This is very reassuring if you plan to embark on a new adventure on the other side of the planet.
The hospitality industry is fast and dynamic
Hoteliers never get bored. Management in the hotel and hospitality industry is incredibly diverse and exciting, with opportunities to suit every passion. Whether you want to be the general manager of a boutique hotel or a luxury wedding planner, the possibilities are truly endless!
But if you're looking for a predictable 9 to 5 career, hospitality may not be for you. Jobs in the hospitality industry often call for a great deal of flexibility and may sometimes require you to start at 5 a.m. or work on your favorite holidays. But that's precisely what makes them so charming: every day is unique.
The hospitality industry offers you many perks
VIP benefits
Working in the hospitality industry often comes with exclusive access to benefits, such as exquisite meals, VIP tickets to sold-out concerts or a suite at one of the latest luxury hotels.
You will see the world
With a training in hospitality management you will be able to see the world. A boutique hotel in a big city? A restaurant on an exotic beach? A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Hospitality Management can take you there. And the journey often begins while you are a student: the internships included in Hospitality Business School-type training can take you to work all over the world, from Montreal to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Education and jobs in hospitality management cultivate your interpersonal skills
Working in the hospitality industry requires a unique set of skills - such as teamwork, language skills, flexibility, communication, organization, versatility and cultural sensitivity. These skills (called "soft skills") are not only transferable to virtually any managerial function, but are also highly sought after by employers.
So, if you start a management career in the hospitality industry and later discover that you want to do something different, having these personal skills means that you will have no problem getting a job in another sector.
The growth of the hotel industry makes it a safe bet for a long-term career
The hospitality industry is gigantic: 1 in 10 jobs in the world is in this sector! Moreover, its growth (3.9% in 2018) is higher than that of the world economy. The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts that by 2029, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP is expected to increase by 3.6%, representing more than 420 million jobs. It's an ocean of opportunities for a young graduate from a prestigious hospitality management program.
How to start a career in hospitality management?
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right school for you:
- Find a school that combines theory and practice.
- Look for a well-structured internship program.
- Choose a school that is in close contact with prestigious industry players.
- Look for a multicultural university environment.
