Is hospitality a good career?

For many people, no matter their age, hospitality can offer an amazingly rewarding and varied career. And whether you are already in the industry looking to take a step up or just getting started on your career path, hospitality can open up a new world of possibilities, but what are some of the drawbacks and is hospitality for everyone?

Firstly, what are the benefits of working in hospitality?

Fast Paced and Exciting

Working in the hospitality industry is often fast-paced and exciting. There is always something happening, and no two days are alike. Whether it’s planning for a big event, welcoming new guests, or managing daily operations, there’s always something to keep you engaged. It’s the work environment that suits people who thrive on interaction, problem-solving, and multitasking.

A People-Centred Industry

At its heart, the hospitality sector is a people-centric industry. It’s all about providing high-quality experiences and services to customers. For those who enjoy working with people, solving problems, and delivering excellent service, a career in the hospitality industry could be a perfect fit.

Room for Growth

As you can see from our list of hospitality sectors above, a key advantage of a career in the hospitality industry is the opportunity for growth. Starting from an entry-level position, hard work, commitment, and a keen understanding of customer service can lead you up the ladder to more senior roles. Many hospitality professionals who started their careers in entry-level positions have grown to become general managers of hotels or even owners of their own establishments.

The possibility to travel

Depending on your area of expertise, hospitality offers a great opportunity to travel the world and experience new ways of working. There are always ways that you can transfer one skill from a hospitality segment to another.

Perks and Discounts

Certain roles within the industry offer amazing discounts on travel and stays around the world, making it perfect for those with a deep-seated desire to explore new destinations. 

What are the challenges of working in hospitality?

Like any industry, a career in hospitality comes with its own set of challenges.

The industry’s nature means often long and unsociable hours are common. When people outside of the industry are taking time to unwind, it is often your time to start work. 

This change in typical work days can be a difficult adjustment when coming into the industry. Still, for many, this is short-lived, with many finding their social group with others working within the industry.

What qualifications do you need to work in hospitality?

Many entry roles do not require formal education or training, which is a great way to find out if a job is for you. You also do not need any formal education to progress in your career but for many, a formal education is beneficial to their progression and will allow them to move up the career ladder faster.

University Degrees

Though not required, gaining a hospitality degree at university can help give you a step up in your career. Not only does a degree give you the theory and knowledge to progress quickly through the industry, but many universities help you gain relevant experience in a number of different companies. 

Hospitality management degrees can equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. From understanding how to deliver exceptional customer service to studying the intricacies of hotel operations, these programs prepare graduates for the real world.

Universities and colleges worldwide offer hospitality management degrees that cover everything from hospitality business fundamentals to advanced operational concepts.

Apprenticeships

Although not as prevalent in the hospitality industry as in others, apprenticeships allow you to earn whilst you learn. Giving you a foot in the door gives you the experience and education you need to help get your career off the ground. 

If hospitality is the right industry for you and you want to find your first job, or whether you want to make the next step up in your career ReRecruitment is here to help. You can check out our hospitality job board to find our latest roles or email us, and a specialist member of our team will get back to you to discuss how we can help.