Why work in hospitality?
Gone are the days of using hospitality as a stepping stone to another career — it has become a viable option in its own right, with plenty of opportunity for progression, job satisfaction and growth. In fact, a 2018 survey by Code Hospitality revealing that 78% of surveyed hospitality workers would recommend working in hospitality as a career.1
Jobs in hospitality are varied and can open up pathways all over the world. Whether you start out with a hostess job and move into a hotel receptionist role and then onto a reception manager position; or take on a kitchen porter role with the view of moving into a commis chef and then chef job, there are countless ways to build upon your passions, develop your skills and ultimately, achieve your career goals.
Why should I work in hospitality?
The benefits of a hospitality career are multi-faceted and varied and can appeal to employees at every stage of their career.
Global potential
Many of the skills you pick up in a hospitality role transcend a particular country, making them truly worldwide positions. It’s the ideal industry should you be looking to work overseas, or would at least like the option later down the track.
Variety
Whether working as a floor manager or hotel general manager, every day in a hospitality job is bound to be different. The sheer variety is bound to keep you on your toes, ensuring you never go bored! If in a customer-facing position, such as a hostess job or guest relations, it also allows for ongoing social interaction — you’ll be meeting and interacting with a diverse range of customers on a daily basis.
Flexibility
At one point in your hospitality career, you’re bound to work hours that aren’t 9–5. Whether it’s a seasonal summer role or shift work, working hours are rarely set in stone, leaving you with the flexibility to pursue other interests, or just get your life in order.
Job security
A 2015 British Hospitality Association report found that hospitality is the UK’s fourth largest industry, accounting for nearly 3 million jobs. There is therefore a huge pool of jobs to try out across hotels, bars, restaurants or other hospitality ventures, giving you greater choice and increased potential for progression. If history is anything to go by, Brexit isn’t going to affect opportunities either — the hospitality industry thrived through the 2008 GFC and has remained robust ever since.
Where can I go with a hospitality career?
The growth potential for jobs in hospitality is only increasing as the scope of roles expands. The world is quite literally your oyster, with the potential to take on a restaurant manager job in London, a hotel manager position in New York, a chef role in the Maldives or a bartender position in Tokyo. What’s more, with every opportunity comes the chance to try something new and meet new people — and you never know where this could lead!
The nature of the industry also encourages progression, with every opportunity to learn something new, picking up responsibility as you go. The consistent exposure to new techniques and experiences means that a hospitality professional may also be able to move up the ranks faster than in a corporate role.
How do I get my foot in the door? What are entry-level hospitality jobs?
If you are at the beginning of your hospitality career, there are a multitude of entry-level roles available to you. If you are looking for a customer-facing role, why not consider a host or hostess job in London, or a hotel concierge job? These positions will allow you to build up the skills and experience to then move into a reception or guest relations job.
A host role is also a great starting point for a job on the floor, from which you could move into a waiting staff position. If it’s the kitchens you’re looking to join, traditional entry-level jobs include kitchen porter or commis chef.
Another great way to get your foot in the door is with a temporary hospitality job. These positions can range from four hours to four weeks or four months and provide ongoing exposure to a wide range of responsibilities and working environments.
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Tiger Hospitality recruits for a wide range of hospitality roles, starting with entry-level hotel concierge jobs, right through to general manager jobs. Submit your details to our database today!
