The hospitality industry is huge. And within the hospitality industry there is considerable variety. A career seeker has any number of specialties to choose from. Since no one can do it all, choosing a specialty is almost must for a career oriented individual.
Though the possibilities are virtually endless, there are well-compensated, career-oriented specialties which rise to the top of the list. We are going to focus in on four leading specialties within hospitality.
Hotel Staff Positions
The hotel industry is huge, lucrative and growing. Jobs are plentiful, especially for motivated, career-minded individuals. The opportunities are worldwide. And the industry has been in a growth phase with no end in sight. If you are trying to get into hospitality at the entry level, hotels are a great place to get your foot in the door.
There is tremendous variety within the hotel industry; staff and management positions include such areas as the front desk, housekeeping, pool, restaurant and bar. Every town has a hotel and most have several. There are hotels of every stripe looking for help including budget hotels, bed and breakfasts, 5-star accommodations and everything in between. Hard working motivated individuals can move up quickly.
The hotels often promote from within their local staff. This can provide management opportunities for career minded individuals without college degrees.
Event Planner
The Event Planner is considered a key position in most hotels, cruise ships and resorts, restaurants or any facility that has meeting accommodations. Events are a major profit center, and the hosting of events is a highly competitive area, especially at the larger hotels in urban settings. Event Planners put together anything from business meetings, conventions to wedding receptions. They work with clients to plan, organize and smoothly pull off these events. They work closely with all the key hotel staff to provide accommodations and amenities to the attendees. The Event Planner needs to be a public relations oriented person who understand sales, negotiations and contracts.
Event Planners usually have a business related college degree and couple years of general hotel or hospitality experience. In certain convention centers, such as Las Vegas, an actual degree in Event Planning may be required. Event Planners usually start out at around $40,000 and experienced Event Planners in larger venues can make in excess of $80,000 per year.
Executive Chef
The general management and decisions concerning the operation and direction of the kitchen and related areas is the domain of the Executive Chef. As the Executive Chef, you would oversee menus and all food services in restaurants, hotels, cruise ships and any other tourist venues where food is served. In some cases, you would also manage the bar services. You would be responsible for profitability through judicious oversight, the purchasing of food and supplies and maintaining the inventory. Like all hospitality management positions, overseeing customer service and satisfaction is central.
Additionally, the Executive Chef is in charge of sanitation as well of the liaison between the business and any local regulators. Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations is vital.
The career path for an Executive Chef usually includes a four year college degree and considerable experience. Most employers will insist on at minimum five to seven years experience. Top Executive Chefs routinely make over $100,000 a year. Starting pay is in the $50,000 range.
Travel Coordinator
When companies need someone to take control of their travel plans, they call on the Travel Coordinator. The goal is make all things related to travel transparent to the client. If you like a busy, responsible, high profile position, this position may be for you. Things like plane reservations, hotel stays, passports, visas and other travel requirements are part of Travel Coordinator’s responsibilities. Top Travel Coordinators can make in excess of $60,000 while starting in the $30,000 range.
If you like helping people, a career in the hospitality industry can be exciting and lucrative.
