So, why study hospitality? Maybe you’d like to join a fast-growing industry, connect others to fun events or experiences, or build skills that you can take anywhere in the world. Below, we’ll dive into possible careers, and more reasons to study hospitality.
Considering different fields? Check out other blogs in this series on health sciences, design and illustration, and computer science.
How Do I Choose What to Study?
Hospitality is a broad field with many segments: four of its main areas are food and beverage, accommodation, travel and tourism, as well as entertainment and recreation. A good place to start is determining what your ideal workplace and role looks like.
Key questions to think about:
- What tasks are you responsible for?
- Do you want to work directly with guests, or be more behind-the-scenes?
- Are there jobs that you need to work before getting to your dream role?
- What are some technical or practical skills you’ll need to know?
By setting your career goals, you can determine which programs suit your needs. For example, if you want to work in market research, look for a program where you write a thesis. Or, if your future career is more hands-on (like hotel management or wedding planning), consider a career-focused program. Get bonus work experience while you’re learning by enrolling in programs with an internship, co-op, or other work-integrated learning opportunity.
If you want to upgrade your skills quickly, you can also consider a short-term certificate. These targeted programs can prepare you for a role shift, and may be completed in as little as three or four months.
Note: Shorter certificates may not make you eligible for post-study work programs like Canada’s Post Graduation Work Permit.
It’s also important to see if the program you’re interested in is accredited, and if so, by which organizations. An accreditation means the program meets a specific set of standards, and will provide quality education. Graduating from highly-accredited programs can give your resume a boost when you apply to jobs later.
Take our quiz to see what length of study abroad program fits your needs!
What is Working in Hospitality Like?
In many countries, hospitality is an industry that keeps communities running. Whether you’re planning events, managing a resort, or guiding visitors, a certification in hospitality will equip you with a diverse and in-demand set of skills.
No Two Days Are the Same
Hospitality is an industry where creative people who thrive on change and adaptability will excel. That said, it’s also key to have lots of self-confidence, as your work can feel invisible until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a flat tire on your bus tour, a long check-in, or a mixed-up dinner order, you’re bound to hear about it (and have to find a way to make it better). The good news is that most of the time, things do go right, and you’ll be able to make others’ lives a little brighter and more fun.
Particularly in your early career, be ready for a schedule that doesn’t stick to 9-to-5. You’ll spend lots of time on your feet, and you’ll have customer stories that only others in your industry will understand or believe. Like every career, this work isn’t for everyone. But for those who love it, the upsides outweigh the challenges. You’ll be more active than your peers at desk jobs, you’ll have the inside scoop on everything fun in your city (and beyond), and you’ll have transferable skills no matter where you live.
Prepare for a Global Career
If you’re passionate about travelling, studying hospitality can be a great way to live and work around the world. With academic certifications, you’ll be eligible for more senior roles, and may be considered sooner for top-tier locations. (As an international student, you likely speak more than one language, which can put you ahead of the competition!)
You might start your career in a hotel in Montreal, then in Seoul, and then chase the sun at a Costa Rica resort. Equally, hospitality students in food and beverage can use their skills internationally, whether they’re a winemaker shifting from California to South Australia, or a restaurant owner opening up a Dublin branch of a cafe they started in Manchester.
Considering programs in different countries? Check out our blogs on how to choose where to study in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Join a Growing Field
Why study hospitality? Because everywhere you look, there’s demand for skilled hospitality workers. In fact, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, one out of five new jobs is created by the hospitality and tourism industry.
It’s true that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted many hospitality careers. However, in the last two years, the industry has seen recovery and high growth. This translates to lots of jobs for new grads. In 2022, according to the most recent National Employment Report shared in the Wall Street Journal, leisure and hospitality was “the fastest-growing sector in the United States, with job openings up by 10% since January 2022.”
And, as there often aren’t enough candidates to fill open jobs, salary ranges increased due to competition to attract the best workers. This makes hospitality a more financially attractive career path, especially when you factor in tips and gratuities.
Plus, having an associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality can fast-track your career. Many companies offer on-the-job management training programs to graduates, often with an internship, leading to a more senior role. Other large chains may help pay for your continuing education, seeing it as an investment in their future leaders. As noted by Dr. Mehmet Erdem, associate professor of hotel operations and technology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, “the more credentials [you have], coupled with experience, the higher the chances of getting promoted in one’s career path in hospitality.”
There’s no time like the present to study hospitality! Next, check out our blog on why studying hospitality in Australia might be right for you.
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