Updated at: 28-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

The hospitality industry, in contrast to many others, is more concerned with providing service to its customers than it is with producing and selling products. A hospitality job is one in the service industry (tourism, lodging, events, transportation, or food and beverage) in which one builds relationships with clients and patrons.

The hospitality industry is in high demand across all experience levels because services have become increasingly important to the US economy. While a high school diploma may suffice for some entry-level jobs in the hospitality industry (such as a server or bartender), a bachelor’s degree is increasingly necessary for others (such as a hotel manager). However, if you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, hospitality can be a great field to enter.

If you’re thinking about a career in the hospitality industry, this article will give you an overview of nine possible paths to take.

Best Careers In Hospitality

Best careers in hospitality

Restaurant manager

A restaurant manager is in charge of running everything there. Managers are needed in all restaurants, but those at fancier establishments typically pay more. The person in this position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the restaurant’s operations, from the hiring and training of new employees to the evaluation of their performance, from the creation and maintenance of menus to the control of costs and the administration of the budget.

The manager may also be responsible for developing and implementing customer loyalty programs, participating in community events to promote the restaurant, and tracking and maintaining inventory of food and supplies.

Hotel general manager

Hotel general manager

The general manager of a hotel is in charge of the entire establishment, from hiring and supervising employees to ensuring that guests’ every whim is catered to during their stays. The GM of a hotel should be familiar with the company’s values and mission and actively promote them.

Regular meetings with department heads, planning and presenting to the hotel owner or managing company, setting budgets and goals, responding to guest complaints and concerns, monitoring spending and financial projections, and preparing reports are all examples of what a hotel general manager might be responsible for on a daily basis.

Travel manager

A travel manager’s job, whether at an agency or a large company, is to oversee all aspects of the business’s travel operations. The majority of their time is spent planning business trips for executives and other company employees, though they may also book personal trips for clients.

Managers of trips typically work during typical business hours, but they may also put in extra time on nights and weekends to help their clients out with any problems they encounter. Other responsibilities include researching and recommending the best travel services and deals, handling paperwork, booking lodging, and organizing itineraries.

Casino director

As the director of a casino, your job is to make sure everything runs smoothly on a daily basis. In order to keep guests happy, you’ll have to do things like hire and train staff, keep tabs on them to make sure they’re following protocol, set up shift schedules, track cash flow, and review security footage.

Executive chef 

Executive chef 

Chefs can find work in a wide variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, casinos, and resorts. They are responsible for keeping the kitchen running smoothly, making sure the food is prepared and served promptly, keeping track of supplies, developing menus, and adhering to all applicable regulations and ordinances.

Event manager

Event managers, like sales managers, can find work in a wide variety of settings. Concerts, sporting events, and conventions are just some of the kinds of gatherings that fall under their purview as event planners in the hospitality industry. If you work for a venue and a group wants to host an event there, you’ll be responsible for coordinating everything from the food to the security. You’ll be responsible for helping with any last-minute issues that arise and setting or sticking to a budget.

Flight attendant 

Over the next few years, the demand for flight attendants is predicted to increase dramatically. In addition to transporting passengers from one location to another, you may also be responsible for inspecting and instructing passengers on the use of safety equipment, providing refreshments, making sure everyone is comfortable, providing basic first aid if necessary, and coordinating with the plane’s pilots.

The FAA will most likely require you to complete and pass a rigorous training program and certification exam. A criminal record check, vision test, minimum height requirement, and physical examination may also be necessary.

Hotel receptionist

Hotel receptionist

The role of a hotel receptionist may seem mundane at first, but you actually have a significant impact on guests’ experiences. One of the first people they’ll meet at the hotel, your interaction with them will have a significant impact on their overall impression of the establishment. You can work your way up to managerial roles if you perform well.

Head chef

Locations that hire executive chefs include dining establishments, hotels, casinos, and ships. They have overall control of the kitchen and are thus accountable for the dishes offered and their quality. They are responsible for monitoring the kitchen’s operations from the time an order is placed until it is delivered.

Fitness instructor

You can find employment as a fitness instructor in a wide range of settings, from commercial gyms and studios to private homes. However, many people prefer to take their classes in a hotel, where they can both teach fitness-focused tourists and take advantage of the hotel’s amenities.

Cosmetologist

In a hotel spa, you can find a professional beauty therapist with training and experience. These professionals often make more money in this setting than they would in a standard beauty parlor.

Front of house manager

The person in charge of the hotel’s restaurant and cafe is commonly known as the “front of house manager” in the hospitality industry. Customers are seated and made as comfortable as possible while receiving the highest standard of service.

Chief Engineer

Chief engineers are people who take pleasure in fixing things, getting their hands dirty, and keeping things running smoothly. Typical duties include coordinating with local health, safety, fire, and building inspectors, supervising maintenance staff, and troubleshooting and repairing malfunctions in electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems.

A minimum of a high school diploma or completion of an industry-recognized apprenticeship or training program is required. Possessing a relevant degree and previous supervisory experience is preferred.

Food and Beverage Director

Food and Beverage Director

The director of food and beverage is a high-level executive who directs culinary operations and is responsible for the creation and execution of brand service strategy and related initiatives. Job duties may include coming up with and maintaining food and beverage culinary goals, reviewing financial reports and comparing performance to budget, and using interpersonal and communication skills to guide, motivate, and inspire a team responsible for food and beverage service.

A minimum of a 4-year degree in food service, hospitality, or a closely related field is preferred. Although not always necessary, a minimum of three to five years of managerial experience is usually desired.

Human Resources Director/Manager

A human resources director’s day-to-day duties include, among other things, managing the department’s hiring, pay, and professional development initiatives. Typical essential duties consist of ensuring the accuracy of candid identification, managing benefits for employees, assisting with new hire orientation, and more.

Candidates should preferably have four years of college education and five years of related experience. The needs are different for each organization and piece of real estate.

Vice President of Business Development

Typically, a VP of business development’s responsibilities include formulating strategies for expanding the company’s client base through channels like advertising, public relations, and sales. Leadership of sales and marketing/communications teams, planning and execution of marketing and sales strategies, collaboration with other members of leadership to create and track sales budgets and forecasts, and other duties may fall under the purview of this position.

Depending on the company and the property, a bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience are preferred.

Regional Chef

Hotels and resorts often have multiple restaurants run by chefs from different regions. They are responsible for developing and implementing new menu items, managing costs, and teaching the restaurant’s executive chefs. As of January 2022, the median salary in the United States was $136,429, while the top 10% earned nearly $176,232. Salaries for corporate chefs are on average $77,661 per year as of January 2022 (salary.com), with similar duties including sourcing food from system suppliers and instructing senior chefs. According to payscale.com, a Corporate Chef in India can expect to earn an average of INR 11,79,162. Jobs as a regional chef typically call for a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience.

Chief Sommelier

They don’t just pour wines, they talk shop with you about the intricacies of viniculture. Sommeliers are employed by hotels and restaurants to educate customers about wine. The Chief Sommelier’s position is highly compensated because of the complexity and expertise required to perform it successfully. As of January 2022, the average salary for a Chief Sommelier was $60,400 (salary.com). The annual income of the top 10% is approximately $87,146. Do you see the potential profit?

Catering Manager

The catering manager is responsible for organizing and supervising the provision of refreshments for events held at the venue. Training and scheduling catering staff, helping with menu planning, and relaying customer feedback are all part of this position’s responsibilities. As of January 2022, the average salary for a catering manager was $50,649 per year, according to salary.com. According to payscale.com, the average starting salary for a Catering Manager in India is INR 5,08,682. A bachelor’s degree in management is typically required for entry-level positions in this industry, and two years of relevant work experience is also usually required.

Cabin Crew

This group includes people who work as hosts, hostsess, flight attendants, and air hostesses. This is a very difficult position. The hours are long but the pay is good (around INR 5,72,609) and the perks are unlimited. It’s perfect for those who enjoy seeing the world and making new friends.

Concierge

People staying in hotels frequently travel from far away, so they have no preconceived notions about what the area has to offer. By taking on the role of a concierge, you can make sure your clients are aware of all the best the neighborhood has to offer.

The person in this position will answer the hotel’s phones and help guests with inquiries about local attractions, restaurants, and activities. You can make all the necessary preparations as you learn about their requirements and preferences. It’s possible that you’ll need to do things like make reservations, buy tickets, and ship supplies directly to their hotel rooms.

You need exceptional customer service skills and quick thinking to accommodate all of their needs. You should also have an in-depth understanding of the local businesses and their dedication to customer service. Other useful soft skills include the ability to solve problems, be patient, and pay close attention to detail.

Guest Relations Manager

You will be the first point of contact for any hotel visitor as the manager of guest relations. Your work will help the front desk go above and beyond in all aspects of customer service. After guests have checked in, you can ask them how their stay was and get their thoughts on how to make improvements.

You’ll also have to address guests’ questions and complaints and implement fixes quickly so they can continue to enjoy their time at the hotel. The majority of your interactions will be conducted over the phone or via email, with the occasional face-to-face meeting thrown in for good measure.

You need to be able to quickly and effectively present appropriate solutions to your customers’ problems regardless of the channel through which you interact with them. Your responses should not only guarantee their happiness but also follow the hotel’s rules. Conversations with guests and relaying their needs to the rest of the team will put your communication skills to the test at every turn.

Banquet Manager

The role of Food and Beverage Manager is another executive one in the hospitality industry. You would be in charge of organizing, scheduling, and delivering all of the food and drink for the hotel’s events. All of this must be accomplished without compromising the hotel’s commitment to its guests or its ability to meet its financial obligations.

Making a budget for the food, sales, and labor costs linked to the ordering and delivery of the food and beverage, and making sure that you control costs while still providing the required level of service, are all common responsibilities of a Food and Beverage Manager. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the food and beverage team, you’ll also be responsible for completing weekly staff scheduling, managing inventory of non-consumable items like linens, glassware, equipment, and other tableware, and more. Managers of food and drink will also be expected to handle a variety of front-of-the-house tasks, such as contributing to menu creation, organizing the layout of event spaces, and responding to and rectifying customer concerns.

Conclusion

Excellent customer service skills are transferable to any of the listed careers. Make sure the hospitality job you take on is one that you will enjoy. Face-to-face work can be demanding, but if you have a genuine interest in making people’s lives better, it’s a rewarding field to enter.