Hospitality Jobs
The nature of jobs in the United States has evolved over the last century. The major industrial sectors that brought such prosperity, like steel and automobiles, have declined, but the service sector has risen steadily. Part of the service sector includes hotels and temporary residences, with amenities that offer employment in hospitality jobs. These jobs range from housekeeping to chefs to concierges. Hospitality jobs require excellent people skills. Hospitality jobs can offer the opportunity to travel, live in exotic and desirable places, and earn a decent income at the same time.
Hospitality jobs can be found in many different kinds of hotels and short-term residences. Hotels come in many shapes and sizes, from all-inclusive five-star resorts to extended stay residences that service traveling professionals. They also include chain motels, timeshares and vacation villas. The type of hotel and its location dictates the kind of services available and the sorts of jobs that are available. Resort hotels may include spa services, as well as an award-winning kitchen with a top chef. If the hotel is at a tourist destination, it may provide many other services, including scuba diving trips and day tours of local landmarks. When looking for a hospitality job, consider a location as well as a particular position. Hospitality jobs are available in exotic destinations around the globe, for someone with the right education and experience.
Hotel jobs do not follow a typical nine-to-five regimen since guests stay overnight; it can be a twenty-four hour job. Depending on what role you play in the industry, you may work nights or mornings or a combination of both. Your work schedule also depends on the kind of hotel. Vacation destinations tend to have clientele that require more services at odd hours, for example, Las Vegas casinos tend to be quite lively late at night. Airport hotels that cater to business travelers may have a more sedate client base. Many hospitality jobs come and go with the seasons as some hotels only require hospitality staff during the high season.
There are quite a few educational paths that you can take to end up with a good hospitality job. Many schools offer a master’s degree in hospitality that will allow you to climb the career ladder. You might find yourself managing a hotel or running a chain of resorts. There are also certificate courses and associate’s degree courses in specific aspects of hotel hospitality. These might include running a bar, or designing the outside environment of a hotel. Regardless, education will help you advance in your hospitality career.
Last Updated: 11/11/2012