The hospitality industry is unique… it’s not your typical 9 to 5 job, for sure. But why is it such a beloved career path for so many? Take a look at some of the “best things” about working in a hotel. It’s not for everyone, but for those who have a passion for variety, customer service, and a fast-paced, exciting work environment, it’s a great place to work.
1. You’re making people happy: This is one of the best parts of working in a hotel. You’re not staring at spreadsheets all day or sitting at the same desk with the same people doing the same tasks every day. You’re working with people who have great interpersonal skills and who are outgoing and fun. It makes it easy to come to work every day.
2. You have a chance to be creative: Your hotel is constantly trying to up its game and offer new and exciting experiences for your guests. In the hotel industry, you’ll have the opportunity to offer new ideas and input that can help craft new programs and increase revenues.
3. Variety in your day: Let’s face it… working in a hotel is not dull. Every day is different, meeting new people from all walks of life and from all over the world. You solve problems, handle new challenges and have an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
4. Plenty of opportunity: This industry is so vast and has so many different functions; you can literally stay at the same hotel and move around to a wide variety of jobs every couple of years. That will not only expand your experience and skills, but give you a good overview of what you enjoy doing the most and how to focus your career going forward.
5. Quick climb up the ladder: The hospitality industry rewards merit. If you work hard and show initiative, you’ll find yourself promoted quickly. There is often a lot of turnover in the tourism and hotel industry, but if you’re one that stays, that can work to your advantage.
6. Flexible schedules: Are you a night-owl? Do you need to work weekends so you don’t need to pay for childcare every day? Do you want to be able to finish up work by 2 pm? In the hotel industry, it’s possible to arrange your schedule to fit your life and not be tied to a 9 to 5 job, 5 days/week.
7. Work all over the world: In what other job can you easily live and work in Paris for year, travel to Switzerland for the ski season and back to the U.S. after that? The skills you would pick up are transferable to all kinds of positions and you’ll make friends all over the world. That’s adventure.
8. It’s not hard to get into the industry: It’s pretty obvious what you need to do to get into a hotel job. You can earn certificates in specific areas while you’re working and increase your future potential. Your experience and education is easily transferable no matter where you’d like to work.
9. It’s a steady job: People will always need/want to travel, have somewhere to stay and food to eat. Even in an economic downturn, this is a secure job that isn’t going to be outsourced to another country.
10. Don’t forget the perks! Some of the best perks come with working at a hotel or resort. You’re working with people who know how to arrange a party or event and are focused on helping people have a good time. As an employee, you’ll have access to the same activities that guests are paying good money for. You’ll have the opportunity to experience resorts at a discount, rub elbows with celebs or visit unique attractions with insider access to hard-to-get reservations, complimentary tickets to shows or games and discounted flights.
Working in hospitality isn’t for everyone, but the opportunities extend beyond what the everyday consumer sees. No matter whether you make it your lifelong career or just a part of it, the experience, friends and skills you’ll acquire will last a lifetime.