The hospitality industry is a robust business. Between 2004 and 2014, the industry is expected to add 17 percent more hospitality jobs (U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), 2010). The industry offers everything from entry-level, part-time work to full-time, high-salaried executive and management positions.
Jobs In Hospitality: What Is the Hospitality Industry?
Those who work in the hospitality industry most popularly offer lodging or food services on a short-term or transitional basis. Careers in this field include hotel management, waiter or waitress, bartender, restaurant management, housekeeping, bellhops and professional chefs. Also included in this job sector are office and administrative support positions, financial operations managers, recreation and fitness workers at hotel resorts, camp counselors and maintenance, repair and landscaping professionals.
Food Services and Hotel Accommodations: Two Popular Branches of Hospitality
Nearly 8 percent of all employees nationwide work in the accommodation and food services industry, and wage and salary jobs in the food services sector are expected to increase by 16 percent, slightly higher than the 14 percent growth expected in the industry as a whole, from 2004 to 2014 (DOL, 2010). The high turnover rates and relatively low entry requirements in the industry mean that job opportunities will always be plentiful.
Training for Careers in Hospitality
Hospitality jobs vary widely in the level of training needed. You can pursue a high-earning career in hospitality through training courses and college programs, or you can supplement your income with part-time or seasonal work. Many of the entry-level positions in the industry offer on-the-job training, and require little prior schooling or experience. Chefs can even reach the executive level with no culinary education outside of their restaurant. Still, culinary arts school is a strong way to start in the cooking profession. Additionally, employees hired for management positions of restaurants or hotels often have an associate's or bachelor's degree in their field. Nearly two out of five workers in the accommodation and food services industries are part-time, and these sectors provide many people with their first jobs. Hospitality careers also exist for senior citizens, who may need a little extra money to get by or who may crave something to do during retirement (DOL, 2010). The industry is working against a stereotype that careers in hospitality and customer relations are low-wage, entry-level and dead-end service positions. In fact, a wide range of hospitality jobs are in fact available that range in level of experience, pay and type.