“Hospitality is more than a career, it’s a lifestyle.”
Hospitality professionals are the people behind the scenes creating the means for you and your family to enjoy favorite vacation spots while staying at a location that’s within your budget. The industry includes jobs in everything from high-end resorts and spas to food courts and recreation facilities. While these positions may sound vastly different, there is a common thread: hospitality. With a little research, you can find the hospitality career which suits you best. Here are some career options you can consider
1. Bartender
To some, the idea of going to college or attending classes to become a bartender may seem odd or silly. But there are many good reasons to consider it. Do you love to drink? Or has anyone called you the “tanggero” in one of your celebrations? Well, you don’t have to make and pour those drinks for free anymore! Bartending is an awesome career that you can bring all through your life and all over the world. Imagine working in the beach. It is sunny and in front of you is endless pristine white sand, and a lady comes up to you with a hat, and says, “One martini, por pavor?” …Wake up, that’s you! Time to make that drink! If you do not have the skills yet, that’s fine! Inquire at a culinary school near you!
2. Front Office Manager
Front Office Managers can have many day-to-day duties, including overseeing employees, maintaining guest accounts, coordinating hotel sales and more. A day in their job is to check people in, make sure rooms are ready, deal with any issues that arise (if there are problems, they are the first to know about it!), and make sure that cleanliness is tip top. Being in the Front Office Department can be challenging yet exciting. In this line of work, you have a chance to interact with people from all over the world! Wouldn’t it be interesting to communicate with different cultures and countries? That means your basic foreign language classes didn’t go to waste! A reputable hospitality school can give you a jumpstart in this field. In fact, ASTORIA Culinary & Hospitality Institute (Astoria-ACHI) has a Front Office Operations course. Go check it out if you feel that this job is your cup of tea.
3. Chef / Cook
Some people take up hospitality management studies because they love food. Many chefs and cooks work in restaurants, while others work in hotels. Some do a bit of everything, like preparing exquisite dishes, serving customers, and managing catering and banquet departments. The job requirements, however, are essentially the same for all types. It is a must that you invest in your credentials and build a professional portfolio. So, if you can, get some experience working in a hotel and restaurant before you apply. No background yet? This online course is a great way to start.
4. Sommelier
Sommelier is French for “the expert who loves to serve wine”. Sommeliers are often seen in high class hotels. They don’t just drink wine, they know wine inside and out! A wine expert’s day can include tasting wine at restaurants, conducting seminars or events, reading wine magazines, studying for exams, going to wine shows and attending classes to further their in-depth skills. Not to mention, the payoffs can be terrific with its creative and intellectual nature.
5. Housekeeping Director
Commonly seen in hotels, directors of housekeeping can be expected to oversee the cleanliness and appearances of the hotel, control labor costs, and maintain supplies, among other related responsibilities. This also means you would have to hire people, set their schedules, train them, and motivate them. It can be a messy job, but a Housekeeper is vital to a hotel business’ success. There are many opportunities in this link of work. Such environments that employ Housekeepers are hotels, private homes, hospitals and restaurants. Read more about this career here.
Which career do you find the most appealing? Whichever it is, this tourism and hospitality school can take you there. Best of luck in your endeavors, and don’t stop dreaming!