Career Options in Hospitality

The Hospitality Industry is looking for the country's best young people to be its stars in the next century. That could be you! Hospitality, now a $460-billion industry, is growing so quickly that it creates 300,000 new jobs each year and enormous opportunity for advancement if you have the right skills and attitude.

Where are the Hospitality Jobs?
They're everywhere! There are 12 million jobs in foodservice and lodging, and 8 million more in businesses that supply the industry. Hospitality jobs exist in every state, region and type of community. Hospitality managers can stay close to home or move to other parts of the world. Salaries start with entry-level hourly wages and go to seven figures. Many hospitality businesses offer the same health and vacation benefits as large corporations, in addition to reduced rates on accommodations and food.

Make food that's fun. Run a great hotel. Move up fast. Every day is different! Sound good to you? It's what hospitality is all about. If you don't like to stand still, this fast-paced industry is for you.

Professional: A career in the restaurant and hospitality industry is a profession. Hospitality programs include courses in business management, finance, accounting, human resources, customer relations, marketing, public speaking, food science and technology. Those who acquire professional credentials distinguish themselves as being highly skilled, trained, motivated and career-minded and immediate candidates for better pay.

Corporate: You could join a corporate team. There are top jobs in Marketing, Business Development, Human Resources, Training, Quality Assurance, Security, Real Estate, Accounting, and more in dozens of hospitality corporations and the Fortune 500 firms that serve them.

Entrepreneurial: Imagine yourself the owner/-operator of your own restaurant or hotel. It's no idle fantasy: The American Dream is alive and well in hospitality! This industry has unique traditions of promoting from within and rewarding entrepreneurs. You can go as high as your ambition allows.

Just a few of the Career possibilities within the Hospitality Industry are:

• Fine dining restaurants
• Catering
• Historic downtown hotels
• Employee cafeterias
• Casual family restaurants
• Country inns and Bed and Breakfast establishments
• Chef-owned bistros
• Quick-service dining
• National chains
• Resorts
• Motels
• Stadiums and theme parks
• Cruise lines

But within these industry segments, there are hundreds of career path choices. It's up to you!