Hospitality Training: Learn About Essential Skills for Hotel Jobs

In the hospitality business, every day is a vacation! When working in hospitality, you'll likely find yourself working with travelers coming and going, which is great for people who enjoy socializing and customer service. However, entering the hospitality industry isn't all fun and games. The competition is fierce for these positions; however, training in hospitality may give you an advantage over other applicants.

Working In Hospitality

The hospitality industry encompasses many jobs, most of which involve travel, tourism, and entertainment. Hospitality workers are charged with the duties of providing services and care for others in a welcoming environment. It is an industry best suited to those who:
  • aim to provide satisfactory goods and services
  • desire to please people
  • enjoy working with others
  • have a love for customer service.

Jobs In Hospitality

There's a wide gamut of available positions in this industry, with positions at each level of the professional hierarchy. Some of the most well-known hospitality jobs include:
  • Bartending jobs: Aside from mixing and serving drinks, successful bartenders are excellent customer service, enjoy interacting with others and feel comfortable being firm with guests if necessary.

  • Hotel jobs: Many jobs are available in the hotel industry. Some of these include bellhops, room service attendants, and desk clerks, who check individuals into hotels and ensure that they are comfortable and happy.

  • Hotel management jobs: Managers are often promoted from entry-level hotel jobs, working their way up. These people oversee hotel operations and expenditures, and may deal with customers to resolve issues involving complaints.

  • Travel agent jobs: When clients need to book planes, rental cars, and lodging for vacations, they often do so with the help of a travel agent.

  • Waiting jobs: Waiters and waitresses serve food to customers in restaurants, cafes and bars. Successful waiters are quick on their feet, enjoy customer interaction, and have a love of food and wine. The job can be quite lucrative, but pay isn't always steady.

Facts and Figures

Worldwide, job growth in the hospitality industry has been steady over the past decade. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that employment opportunities in hospitality are on the rise. In the industry, wages and salaries are expected to increase 14 percent between 2006 and 2016. On the downside, earnings for people in this industry (particularly hotel jobs) are far lower than for other occupations.
 
In 2006, average weekly wages for different sectors of the hospitality industry were:
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation: $332
  • Food and drink service: $215
  • Hotels and similar accommodations: $353.
For many workers in this field, tips make up a significant portion of their income. Since tips aren't consistent, pay may vary depending on location, establishment and time of year. Hospitality workers often must be able to budget themselves well.

Education,Training, and Work Experience

It's true that on-the-job experience can lead to high-paying jobs with more responsibility. However, education and hospitality training go a long way for individuals who want to move upward in the industry. Trade schools and vocational schools often provide the hospitality training necessary to break into the market for competitive jobs in hotel management, travel agent positions and other hospitality careers.

Related Associations and Groups

Various groups and associations for those involved in hospitality work can help interested individuals move toward lucrative careers. These associations may host seminars or educational workshops on the hospitality industry:
  • Food Service Consultants Society International (FCSI)
  • Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
  • International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC)
  • National Business Travel Association (NBTA)
  • National Restaurant Association (NRA)
  • The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
  • United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
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