It was Justine Vogt who once said: “Hospitality: making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish they were.”
She was right. This business of ensuring complete strangers are happy can sometimes feel more like a vocation than an easy career choice.
This is especially true at management level, when even the smallest issue from an unsatisfied guest – my pizza is missing an anchovy! – can come all the way up the chain and land with a thump at your door, even if it’s 3am.
At times like these it would be so tempting to use another fabulous Vogt quote:
“I’d like to help you out. Which way did you come in?”
Ultimately, however, the rewards of actually helping guests really are worth it.
After all, what did Albert Einstein say?
“Only a life lived to the service of others is worth living.”
And, apparently, our Albert was about as bright as they come.
If you’re starting out your career but want to reach the very top in hospitality – perhaps as a hotel manager or events co-ordinator – here are our tips to help you on your way.
Discover your strengths
Search hospitality online and the word will throw up a 1001 meanings. The first thing to do, therefore, is to drill down to a particular area that appeals to you then look to master the necessary skills to make you number one in this niche.
Get hands-on experience
It would be great if your homework involved staying in a five-star hotel. Instead you can explore working in as many areas as you can, from bar staff to KP. This will give you a full-flavour of the five-star experience without the expense.
Get your paperwork in order
Formal qualifications are not always necessary or even a guarantee of success. However a degree in a field such as global hospitality or hotel management will give you a head-start.
When all else fails, you won’t
So the college bar job wasn’t enough to whet the appetite of your interviewer? And your summer spent cleaning Alpine chalets left them cold? Even the crisp new degree didn’t quite cover it? Now’s the time to reveal your passion, determination and work ethos – all attributes that make it only logical you be given your first step up.
Are you ready for your room at the top? Let’s book into s1jobs and have a look at what’s available in Hospitality, Tourism & Catering.