Many people see working in hospitality as a career that doesn’t really go anywhere. But the truth is that there are many opportunities in hospitality, whether you want to go into management or you’re thinking about specializing in a particular area or skill. If you work in hospitality but want to take a step up, you can move your career in a new direction however you want to. There are ways to get your foot in the door at up-market establishments, take on more responsibility in management roles, or become an expert in anything from wine to delivering amazing guest experiences. But where should you start?
Brush Up on Essential Skills
If you’re at the very beginning of your hospitality career, one thing you should focus on is ensuring you have some fundamental skills. In fact, some of these skills might be legally required for you to do your job. Fortunately, it’s easy to get the knowledge you need, often with a short course that will allow you to learn at a convenient pace. At American Course Academy, you can get professional certifications for skills such as handling food and serving alcohol. These essential skills can be just the beginning of your education in hospitality, allowing you to take further steps from there.
Improve Your Soft Skills
Key knowledge required for your industry is one thing, but there are also many soft skills that can help you in your hospitality career. The right soft skills can help you in any role, whether you’re a server, a concierge, a cleaner, or someone in a management role. Communication is a core soft skill for anyone in hospitality. You need to be able to communicate with coworkers, leadership, guests or diners, and many other people. But good communication skills aren’t all you need. You could also work on your problem-solving, teamwork, cultural awareness, and more.
Look at Further Education Options
Short courses to learn key skills are useful, but if you’re thinking of taking your career further, you might want to consider further education. This might apply to you if you want to go into management or perhaps if you’re setting your sights on the very best fine dining establishments or luxury hotels. There are many degree courses you might consider or other qualifications that could give you the skills, knowledge and experience that you need. Consider looking for something that also has an industry work placement so you can get experience.
Network
Networking can be extremely important in hospitality. Knowing the right people gives you the opportunity to hear about jobs early, get recommendations, or even benefit from mentorship from others. You can network with people in the industry both online and in person. Each type of networking is useful, although you might find you can form stronger connections with people when you actually meet them and work with them in person. It takes time to build a network, but it’s worth it for the opportunities it can bring.
Enhancing your career involves a proactive and strategic approach to personal and professional development. Continuous learning is a cornerstone; invest time in acquiring new skills and staying abreast of industry trends. Pursue relevant certifications, workshops, or advanced degrees to bolster your expertise and make yourself indispensable in your field. Embrace challenges and take on new responsibilities to demonstrate your versatility and capability for growth. Regularly update your resume and online profiles to reflect ATS friendly resumes, which showcase your achievements and showcase your evolving skill set. Communication skills are paramount; refine your ability to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently. Additionally, stay adaptable in the face of change, as flexibility is an asset in today’s dynamic work environment. By consistently pursuing self-improvement, expanding your network, and seizing growth opportunities, you position yourself not only for advancement but also for a fulfilling and enduring career trajectory.
Take your hospitality career to the next level by focusing on personal development and setting goals for yourself.
