Hospitality is a booming industry with approximately 1.9 million people in the UK now being employed in some form of position that falls under this heading. Although the shifts can be long, stressful and tiring there are still plenty of people willing to accept roles of some sort. A number of employees may see their job as an easy way to earn a bit of extra money while others harbour a passion for working with the public or love the buzz of creating exquisite dishes in a hectic bustling kitchen under constant pressure.
Why Work in Hospitality?
There are many reasons why the hospitality industry can be a fulfilling career path.
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You are working to give the guests a memorable experience
No matter what position you hold in the hospitality industry you are part of a whole, striving to give satisfaction to guests on a daily basis. You are making people feel good which is an intoxicating feeling, especially when you see the smiles on people’s faces. It is this ultimate aim of enhancing your guest’s lives that is the main driving force for many employees.
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You have the opportunity to get creative
Creativity is a major part of the hospitality arena. You may be a chef who can create amazing dishes on a daily basis, a bar tender who mixes new and inventive cocktails or perhaps a member of waiting staff or working on the main reception desk; whatever your role you are still part of creating the ultimate experience for the guests.
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It’s not your average 9-5 job
You may be carrying out the same tasks each shift however a job in the hospitality industry is never routine. Different guests each day throwing up different situations will always keep you on your toes. Your shift patterns may change from early morning breakfast duties to lunchtime catch-ups and evening soirees and so you will be dealing with differing clientele constantly.
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Transfer your skills to other countries
Just because you live and work in the UK does not mean that you can’t aim higher or farther. Each country has its own hospitality industry which will typically have the same basic core principles. If you decide that a change of scenery is in order you may easily be able to spend time in a foreign country whilst still being able to work in the environment that you love. You may even want to consider taking a stint on a cruise ship to really see the world.
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There’s no chance of getting stuck in a rut
There is a vast array of variety all located underneath the heading of hospitality. You may begin your career in the restaurant waiting section or in the kitchen, alternatively you may excel in reception work or behind the bar; all options being hugely popular. Once you have honed your skills and feel that you have accomplished all that you can within one area it is usually possible to enter a different section that interests you and learn all there is to know there. There is so much opportunity within the hospitality industry that there is always something new to turn your attentions to.
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Good opportunities to rise through the ranks
Just as it is easy to move between departments and stay on the same level of responsibility whilst learning all the tricks of the trade there is similarly just as many opportunities to rise in position and take on more responsibilities. There is a hierarchy and ranking system in all areas and once you have decided which sector is the one for you and where your strengths lie, you can work towards your promotion. You may soon find yourself in a position where you are managing other practises and employees.
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Easy to gain entry
For the majority of jobs in the hospitality industry there are a set entry level qualifications that are required. These qualifications can be studied for at colleges nationwide and are recognised by all reputable hospitality companies. Once you have obtained these entry level requirements you will be all set to start out on your hospitality journey.
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Experience an atmosphere like no other
Hospitality businesses do not tend to employ ‘nasty’ characters and therefore the working environment is usually a good one. With all employees striving towards the same goal of pleasing the guests and giving them an experience that they will never forget, the team spirit and bonding can be extremely infectious. Once the guests are enjoying themselves the buzz in the atmosphere can get all occupants of a room in a jovial mood.
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Perks of the job
Your job is to make sure that your guests are having a good time so when it comes to Christmas parties or team building exercises you can guarantee that it will be fun and filled with enjoyment and laughter. You may get the offer of a discount on nights in the hotel or delicious meals in the restaurant and as a bonus, if the business you work for is located in a star studded hotspot, you may even get to meet and serve some celebrities.
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The hospitality industry rarely suffers any major dips
The beauty of the hospitality area is that people always want to indulge in a weekend away in a hotel, a drink in the bar or a gourmet meal as a treat, therefore this industry rarely suffers from any sort of downturn in trading figures. The businesses tend to be large and so you can be relatively sure that your job will be safe, especially if you show a flair for what you do.
With all of these benefits of working in the hospitality industry the only question you really need to ask yourself is ‘When do I start?’