Choosing the right career can sometimes be a difficult decision for the recent high school graduate. The best way to start your decision-making process is to do a self-evaluation to determine what you would enjoy doing and whether that career would lead to your personal success. Successful people are highly motivated individuals who have confidence in themselves and their abilities. They don’t view their profession as a grind, but look on it as fulfillment.
Hospitality Management, including the Food Service Industry, is one of the fastest growing occupations in the world. There are predictions that by the year 2005 there will be 12 million workers in this industry. Food Service personnel are needed at the rate of one to every 10 to 12 positions, and the industry is seeking those with a culinary and hospitality education to meet the complex demands of the 21st century.
How will you know if you would be good in these careers? The hospitality industry is comprised of friendly, courteous, and helpful individuals who are willing to deliver great customer service with a passion. If you possess these qualities and have good communication skills, then this exciting industry could be for you. If you have never worked in the hospitality industry, find a related job (even if only part-time), and give it a test drive. It is much smarter to try it out before you invest a lot of time and money in a school only to discover that you’re not suited for this occupation.
The best place to start your search for a good school would be the internet. Many hospitality management sites have excellent links with resources about the industry. Also, numerous schools will have links back to their individual web sites. In addition to the internet, most states have an employment commission and/or state education agency that can provide you with a complete listing of all the schools in your area.
Types of training vary. If you choose the more traditional route of a junior college or university, you will study prerequisites such as English, math, history, and biology while you learn the theories and concepts of the industry. If you choose a vocational school, you will spend more of your time with hands-on training in the areas you choose. Many vocational schools will also have an internship as part of the program. This will not only give you practical working experience in the industry, it will also make you and your resume more marketable upon graduation. Your degree and professional work experience are the two most important elements to an employer.
After you have found schools that you are interested in, decide what you would like to do once you graduate. Then, look at a school’s curriculum and determine whether it meets your end objective. Next, speak with knowledgeable individuals in the industry and see what schools they would recommend. It is also a good idea to check with local hotel and chef associations for their recommendations.
Upon graduation, students of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts schools may seek employment in hotels, restaurants, catering, resorts, cruise ships, casinos, and entertainment venues, just to mention a few. Jobs in hospitality operations can be found in almost every community in the United States and abroad.
Earning potential varies and is limited only by your ability and willingness to succeed. Starting wages are $8 to $16 per hour; however, this can increase substantially with experience and perseverance. Many Hospitality Management positions offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations and sick days, and reduced rates on accommodations, food, and travel. Annually, travel and tourism employers around the world pay more than $1.6 trillion in wages and salaries and create 12.5 million new jobs.
Hospitality is an industry that is known for promoting from within and for having a large number of young managers. If you’re talented and demonstrate a good work ethic, you can advance quickly. There is no limit to where your dreams and ambitions can take you in the exciting and fascinating world of Hospitality Management. Remember, it is not where you start that matters, it’s where you finish.
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