“I wanted to develop a career in Hospitality because it would give me opportunities to travel the world.”
Cara Humphries, Graduate, Bachelor of Applied Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Duxton Hotel - Saigon
"We are pleased to welcome PIHMS students on placements with the hotel. This on-the-job training gives students a great deal of practical knowledge and experience, learnt from our hospitality culture and our guests. After this training, students are in a better position to truly understand the fundamental principles of international hospitality management, in a deluxe boutique hotel environment, like the Duxton." Chau Thi Be, HR Manager.
InterContinental - Wellington
"InterContinental Hotels Group has long had a partnership with PIHMS in taking on internships and graduates. As one of the largest Global hotel companies in the world, we strive to ensure our colleagues are engaged at all levels of our business with passion and energy. We are happy to say that a number of ex-PIHMS students are now in permanent employment with many of our hotels across New Zealand as well as stepping up the ladder into more senior roles. Their level of dedication, loyalty, hard work and passion is what hospitality is all about, and the students we take on from PIHMS exude these qualities. "
Maree Judd, Human Resources Manager
Four Seasons Hotel - Sydney
"At Four Seasons, we pride ourselves on our talented, service-driven, standards focused employees. PIHMS understands our organisation and attracts students of a high calibre that we can help train to the highest industry standards. We have had the pleasure of accommodating several students at the hotel for Industry Placement, and look forward to welcoming many more PIHMS students in the future. A recent PIHMS graduate, who spent 12 months here as a Management Trainee, is now working as Assistant Manager in our Front Office department." Suzy Hori, Assistant Manager Human Resources.
Choosing a Career in the Global Hospitality Industry
Today, wages for the hospitality industry are very competitive as compared to those for other industries, and a wide range of salaries are available.
So, it is time to decide what you will do with your life. What will you choose?
Perhaps you might consider a career in the hospitality industry. What is the hospitality industry? The hospitality industry is defined as the activity of providing lodging, food and beverage, and recreational services, which include but are not limited to hotels, motels, clubs, casinos, restaurants, recreation facilities, tourism, cruise lines, and theme parks. Wow, what a variety of options! A multi-billion dollar industry, hospitality is our country’s third largest industry. Your options are great, but what does this mean to you?
The industry as we know it today began to take form in the early 1950s and 60s, leading the way for growth into the dynamic industry we know today. Career options in the hospitality industry have continued to grow along with the industry.
What career options are offered in the hospitality industry? Where do you start? What types of careers are available? These are the major questions to consider when pursing a career in the hospitality industry. The following descriptions outline the different levels of hospitality positions you might enter into.
Entry-Level: This is where you start; the experience and skill you will gain in these positions can prepare you for advancement in your career. Typically the tasks are related to your position and are a valuable component to the success of the hospitality entity.
Skilled-Level: This is the next step where you will develop specific skills and capabilities that can be transferred from one position to another (you are on your way).
Managerial-Level: This is when your experience, training and initiative are combined to create your ability to lead employees and manage business.
Once you obtain a position and work hard, what can you expect to be paid (what is your worth)?
We all expect to be well compensated for a job well done! Although the history of wages in the hospitality industry has been considered low, times have changed! Today, wages for the hospitality industry are very competitive as compared to those for other industries, and a wide range of salaries are available. Several elements, beginning with capability/skill and performance, will impact your income; additionally, types of property, location, and position are factors that are also included. Employment outlook for the hospitality industry varies by occupation; however, wage and salary employment in hotels and other lodging places is expected to increase 13% from 2000-2010. This job growth is due to rising personal income, an increase in the number of two-income families, low-cost airfares, and a greater emphasis on leisure activities on in our society.
What type of education will you need to obtain a job in the Hospitality Industry?
The industry is becoming increasingly complex with a greater emphasis being placed on specialized training. Demand is increasing for people with special skills obtained in Hotel Schools, Universities, Polytechnics and high schools.
Programs range in length from a few months to three years or longer. It is possible to obtain a 3-year University degree in the liberal arts or other fields and enter into a trainee or junior management track. However, a bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in hotel and restaurant management provides the strongest background for a career as a hotel manager.
Graduates of these programs are highly sought by employers in this industry. New graduates often go through on-the-job training programs before being given much responsibility. Eventually, they can advance to a top management position in a large chain operation.
How do you find the right school/program for you? First you need to ensure you are committed to achieving a higher education. Consult with your career counsellor, teachers, and parents. Make sure you have prepared yourself for the academic testing that will be required for enrolment. Second, what are your financial options to pay for an education? Seek alternatives available such as scholarships, grants, loans, etc. Third, do your homework and research various types of institutions to find out which one is right for you. Ask what type of curriculum is offered, what type of experience is available, what type of placement support can you expect?
A career in the hospitality industry can be very rewarding and will take you along paths you may never have considered. The hospitality industry can be very exciting and glamorous, and it will afford you the opportunity to travel and work all around the world. Each day is different from the previous day. New challenges and increasing job opportunity is what makes the hospitality industry so great and why it has survived for so many years.