There always have been times in our lives when we have thought about whether we want to excel and take our existing careers ahead or completely switch to another, or sometimes we are just hanging in there. However, not a lot of people are aware about the wide ranges of exciting job portfolios the hospitality industry has to offer.

Although the first glimpse that comes to anybody’s mind when they hear of the word hospitality is ‘Hotel Work’, there is a lot more that the industry has to offer other than the regular hotel related jobs. Highly ambitious patrons can choose from among a range of viable employment sector ranging from travel and tourism, to casino management, to an endless number of food and beverages industries. Although it is inevitable to amass some practical experience in your chosen area of interest, but if you truly want to make advancement in your career, the easiest way would be to obtain an appropriate degree in the hospitality administration, for a bright career in hospitality.

Other than the ones already mentioned, the humongous industry offers a variety of exciting job propositions which involves working towards operating a tour company or planning events at a resort or boarding a cruise liner as a recreation director and the list continues to get fancier. However, for anyone to be a part of an esteemed project like this, a college level hospitality degree is quintessential. For the ones with the correct education and the work drive, the opportunities offered by the hospitality industry are sky rocketing and limitless. According to numerous reports comparing the growth of all the major industries today, hospitality and tourism have fared the best and have been suggested of having the highest potentials for expansion.

Food and beverages:

Food and beverage reigns supreme when we talk about careers in hospitality. Being the largest and the most attractive element of this industry, the food and beverage section is highly dominant in the high-end fine dines, fast- food chains, catering establishments, celebratory occasions and a couple of other manifestations. Even when it comes to allied business, food and beverages do a good job at the cinema hall and bowling alleys. A lot more than the ambience of a fine dine restaurant that you are running, the quality and services for the food and beverages matter.

Lodging and boarding:

Accommodations wherein bed and breakfast are an integral part of the service represent a large segment of the hospitality industry. A lot of major businesses depend upon the lodging and boarding of their patrons and doesn’t matter whether you’re on one end of the spectrum or the other, the opportunities are limitless everywhere. Right from the extravagant resorts to mediocre hostels to the very basic camping sites, what majorly matters is the comfort, the customer service and the efficiency with which the place functions. Making a single guest happy helps in spreading the goodwill far and wide.

Travel and Tourism

Another major segment of the hospitality business includes transportation. This ranges from airlines, trains, cruise liners and the required staff for each of them. Flight attendants and cruise liner staff function as food servers. Hoteliers put in their efforts to provide food and beverages and a comfortable experience. A small section of travel and tourism has to be involved in the information technology section because that is also considered to be an important part of the hospitality industry. Travel and tourism requires knowledgeable employees in information technology, and they are also considered a part of hospitality.

Key Skills Required

Impressive communication skills is the key, add a penchant for the industry, and you’re right there – a perfect manifestation of the qualities you need to succeed. The industry majorly thrives on extensive customer interaction and satisfaction. Also, one should be extremely outgoing and ready to take up risk factors as well as branch out and increase the networking as much as possible for a successful career in hospitality.

Though the industry is vast, it’s extremely close knit and hence maintaining a healthy competitive environment. Your communication, your attitude and your knowledge about the current market will take you towards success. There is no stopping you if you are well versed with all three. Unlike the other industries, this particular hospitality industry flourishes only with practical experience. Theoretical knowledge though essential, isn’t the only way of succeeding.

The industry primarily needs people who will build up a young workforce and are particularly quick and witty with their responses as well as sincere in delivering the work. Earlier, lot wasn’t spoken about the service industry but now, when you speak about opportunities, horizon is the limit.  A near boom is expected in the industry in years to come. However, it is essential to break the stereotyping that the people belonging to this industry only have to sit behind the desks and greet people with smiling faces. A career in hospitality requires as much passion and as much dedication as any other profession does. It is not going to be a cake walk, but it is absolutely going to be worth it.