Is a Hospitality Degree Worth It? Key Career Benefits

Key Takeaways

• A hospitality degree allows graduates to enter the industry at a higher level, bypassing years of entry-level work.
• Unlike learning solely on the job, a hospitality degree provides comprehensive knowledge of various industry sectors, including hotel operations, marketing, finance, and human resources.
• A hospitality degree helps students discover their niche and refine their expertise through specializations.

Hospitality is an industry where skills, adaptability, and personal connections often hold as much weight as academic qualifications and where only a few are lucky to succeed without a formal degree. So, is a hospitality degree worth it?

While it is easy to assume that skipping the classroom and diving straight into the workforce is the fastest route to success, in reality, bypassing a formal degree can sometimes mean missing out on crucial foundational knowledge that can limit opportunities in the long run, especially when aiming for managerial or executive roles.

Reasons a Hospitality Degree Is Worth It

If you want a short and direct answer as to whether a hospitality degree is truly worth it, the answer is a resounding yes and its benefits are far-reaching.

Below, you can find why pursuing a hospitality degree is an investment in your professional development and long-term success.

Faster industry entry

Earning a hospitality degree saves you time in two key ways. First, it accelerates your learning by combining academic knowledge with hands-on training in a structured environment. Unlike learning solely on the job, where experience is gained gradually and often without formal guidance, studying in a hospitality program allows you to absorb industry best practices and leadership skills efficiently.

Second, a hospitality degree allows you to skip years of entry-level work and start your career at a higher level with better pay. Without formal education, progressing from an entry-level hotel position to management can take years of demonstrated experience and self-taught leadership skills.

The BA in International Hospitality Management at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) integrates internships into the curriculum so that graduates enter the job market already equipped with the skills and qualifications needed for mid-level roles, often earning significantly more than those without a degree.

Broad sector knowledge

A hospitality degree provides a comprehensive view of the industry, far beyond what you would learn in a single job. For example, a restaurant server gains experience in service but may never be exposed to financial management or global hospitality standards.

In contrast, hospitality programs cover everything from international service styles and hotel operations to marketing and business strategy, ensuring graduates understand the full scope of the industry.

Although some companies offer employee training, opportunities can be limited by location or employer.

Niche discovery

Beyond industry foundation, a hospitality degree helps you identify your passion. Through exposure to different fields, including, but not limited to, event management, marketing, and hotel design, you gain clarity on where your interests and strengths align. Many hospitality programs, including the ones offered at SHMS, offer specializations that allow you to refine your expertise under industry-experienced faculty.

Unlike learning on the job, where trial and error can come with real consequences, the school provides a safe space to experiment, innovate, and make mistakes without the pressure of real-world stakes. By the time you graduate, you will have a clear direction for your career.

Leadership development

A true leader guides others with clarity and walks alongside their team through every challenge and success.

That’s why at SHMS, students understand the human side of the industry because, after all, hospitality is about people, and the best managers are those who can relate to their teams and navigate complex situations with a sense of confidence that comes from both knowledge and experience.

The curriculum goes beyond theory and integrates hands-on practical training that allows students to experience firsthand what it means to work in every aspect of a hotel, from front desk operations to housekeeping, from food and beverage service to event planning. This educational approach ensures that in the future, SHMS graduates can empathize with those working with them, having walked in their shoes during their education and internships.

Practical experience

If you’re torn between “hospitality education” and “hospitality experience,” you should know that your education is experience. Living and learning at SHMS means you will be studying in three former palace hotels: Caux Palace, above Montreux, the Mont-Blanc Palace, and the Belvédere in Leysin, where you will master everything from making a soufflé to redesigning a hotel room layout, all while studying subjects like international cuisine and hotel design.

As an added bonus, you get to live and study in Switzerland, expanding your professional network with other dedicated hospitality and tourism specialists worldwide and making more connections than you could in the workplace.

In addition to hands-on training from industry experts, students have the opportunity to attend events organized by Swiss Education Group, such as the International Recruitment Forum. At these events, they can connect with top employers like Marriott, Royal Caribbean, and Four Seasons, who are seeking the best talent to drive the future of the hospitality industry.

Career Opportunities with a Hospitality Degree

One of the greatest advantages of earning a hospitality degree is its range of career opportunities. The industry is far more diverse than many realize, extending well beyond hotels and restaurants. With the right education, graduates can step into roles that offer both upward mobility and international career prospects, which can be difficult to achieve without formal training.

Employers in hospitality often look for a combination of practical experience and formal education, and having both can make a candidate highly competitive in the following careers in hospitality:

• Restaurant manager
• Banquet manager
• Executive chef
• Front desk manager
• Guest relations manager
• Tour operator
• Activities coordinator
• Hospitality marketing manager
• Hospitality analyst

How to Decide If a Hospitality Degree Is Right for You

Choosing whether to pursue a hospitality degree ultimately comes down to your career goals and the professional life you envision. If you are someone who enjoys structured learning, loves a fast-paced and service-oriented environment, or aspires to hold leadership positions in the future, then a degree in hospitality is an investment that will undoubtedly pay off.

On the other hand, some individuals prefer to gain experience through hands-on work, building their skills over time without formal education. This path allows for flexibility and real-world learning, though career advancement may take longer.

So, ultimately, deciding whether a hospitality degree is right for you comes down to what aligns best with your ambitions and learning style.

Harnessing the Power of a Hospitality Degree

Hospitality remains a fantastic career with exciting global opportunities in glamorous locations, offering a stable industry projected for long-term growth for anyone desiring to become part of it.

Beyond the practicality of saving time, a degree equips you with a broader spectrum of knowledge and a holistic understanding of the hospitality industry. This helps you find your unique niche and develop valuable leadership skills.

Programs such as MA in International Hospitality Business Management or Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management offered by SHMS go beyond classroom learning, integrating real-world experience into hotel management courses and training. Hands-on learning, internships, and job placement opportunities give students a competitive edge, bridging the gap between education and industry demands. With a hospitality degree, you gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence to fast-track your career, setting you on a path to long-term success in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hospitality a good career choice?

Absolutely, hospitality is an industry that offers a lot of growth and travel opportunities, but it also requires strong people skills and the ability to handle stressful situations.

Is a hospitality degree difficult?

It’s challenging, but not in the way that a science or engineering degree is. The difficulty comes from balancing both theoretical knowledge and practical application. You’ll need to master business concepts, understand customer service strategies, and gain hands-on experience, all while developing leadership skills.

How many years is hospitality management?

Hospitality management programs at SHMS range from short-term postgraduate diploma (1 year) for career changers to a comprehensive BA in International Hospitality Management (3 years). Options also include a 1-year Master of Arts for leadership roles, a 1-year Master of Science for strategic management, and a flexible Online MA (up to 3 years).