Leading Careers in Hospitality: Your Path to Success

• Hospitality offers many career opportunities across different sectors, from hotel management to event planning and specialized roles.
• Education is essential for preparing individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in these diverse roles. 
• With the right qualifications, hospitality professionals can earn competitive salaries, reaching six figures in senior positions.

Hospitality is a dynamic field that thrives on human connection. At its heart, it’s about understanding people’s needs, fostering meaningful interactions, and creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

However, since there are so many different types of people, each with their own tastes, preferences, and backgrounds, a wide range of hospitality services are required in order to comprehend all of their needs and build those relationships. This diversity in both people and services fuels an equally diverse range of careers in hospitality.

Careers in Hospitality

The hospitality industry offers many jobs that cater to different skill sets and interests. Since the industry encompasses multiple sectors—from food and beverage management to lodging, event planning, tourism, and marketing—there are also different roles within each.

Therefore, all those passionate about cooking, the ones interested in managing teams, even ones whose expertise lies in planning events, can find fulfilling and rewarding careers in this area of hospitality.

Food and beverage management

The food and beverage management sector is focused on providing exceptional culinary experiences to guests. There are many professionals who work in this area to ensure that guests receive high-quality meals and overall memorable dining experiences, with some managing restaurants, others overseeing banquets, or directing entire food and beverage operations.

Some of the roles within this sector include:

• Restaurant manager

In this role, professionals are responsible for supervising all the operations of a dining establishment. Their goal is to coordinate both the front-of-house and back-of-house teams in order to handle everything related to customer service. Moreover, they're tasked with controlling costs and meeting health and safety standards.

• Banquet manager

Banquet managers are in charge of large-scale events, like weddings, corporate meetings, and gala dinners. They coordinate with clients, chefs, and event planners to create and deliver customized dining experiences for these events.

• Food and beverage director

The food and beverage director is in charge of managing all food and beverage operations within an organization. In the hierarchy of executive titles, they are over managers, banquet managers, and catering teams. Therefore, they're also responsible for overseeing the work of all these other professionals.

• Catering manager

A catering manager handles all aspects of food service for special events, such as corporate functions, weddings, and private parties. They are often tasked with planning menus, managing the catering team, and ensuring the whole team provides timely and efficient service. They also keep close contact with clients to make sure that everything is in accordance with their requests.

• Executive chef

These chefs play an important role in ensuring that the kitchen of an establishment runs efficiently and cost-effectively. They lead the kitchen team in designing menus, creating recipes, and maintaining food quality.

• Maître d'

The maître d' (or maître d'hôtel) is the face of a fine dining establishment's front-of-house team. Responsible for welcoming guests, managing reservations, and ensuring impeccable service, they coordinate closely with the kitchen and waitstaff to create a seamless dining experience. Their role requires excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of hospitality, and the ability to handle guest needs with grace and professionalism.

Lodging and hotel management

When you think of hotels, what comes to mind? The welcoming front desk where you check in or the luxurious amenities that make your stay feel like an escape from the ordinary? That is just a glimpse into all the work that goes behind the scenes in lodging and hotel management.

Lodging and hotel management is quite an expansive sector that encompasses a wide range of management positions. Some of them include:

• Hotel general manager

Everything you experience as a guest upon stepping into a hotel falls under the responsibilities of the hotel general manager. This role involves overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, including supervising staff, managing logistics, and ensuring that guests have an exceptional stay.

From coordinating housekeeping to overseeing front desk operations and ensuring compliance with safety and service standards, the hotel general manager is the driving force behind a seamless and memorable guest experience. This position requires excellent leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of hospitality to manage the intricate details of running a successful hotel.

• Front desk manager

Think about your last hotel check-in experience—that first interaction you have with the staff. Whether or not it was a pleasant experience is because of the work front desk managers do, as they’re the ones that oversee the check-in and check-out process, handle reservations, and even handle guest requests.

• Revenue manager

Revenue is what keeps businesses moving forward, and in hotels, it’s no different. Revenue managers are the ones who work behind the numbers to make sure the hotel remains profitable while delivering a high-quality guest experience. They look at pricing strategies, availability, and market trends in order to set room rates that maximize profit while attracting guests.

• Guest relations manager

Hospitality is all about the guests, as they’re the ones investing in your services and trusting your brand. That is why there are managers who function as a dedicated point of contact for them. From arranging special requests to solving complaints, guest relations managers aim to build relationships that turn first-time guests into loyal, repeat visitors. 

Event and tourism management

The ideal destination for your vacation, the perfect flow of a conference, the excitement of a fun party that you 'didn't have to lift a finger to organize—all such things are typically taken care of by event and tourism management. This sector of hospitality adds to the many other opportunities for management careers.

• Event planner/manager

Every major event—a wedding, a corporate conference, a product launch—isn't just thrown together overnight. Event planners and managers are the professionals who work on everything from the venue and catering to the itinerary. They're the ones who figure out the logistics, handle the vendors, and make sure everything runs according to plan, all while keeping the stress levels of the client at a minimum.

• Tour operator

Have you ever planned a trip that seemed amazing in theory but turned out to be a logistical nightmare when you arrived? The wrong timing, missed connections, or not knowing where to go next—these are the things that can turn an exciting adventure into a stressful experience. That is why tour operators are so important. They're the professionals who know the best routes, the hidden gems of a destination, and the perfect time to visit a landmark.

• Travel agent

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but planning a trip can often feel like anything but that. For those who want a stress-free vacation, the solution is a travel agent who handles all of the details, from flight arrangements and hotel bookings to organizing tours and excursions. Even for business travelers, travel agents provide beneficial services by handling the logistics so clients can focus on their meetings and responsibilities.

• Conference and convention manager

Conferences tend to gather hundreds, at times, even thousands of people. From coordinating speakers and panelists to managing the number of attendees, there are so many things that can go wrong if the organization isn't done well. In such cases, it's useful to have conference and convention managers, as they are professionals in this area and experts in organizing and overseeing conferences, conventions, trade shows, and other events.

• Activities coordinator

The activities—a group exercise class, a guided hike, an exciting excursion, a themed party, or anything else that catches your attention—are what make a resort or cruise memorable, in addition to the stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere. They're all planned and organized by activities coordinators whose primary goal is to make sure that guests have an enjoyable experience.

Sales, marketing, and analytics

Although it's true that hospitality is a people-centric industry, like any other business, it also requires attention to the numbers. The financial health of any hospitality business depends on how well its services are marketed and how data is analyzed. This opens the door to a whole new range of roles within hospitality, where professionals focus on strategy, outreach, and performance analysis.

• Hospitality marketing manager

A strong marketing strategy can help you reach and engage your customers. Hospitality marketing managers are the professionals in charge of working with a team of marketing specialists to create compelling advertising campaigns, manage digital content, and analyze the impact of marketing strategies to keep their brand at the forefront of potential guests' minds.

• Public relations specialist for hotels/resorts

Much like a brand's reputation in any other industry, the image and reputation of a hotel, restaurant, or resort are also critical to its success. The right public perception can lead to increased bookings, while a tarnished reputation can turn guests away. Public relations specialists for hotels and resorts work tirelessly to maintain and enhance this image.

• Hospitality analyst

Analysts in hospitality monitor trends in consumer behavior, analyze data from various platforms, and assess competitor activities in order to help businesses make informed decisions, whether it be pertaining to a new marketing strategy, adjusting pricing, or deciding which services to promote.

Specialized roles

Visitors to spas, casinos, sports arenas, and similar establishments come to relax, have fun, and immerse themselves in unique experiences. While they may not see the intricate backstage operations that make these moments possible, many specialized roles ensure everything runs seamlessly.

In spas, for instance, roles such as wellness therapists, spa coordinators, and estheticians focus on creating rejuvenating experiences tailored to each guest. In casinos, gaming managers, croupiers, and security personnel specialize in delivering top-notch entertainment while ensuring fair play and safety. Sports arenas rely on event coordinators, ticketing specialists, and hospitality suite managers to cater to fans and VIP guests.

These roles, unique to their environments, combine expertise in the specific venue's operations with a commitment to delivering exceptional service. By excelling in these specialized positions, professionals play a critical part in enhancing the guest experience while contributing to the success of these niche industries.

Educational and Skill Requirements

Obtaining a formal education in hospitality management is very beneficial for opening doors in the field, particularly for management positions. While it's true that some individuals can rise through the ranks of hospitality based solely on experience, this option often takes much longer and lacks the structure needed to equip individuals with the skill set essential for leadership roles.

Well-structured programs like the ones offered at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) provide the best way to efficiently prepare for a management career in hospitality. SHMS offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs in hospitality, such as the Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management, the Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management, and the Master of Science in International Hospitality Management. Through these programs, students gain theoretical knowledge and apply it in real-world settings, collaborating directly with experts and industry leaders.

The hospitality management programs at SHMS also prioritize the development of soft skills like communication, leadership, customer service, and adaptability. These abilities, in conjunction with technical knowledge such as data analysis and event planning software, increase students' career prospects and prepare them for the industry of hospitality.

Emerging Trends in Hospitality Careers

The hospitality industry is evolving thanks to technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the integration of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). A McKinsey & Company report from 2024 reveals a significant surge in AI usage across various industries, with 72% of organizations now using AI, up from just 50% in previous years. This growing trend is mirrored in the hospitality sector, where AI is being integrated to improve customer service, personalize experiences, and streamline operations.

At SHMS, students have the opportunity to engage with emerging technologies like the ones mentioned and more, preparing them for the future of the industry. The live demonstration of the hospitality robot Lucki is a perfect example of how SHMS is preparing its students for the future.

According to Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 81% of global travelers expressed interest in staying at sustainable accommodations in the upcoming year, reflecting a steady increase from prior years. The report also highlighted that 61% of travelers were inspired by the pandemic to pursue more sustainable travel options. 

SHMS students have been exposed to these trends through initiatives like their trip to the United Nations for the launch of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem. SHMS also focuses on sustainability in its curriculum, allowing students to explore how tourism and hospitality can contribute to a more sustainable future.

This focus on real-world engagement helps students understand the pressing challenges facing the industry and equips them with the knowledge to drive change.

Salary Expectations and Career Growth

Like in any other field, salaries in hospitality vary based on factors such as experience, location, the employer, and the size of the establishment. Entry-level positions often start with modest salaries. A restaurant server or front desk agent can start at hourly wages or annual salaries that are relatively low compared to more senior roles.

As you gain experience and move into supervisory or management roles, such as restaurant manager or front office supervisor, salaries can increase significantly, reflecting the added responsibility and expertise required. At the executive level, roles such as hotel managers, food and beverage directors, or even general managers at large establishments generally command salaries in the six-figure range, depending on the size and prestige of the establishment.

In addition to base salaries, many roles in hospitality also offer performance bonuses, tips, or commissions, which can add to overall earnings, especially in customer-facing roles.

Building a Successful Career in Hospitality

The hospitality industry offers a wealth of career opportunities. Therefore, if you're interested in any of them, there's no better way to start than with a degree. At SHMS, one of the world's leading schools in hospitality, we offer programs that ensure you're equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience essential for success in the industry.

With numerous career paths available, SHMS offers the foundation for a successful future in hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with hospitality experience?

With hospitality experience, you can pursue many different roles; it all depends on which sector you focus on. Some of these roles include hotel manager, restaurant manager, event planner, guest relations manager, food and beverage director, and tour operator.

Can you make six figures in hospitality?

You definitely can, especially in senior roles like hotel general manager, food and beverage director, or revenue manager. Although salary fluctuations depend on factors such as location, company size, and experience, it’s possible to build a lucrative career.

What degree is best for hospitality?

A degree in hospitality management, whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level, is an excellent choice for a career in hospitality as it covers everything from operations to customer service.