Unlock Your Career Potential in Hospitality: The Hotel Industry Awaits

Jeff Bowes
4 min readMar 5, 2023

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The hotel industry is an ever-growing and dynamic industry that provides many opportunities for those looking to start or grow their careers. Whether you are just starting or looking for a change, the hotel industry offers something for everyone. I remember the first time staying in a hotel, and from that day forward, I knew exactly what I wanted to do ‘when I grew up.’ As a competitive hockey player, at the age of 7 or 8, I was part of the ‘Super Tyke League.’ We got to travel to a tournament out of town and stay in a hotel overnight. My dad was my coach, so he was also with me.

Hotel employees at front desk

The valet took my dad’s car as we stopped at the massive glass front door. At the time, I had no idea where our car was going until my dad told me what the valet’s job was. Then there were the bell people taking our suitcase AND my hockey equipment! But, once we were all settled and in our room, considering I’m a 7–8-year-old naïve kid, what blew my mind was how my dad just picked up the phone, dialed one number, asked for two cheeseburgers with two cokes and 20 minutes later, they were at our door……Whaaaaaaat????? I remember saying to my dad, “Wow, this is so cool. Can anyone work at a hotel?” Forty-eight years later, I’m into my 4th decade in this fantastic industry.

This article will explore why the hotel industry should be considered a career choice and what makes it an excellent choice for professionals of all levels. There are so many opportunities out there right now, and, at least here in Canada, pay rates are above the norm as hotels seek passionate, customer service-oriented individuals. The industry itself can be taught, but you must have that passion for making memories for others and want to treat others as you would expect to be treated.

Variety of Career Paths: One of the significant advantages of the hotel industry is the variety of career paths available. The sector offers entry-level positions such as front desk associates and housekeeping staff and management roles such as general managers and department heads. This diversity allows individuals to find the part that best fits their skills, interests, and career aspirations. Additionally, the industry offers advancement and career development opportunities, providing a platform for employees to grow within the company and reach their full potential.

Opportunities for Advancement and Career Development: The hotel industry is known for its supportive work culture, encouraging employees to learn, grow, and advance. Many hotels provide in-house training programs, workshops, and opportunities for employees to attend industry conferences and events, which can help individuals acquire new skills and advance their careers. Additionally, the hotel industry is service-based, providing a platform to develop customer service skills and work in a dynamic environment.

Diverse and International Work Environment: The hotel business allows for a varied and international work environment, offering the opportunity to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Working in a culturally diverse environment can broaden one’s perspective, improve communication skills, and provide the opportunity to learn about other cultures, which can be an invaluable personal and professional experience.

Service-Based Work Environment: The hotel industry relies heavily on customer satisfaction, and employees are expected to provide excellent service to guests, which can be a fulfilling and challenging experience. As a result, individuals working in the hotel industry often have the opportunity to develop interpersonal and communication skills that can benefit other sectors.

Stable and Growing Industry: Besides the benefits of working in the hotel industry, the industry is growing and long-lasting, providing a secure and sustainable job for those working there. The demand for hotel services is increasing globally, driven by the growth of the tourism industry, and this trend is expected to continue. This growth provides opportunities for new hotel projects, creating job opportunities for those who work in the industry.

To summarize, the hotel industry is an excellent choice for professionals of all levels looking for a fulfilling and challenging career. The hotel industry provides something for everyone with its variety of career paths, opportunities for advancement and career development, diverse and international work environment, and its stability and growth potential. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance to a leadership role, the hotel industry is an excellent choice for anyone looking to impact their career and personal life positively. So, consider the hotel industry if you are considering a career change.

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Jeff Bowes

40 years of Hotel Consulting and Hotel Management experience. He is skilled in hands-on training, software implementation, and hotel management.