SBIT Hospitality & Event Management 

A career in hospitality can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. The interaction and networking with people are gratifying. If you enjoy meeting new people and creating memorable experiences for them, hospitality provides an abundance of opportunities to do so. Whether working in hotels, restaurants, or event planning, you'll constantly engage with guests and clients. The hospitality industry also encompasses a diverse work environment. Hospitality has many roles, from front-of-house positions like receptionists and servers to back-of-house roles like chefs and housekeepers. This diversity allows you to explore different areas and find the niche that best suits your skills and interests. Hospitality is a dynamic field with plenty of room for career advancement. With hard work and dedication, you can progress from entry-level positions to management roles or pursue entrepreneurship by opening your restaurant, bar, or hotel. Whether designing a new menu, planning a themed event, or revamping a hotel's guest experience, hospitality allows you to flex your creative muscles and develop innovative solutions to please your clientele. Many hospitality jobs offer travel opportunities, whether attending industry conferences, working in different locations, or even relocating for a job. The global hospitality market reached nearly $4.7 trillion and was forecast to grow to $5.8 trillion in 2027 (Donnellan, 2023).

Additionally, the industry is built on relationships, so networking is critical to success, and you'll have the chance to meet people from around the globe. Despite economic fluctuations, people will always need food, accommodation, and entertainment, making hospitality a relatively stable industry. A career in hospitality can also be demanding, with extended hours, high-pressure situations, and the need always to put the customer first. It's not for everyone, but it can be an incredibly fulfilling career choice for those who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy making others happy.

The hospitality industry's jobs span various roles and responsibilities, including catering, food and beverage service, event planning, and tourism. Some standard job titles include Front Desk Receptionist, Concierge, Restaurant Server, Chef, Sou Chef, Event Planner, Event Coordinator, Hotel Manager, General Manager, Travel Agent, and Tour Guide. Salaries vary depending on location, experience, education, and employer—contact Career Services at careerservices@purdueglobal.edu for assistance in finding more information.

In the next edition of this series we will be sharing hospitality career advice and reflections from alum, Amanda Arris, Accounting Manager at The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection, Portland Maine.

Donnellan, L. (2023, November 7). Hospitality students predict the future of a $4.7  trillion industry.  Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/laureldonnellan/2023/11/06/hospitality-college-students-struggle-to-predict-the-future-of-a-47-trillion-industry/?sh=eb932852e9b9