In previous posts, I discussed navigating the career maze and elaborated on the interaction between your career and how it will impact your overall life. Today’s blog post highlights the five simple steps and ingredients for creating your career plan.
Here is a simplistic lay-out of the sequence I develop and fine-tune with my clients in online meetings and phone calls. We also collaborate in writing. Some extensive questionnaires I prepare are part of the production process. The result is an easy-to-read and strategically built career plan that includes all critical elements and maps different years and career cycles. You can do this yourself. The process is significant, and I recommend you start with a healthy portion of optimism, a blend of exploration and dreaming, and enough self-awareness of who you are. Simply start by asking yourself why you’re considering the hotel industry in the first place.
We share a common interest regardless of your background or the path that led you here. Many of us are drawn to this industry for similar reasons, whether we hail from the USA, India, the Middle East; from Kenya, South Africa, Europe, or any other corner of the globe. A passion for service drives some of us; others aim to make a difference and find this field the perfect fit. Some of us grew up immersed in hospitality environments, perhaps in family-run hotels, inns, or restaurants, feeling a natural affinity for this world.
Then, a large part of our community views hotels and the hotel business as a gateway to global exploration, relishing the opportunity to traverse different cultures and embrace the expatriate lifestyle – a sentiment I strongly resonate with. Finally, many of our colleagues stumble into this field by chance, perhaps because other doors appear closed, which is one remarkable aspect of hospitality. You don’t always require a fancy degree to embark on this Journey. It helps, of course, but there are natural alternatives and programs like European apprenticeships, international company internships, and internal management study programs. If not enough, one can work their way into the ranks by starting in line positions. It is probably a more challenging way, but I know it works with enough determination, hard work, learning, and patience. Few industries offer this kind of growth opportunity. So, please take a moment to ponder why you’re drawn to this industry; it will shape your Journey ahead.
This process and exercise will help you understand your motivations for venturing into the hotel industry or the broader hospitality ecosystem. You might already have a clear vision of the role, location, and company you aspire to join. While that clarity is commendable, let’s ensure that you understand and optimize every aspect, including financial rewards, role, and location, whatever path you choose.
I had only a straightforward vision. I was 17 and wanted to become an international hotel food and beverage manager. However, I was young and still in high school, and I needed to fully grasp the importance of working out a proper plan. Honestly, I had no clue. In hindsight, my determination, “no matter what,” and “can do” attitude propelled me. But it took a long time.
Sadly, this scenario is familiar to many in today’s hospitality education landscape—around 80% find themselves in a similar boat. They come with finished apprenticeships and fancy degrees from hotel or business schools, but they have little comprehension of how to reach their objective, and often, they don’t even have one. Only 20% have a clearly defined goal and a logical plan.
In my book “The Perfect Hotel Career,” I share holistic career planning templates. Some readers reached out, subscribed to my blog, and shared their plans, seeking feedback and assistance. Through this process, I discovered that most were focused on immediate job prospects, with a short-term outlook similar to mine in my younger years. Back then, I could only envision becoming a Food & Beverage Manager; my awareness of my capabilities and timeframe limited my aspirations. At the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, I began to expand my horizons and decided to become a General Manager.
Here is the story of a client in his mid-twenties who initially aimed to become a Food & Beverage Manager. When he contacted me, he said he was a restaurant supervisor. I helped him revise his plan, and now he holds the position of Assistant F&B Manager in a prominent Hyatt Hotel in the UAE. With my help, it took him only 18 months to make this change. He’ll likely step into the F&B Manager role in another two years, possibly by age 28 or 29. Imagine the trajectory – from restaurant supervisor to Restaurant Manager to Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and possibly soon to Food and Beverage Manager. He will be a General Manager by age 35, provided he maintains performance, enhances his skill set, and avoids decisions that could derail his progress.
This example could easily be your story. By formulating at least an initial plan – outlining how you’ll commence, progress, evolve, and refine your career over the next 30 to 40 years – you can save time and sidestep decision-making pitfalls. Many young hoteliers struggle to grasp the concept of long-term planning; not only this, but they also do not understand that there is an actual financial loss for taking too long or delays due to improper planning or no planning. Consider that one year’s gain in being promoted to a higher position translates into a tangible monetary return, which adds up throughout your career.
This reality should be noticed. While some European colleagues prioritize work-life balance, counterparts from regions like India, the USA, and Africa are hungry and tend to grasp advancement more acutely and aggressively. The passion and drive of young hoteliers in 2024 vary based on their geographical origins, a shift from the predominantly European management landscape of the past century to a more diverse global representation today, mostly from South Asia and African countries, both holding not only most suitable talent but also the right “Attitude” which does not require a University Degree. Effective career planning significantly enhances earning potential and career trajectory. Your success and fulfillment progressively improve as you diligently manage your plan.
Self-Assessment and Goal Setting:
Commence your career journey with self-assessment and goal setting. Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values, and establish clear, attainable career goals aligned with your aspirations. While numerous templates are available online, few cater specifically to the hotel industry. My book, “The Perfect Hotel Career,” and previous blog posts offer a basic template suitable for young aspirants like yourself.
Seeking Mentorship and Guidance:
Mentorship and guidance are pivotal in career development. Identify an experienced hospitality professional who can provide advice, support, and invaluable insights. A quality mentor will assist in navigating challenges, making informed decisions, achieving career goals, and enhancing your prospects in the competitive hospitality arena. Ensure your mentor comes from outside your immediate hotel circle to avoid conflicts of interest that can arise during decision-making processes. Not always is a recommendation by an internal mentor the right one for your career. It maybe working for you in the short term, but may have a negative impact on the long term.
Continuous Skill Development and Geographical Research:
Continual skill development is imperative for staying competitive in the dynamic hotel industry. Begin by researching and learning about geographical regions you’re interested in and subscribe to relevant industry magazines. For North America, “Hotel Magazine” offers first comprehensive insights, while “Hotelier Middle East” serves a similar purpose for the Middle East. European options are available through websites like fachzeitungen.de. There is a flood of them; I can recommend Top Hotels in Germany as one which has a somewhat international outlook. If you are working in Germany, you want to check out the AHGZ. It is a well established but also very regional hotel magazine catering more to hotel owners and companies than to young hoteliers.
For focused and free skill development, take advantage of and engage in company training programs and workshops, as well as pursue external certifications to broaden your skill set and stay abreast of industry advancements. Through regular and voluntary participation in company programs, you not only improve your skill set but also trigger the attention of the H.R. department to take a closer look at you and consider you an upcoming mover and shaker. Tailor your media consumption to your locale for the most relevant and comprehensive insights. There are so many sources of information these days. Learn to disengage from those who do not add value to your career. There are thousands of coaches and mentors out there. Make sure you research their background and only choose one with a factual hospitality background. You can always contact me if you have someone in mind but are still deciding.
Building Your Career Arsenal:
The final step involves building a robust career arsenal, a mostly overlooked segment in your planning activity. Due to its importance, I’ll delve deeper into this in my forthcoming blog post, but here’s the crux: Mastering resume and cover letter writing. Finetuning your application documents for each job.Gathering certificates and recommendations to fortify your credentials. Your awards and achievements will be primarily symbolic but have their fixed space in your arsenal. Lastly, ensure you receive work confirmations, letters of recommendation from your employer, and copies of your annual reviews religiously. Maintaining this and keeping it updated requires time as you grow older in your career. Invest in a quality professional folder where you keep it all together and have your digital copies. That you have to have a matching LinkedIn profile goes without saying.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, effective career planning and a solid career arsenal are indispensable for success in the hospitality industry. You can navigate a path toward a flourishing career by setting clear goals, staying informed about industry trends, seeking mentorship, and investing in continuous skill development. Additionally, honing skills such as resume writing and credential gathering can bolster your competitiveness in the job market. Invest in your career planning and arsenal-building today to pave the way for a rewarding future in hospitality. These outlined steps offer a structured approach to dissecting the main topic, facilitating a deeper exploration of each facet of your career planning efforts.
Yes, this requires work, but it is work for yourself and will definitely pay off in the future. If you need clarification, please email me through my website. In the next blog post, I will exclusively discuss the “Career Arsenal” as it is of fundamental importance to you.
Helmut H Meckelburg
