Every year, many bright and passionate hospitality students graduate from esteemed institutions around the globe, ready to embark on their professional journey. In parallel, countless interns and apprentices are already gaining valuable experience in hotels worldwide. These individuals share a common goal: attaining their ultimate industry aspirations.
The debate over which approach is superior holds little significance in hospitality. This unique field offers unparalleled experiences and remarkable opportunities for those willing to invest in their careers. Whether you begin with theoretical knowledge followed by practical application or vice versa, your performance on the job truly sets you apart from your competitors.
While obtaining a degree from a prestigious and, admittedly, costly hotel school can undoubtedly bolster your growth prospects, it is not solely the key to success. Your performance, network, and adaptability play pivotal roles in shaping your trajectory. A knowledgeable mentor can prove invaluable in your development, and their extensive network opens doors to unforeseen opportunities.
Now, you may be asking yourself, “I have graduated. What is next?” Allow me to offer some guidance on the actions you should take. Please note that this blog post is divided into two parts to ensure a comprehensive topic exploration.
First and foremost, it is essential to have a clear vision of what you want to become. If you still need to determine your career path when you first enrolled, now is the time. Most young professionals in the hospitality industry possess a general plan to work in a hotel, possibly in a management role. However, many need to learn how to reach their desired positions. Crucially, you must know what you want to be now and envision where you see yourself in five or ten years. Securing a hotel management position, particularly within the rooms division or food and beverage department, offers accelerated career growth. These two paths are the traditional routes for aspiring hoteliers. While venturing into sales and marketing is possible, it often requires more time due to the high demand for such positions. The hospitality industry requires individuals who can manage all aspects of hotel operations and troubleshoot when faced with challenges. This expertise is not typically cultivated in marketing or sales roles. I have written detailed blog posts on finding your objective and career goals, which I encourage you to explore.
The next step, contingent on your location, is to consider the ideal company for you to work for carefully. I cannot stress this enough. The choice of your initial employer carries significant weight.
Starting your career with a renowned hotel chain like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Ramada, or Holiday Inn can substantially impact your future. Please understand me—there are undoubtedly excellent Ramadas and Holiday Inns, and these brands enjoy global recognition. However, it is crucial to understand that the company you choose to work for serves as your positioning statement. Allow me to draw a parallel to mountain climbing: as you ascend a high mountain, there are various camps where you rest before continuing your ascent. In this analogy, the hotel company you select resembles one of these camps. The higher you begin, the greater your chances of reaching the summit. Let me provide an alternative example.
Suppose you commence your career with Hilton Hotels in one of their premium brands. In that case, your prospects of transitioning to another hotel group or brand are significantly enhanced compared to starting at a Ramada, Wyndham, or Holiday Inn. Of course, numerous variables come into play, and I am merely presenting you with a framework to consider. The prominent hotel companies include Marriott, Hilton, IHG (Intercontinental), Hyatt, Accor, and, in South Asia, The Indian Hotels (Taj). Securing a position with one of these industry leaders is no easy feat, and it may require persistence and strategic approaches beyond a well-crafted resume. It is worth mentioning that these companies may not offer the highest salaries. Nonetheless, consider this investment a stepping stone towards your future and a fulfilling life.
By this point, you should clearly know where you see yourself in the next five to ten years and have selected a brand that aligns with your aspirations. Crafting a compelling profile for yourself is a topic that merits discussion in this blog. However, here is a valuable hint: visit the websites of the six companies mentioned earlier and delve into their history and the various brands they manage. These websites are treasure troves of famous names like Waldorf=Astoria, Orient Express Hotels, Peninsula Hotels, Raffles Hotels, Grand Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, and Sheraton Grand, to name a few. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the brands they control is crucial. I have had the privilege of working with Hilton Hotels, Intercontinental, and Taj Hotels.
There is no absolute right or wrong way to select the perfect brand for you. I recommend following your “Inner Voice” when making this decision. You may argue that this approach could be more objective, and you might have a point. If you discover a more effective methodology, please share it with me, and I will incorporate it into one of my future blogs. In my case, the name “Hilton” struck an emotional chord within me. I still recall their captivating advertising campaign in the 1980s, “Take me to the Hilton,” which ignited my sense of adventure and wanderlust.
Furthermore, the stories surrounding Conrad Hilton and “The Greatest of them all”—The Waldorf=Astoria—solidified my unwavering admiration for the brand. I spent seven great years with Hilton in New York City and later in Los Angeles. So, explore the websites of these six prominent hotel companies, familiarize yourself with their brand architectures, and take note of the ones that evoke excitement within you—those that ignite your imagination when envisioning what it would be like to work with them.
Once you have selected, repeat this process for each of the six brands. Ultimately, you will end up with a curated list of twelve brands that warrant further exploration. This journey of discovery should examine your personality, knowledge, expertise, character, ambitions, and dreams. Reflect on your purpose and contemplate how you will integrate into these companies. Understand that this is not a rigidly scientific approach, and you may transition from one company to another. The primary objective is to optimize your positioning and embark on a career that you will genuinely love. Remember, you will devote 30 to 40 years to this industry—trust me, retirement will be the last thing on your mind.
If you diligently follow the above steps, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to your career and aspirations. I applaud you for undertaking this journey, which requires mental organization and discipline. This foundation you are building represents the groundwork for turning your dreams into reality. While I hesitate to use the word “ambition,” it is evident that to achieve all that you have outlined thus far, you possess the drive and determination of an ambitious individual.
In my next blog post, I will delve into the location question, the tools at your disposal, such as resumes or CVs, which headhunters or job boards to consider or avoid, and the steps you can take to secure the desired job. Before I conclude, let me mention one more crucial point: if you find yourself currently employed, take the time to go through the steps mentioned earlier and relax. There is no need to rush. However, if you find yourself in a position where you are actively seeking employment, consider taking a temporary job in the meantime. The hospitality industry constantly needs dedicated employees, and numerous hotels are eagerly hiring.
If you are new here, please register with your email to stay updated. Rest assured and I will not overwhelm you with excessive emails. I wish you all the best in your career endeavours, and I sincerely thank you for reading and be the right decision part of your journey.
Helmut Meckelburg