In my last message, I discussed the Hospitality’s Labor Crisis and How It Helps Your Career Advancement. Today, I want to delve deeper into the incredible opportunities available, especially in Europe, due to staff shortages. The rapid advancement of young professionals in our industry today is not just unique, it’s a beacon of hope and motivation. Despite the challenges, the hospitality industry has shown remarkable resilience, with many individuals being promoted for their exceptional skills and dedication. This is not just a veteran’s point of view, but a testament to the potential for growth and success in our industry.
When my colleagues and I began our careers in the 1970s, it typically took 15 to 20 years to reach a General Manager (GM) position at a sizeable 5-star property. Some exceptional individuals achieved this in their mid-thirties, but most reached it by age 40. Many then progressed to even higher positions due to their outstanding performance.
In our industry, a career is as dynamic as running a hotel but also impacts everyone’s quality of life. Yet, many hoteliers become complacent after completing education, training, and landing their first jobs. They assume they are on the right and possibly fast track, but unexpected events occur.
Many promising individuals lost their jobs five years ago due to unforeseen circumstances. The same was the case after 9-11 and 2008 during the global financial crisis. People forget fast, but I remember well that even in 2012, with the beginning of the Arab Spring, many hotelier careers in North Africa and the Middle East were seriously interrupted.
Then there is the case of a new CEO in a company. This, too, can cause career ripples, unseating even the most talented members, not due to lack of performance but because the game has changed, a new trainer has emerged and he or she wants to make changes. Much like a football team with a new coach.
Imagine you own a hotel. You invest in it, reinvest profits, and make strategic decisions to ensure its success. Your career as an employee should be no different. It is your lifelong business. Reaching the top would help you have a strategic plan and continual investment in your growth. Always prioritise your interests first, not the company’s. Most hoteliers put the company first. I know; I did. This is not necessarily wrong, but the main person in the game is still You. At the end of the day, you putting in years of hard work and you not only should reap the benefits, You deserve it. So take the time to learn about yourself, your strengths, and your passions, and put yourself first. Always!
The basic steps to manage your career like a business are:
Know What You Want: Have a [Business] plan
The journey starts with a clear vision. I have spoken about it many times. The reality however shows, that most individuals mix this up with simply finding a job. You own it to yourself. Your career is not just a job. Your career is your entire life. Make the time and really find out what you want and what your path will be. Define what success looks like for you. Is it becoming a General Manager, moving into a corporate role, or starting your consultancy? Maybe an Executive Chef? It does not matter. What matters is that you are in control of your career path. That is the first step in creating a roadmap and the framework.
Set Clear Goals:
Once you’ve identified your career aspirations, it’s crucial to set clear, attainable goals. These goals are not just markers of progress, they are the compass that guides your career. Well-defined goals provide a sense of direction and serve as milestones to gauge your advancement. In my book, The Perfect Hotel Career, I delve into the concept of career cycles. Many professionals start their careers in reputable companies but are enticed by higher-paying positions in lesser-known firms as they move forward. I urge you to resist this temptation, if possible, and stay true to your career goals.
Invest in Education:
Just like hotel owners renovate and update their properties, you musts continuously improve your skilss, seek education and training. Attending industry conferences, enrolling in advanced courses, and staying updated on the latest trends is essential. Taking advantage of all the suitable training opportunities your company offers may show you as an ambitious individual, and someone who is proactive in taking advantage of opportunities. HR managers appreciate this when considering a promotion or a suitable transfer opportunity for you.
Apply Inteligent Networking:
Networking is not just a strategy in our industry; it’s a lifeline. Engage with industry leaders, join professional associations, and actively participate in networking events. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, but more importantly, they can provide a support system in times of need. The hospitality industry is a community, and we thrive when we support each other. Remember, the key is to focus on helping others move forward. This principle has been a cornerstone of my career. I know it has helped many of my old colleagues and some outstanding networkers. For instance, I once had a talented F&B Manager in Dubai who sought my advice about a GM offer in the US. After a thorough discussion, I encouraged him to seize the opportunity, assuming that he had found his replacement. This approach ensured I always had motivated staff around me, and it’s a testament to the power of our industry’s community and interaction.
Find a Mentor:
Discover the transformative power of mentorship in your career journey. Investing in a seasoned mentor can reshape your path and unlock new possibilities. Seek someone outside your company who genuinely has your best interests at heart. A top-tier mentor sees the potential in your future that you might still need to recognize. They’ve navigated similar challenges and can guide you through decision-making and overcoming obstacles. An internal mentor might prioritize company interests, which can clash with your personal goals. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a mentor who has the experience and aligns with your aspirations, making you feel understood and supported in your career journey.
An external mentor is a valuable investment. Quality mentorship comes at a price, but it’s worth paying for the wealth of experience and proven results it brings. Depending on your region and industry, mentoring services can range from $400 per session to $2,000 for a short-term project. Good mentors are pragmatic and passionate about guiding you, revealing potential paths that you might not have considered. Choose a mentor from your industry, not a self-proclaimed guru from the internet or YouTube, and you’ll invest in your future confidently.
Remember, mentors choose their clients carefully. They value their privacy unless they’re in the business of selling webinars, which is more typical of coaches specializing in specific topics like resume writing or interview techniques. A true mentor, however, takes you by the hand, shows you options, guides your decision-making, and maintains a long-term professional relationship with you for as long as you wish. Many mentors show flexibility in payment arrangements because they understand that younger individuals often have financial limitations.
Consider this: investing in yourself is the most consequential decision you can make for your future. It’s not just about the financial commitment but also about the commitment to your personal and professional growth. And yes, quality mentorship is worth the investment, not only for young people but also for many who are in advanced positions but have lost their direction and require clarity for the progression of their careers.
Evaluate and Adapt:
Regularly assess your progress and adapt your strategies. The hospitality industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and so should your approach to career growth. Consistently updating your resume is crucial, highlighting new skills and achievements each time you take on a new role or receive a promotion. This practice keeps your resume current and helps you recognize your professional development.
Planning your next steps is equally important. Each new role or promotion should be a stepping stone towards your long-term career goals. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and consider how they align with your aspirations. This reflection helps you identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.
Stay proactive by continuously scanning for realistic opportunities within your company. This means regularly checking your company’s job portal, subscribing to company newsletters, and following the company’s social media accounts. Don’t wait for tomorrow or a few months to start planning. Regularly review job postings, company announcements, and industry news to stay informed about potential openings and advancements. This vigilance allows you to act swiftly when opportunities arise.
Additionally, engage with mentors and peers to gain insights and advice on navigating your career path. Their experiences and perspectives can provide valuable guidance and help you make informed decisions. But remember, networking within your industry is not just about uncovering hidden opportunities and broadening your professional horizons. It’s about building connections and feeling supported in your career journey.
In summary, maintaining a proactive approach to your career in the hospitality industry involves regular self-assessment, strategic planning, and continuous vigilance for new opportunities. This dynamic field demands adaptability and foresight, ensuring you stay ahead in your career journey.
Become an early Investor:
Sooner or later in your career, thoughts of investing and saving money will cross your mind. It’s a crucial topic worth exploring. Here’s a simple way to start:
Open an investment account in your region and consider purchasing a small number of shares in an international company where possible. Let me share a personal anecdote- I vividly recall receiving my first 50 Hilton shares as a bonus directly from Barron Hilton during my time at the Waldorf Astoria. At that moment, while relatively inexperienced in investments, becoming a Hilton shareholder ignited my curiosity about annual reports, company happenings, and stock performance and movement. This experience has been instrumental in my career development and can be for you, too.
In short, owning shares in your company, be it Hilton, Marriott, IHG, IHCL, Hyatt, or another. This not only shifts your mindset but also provides invaluable insights into how bosses and shareholders evaluate a company. This journey of understanding and growth could lead you to a position of leadership, such as a General Manager, in the future.
As a shareholder, you gain the unique privilege of attending shareholders’ meetings in person, regardless of the number of shares owned. Participating in these gatherings offers a rare opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to company operations and strategic decisions. Your active involvement may influence how your superiors and colleagues perceive your commitment and understanding of the business.
Coming to the end of this article, this one more time: Your career is not just a job. It’s your lifelong and very personal business that will directly impact your life in more ways than you can imagine. Treat it with the respect it deserves, and it will reward you with the success you seek. It is not just a “Job”.
Our industry is a vibrant and unique career path that offers endless possibilities. It’s not about being better or worse; it’s about embarking on an exciting adventure that can lead to unparalleled success. The hospitality industry is ripe with opportunities for those willing to seize them. Stay strategic, invest, make every move count, and don’t stop dreaming. If there are speedbumps, reach out and speak with me. I am not only a mentor but also a friend.
HELMUT