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Chapter 7
Careers in Hospitality Careers in Hospitality
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
• analyze opportunities, challenges, and trends
in the hospitality field.
• discuss the various career opportunities in
the hospitality field.
• explain what academic training is needed to
work in the hospitality industry.
• describe working conditions in the hospitality
field.
This morning I was up at the crack of dawn.
I like my guests to wake to the smell of fresh-
brewed coffee and fresh-baked pastries. As I
sat in the warm morning sun, I reflected on my
choice of life work. As most bed-and-breakfast
establishments usually are, my business is my
home. It is located in a beautiful Northeast setting
of trees, a creek, and mountain backdrop.
Running a bed-and-breakfast is really a
labor of love, as most small hospitality business
owners, like myself, work very long hours.
However, running my own bed-and-breakfast
has also been my dream for many years. Every
day I meet new visitors, and as I say goodbye to
new acquaintances, I know, many will be repeat
guests.
When my guests wake this morning, I will
give them a choice of breakfast in their rooms or
breakfast at the family table. Conversation will
usually center on my guests’ plans for the day.
They often ask for my advice on local tourist
activities or local history. Most guests will then
leave for the day to pursue their activities. A few
will stay behind to read or relax. This is my time to
plan dinner, prepare rooms for incoming guests,
shop for supplies, and oversee the housecleaning
crew that I contract for hire. I have two part-time
employees who monitor the desk during the
day to take and confirm reservations. Another
employee does the bookkeeping. I keep tabs on
items to be ordered, customer complaints, and
staff scheduling conflicts, all of which are taken
care of during the day. I study the accounting
records daily to stay on top of the financial
situation. I must also find time to glance through
tourism trade papers and websites, and I read
the travel review section in the newspaper. I am
frequently asked to donate a night’s stay to local
school auctions and other charity events. This
is a good way to market our business to new
customers.
I serve an evening meal for guests who
choose the option of a home-cooked meal.
Although it requires quite a bit more time and
commitment from me, I really enjoy this aspect
of my business. I love to cook and entertain, as
well as meet new people. We chat over family-
style meals. This is when I really connect with my
customers and get to know them.
It is extremely important that I have
exceptional name and face recollection. The
most successful owners report the majority of
their clientele are regular customers. The easiest
way to gain repeat business is by offering special
treatment. Remembering a customer’s name,
favorite room, food, or interests always impresses
my guests. I act as a host, chatting with
customers and making sure they are satisfied.
How did I prepare for my career? I graduated
from college with a degree in hospitality