International Opportunities in Hospitality Management


Do you take pride in going above and beyond to help people have a wonderful time? A career in hotel management may be ideal for you if this is the case. A degree in hotel management enables you to travel the world, work in exciting places, and advance your career in a dynamic sector.

This article delves into the field of hospitality management. We share how international work options open to those with a degree in this area and the income expectations for those with such a degree. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

hospitality management
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

What is hospitality management?

Hospitality management is the art and science of managing and coordinating various operational aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry. This includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning, and travel agencies.

As an established discipline, it revolves around overseeing hospitality operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, managing resources, and maintaining high standards of service excellence.

Why study hospitality management?

A qualification in hospitality management opens up a world of opportunities, providing you with a solid foundation for a successful career. Here are compelling reasons to pursue a degree in hospitality management:

You will have the unique opportunity to work overseas

Working in disparate parts of the world is an enthralling part of a career in hospitality management, especially if one loves travelling. In fact, there is an ever-growing demand for people with international experience and cultural awareness in the hospitality industry, especially those who are fluent in English.

A degree in hospitality management can pave the way to exciting opportunities worldwide, whether you want to manage a five-star hotel in Dubai, a beachfront resort in Bali, or a cruise liner in the Caribbean.

You will enhance your resume.

Hospitality management degrees provide you with an edge in a competitive business. These programs are designed to teach specialized skills and knowledge that employers value.

Completing a full degree in this discipline shows your dedication, professionalism, and industry preparation. In addition, your qualification will demonstrate your industry knowledge, customer service skills, and complicated operations management.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry

A hospitality management qualification provides a deep understanding of the sector. You will learn about hotel operations, food and beverage management, event planning, and tourist trends. This information may help you navigate the ever-changing industry, anticipate customer needs, and make profitable business decisions.

You shall have the unique opportunity to expand your professional network

In the hospitality business, networking can lead to intriguing job opportunities and collaborations. In addition, internships, industry, and networking events can help you build career-long relationships. In fact, on some occasions, celebrity guest lecturers, alumni, and industry experts may visit your hospitality management classes, thereby giving you a chance to expand your network.

You will hone your existing skills.

Hospitality management programs teach industry-specific information and valuable skills that companies want. Communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are some of these qualities. These abilities can be applied in real-world situations as you study, preparing you for the hospitality business.

To gain further insights into the hospitality management field its benefits, read “Hospitality Management: Why You Should Enrol“.

What are some international opportunities with a hospitality management degree?

A hospitality management degree opens up many exciting international career paths. Let’s explore some of the potential job opportunities available to graduates:

Hotel management jobs

Front office manager

A front office manager oversees the reception area of a hotel, ensuring smooth check-in and check-out processes, handling guest inquiries and complaints, and managing reservations. This role requires excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and a discerning eye for detail.

front office
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Directors of housekeeping

Housekeeping directors are responsible for ensuring cleanliness, orderliness, and overall maintenance of guest rooms and public areas by managing housekeeping staff, developing cleaning procedures, and maintaining an inventory of supplies.

Sommelier

Becoming a sommelier can be rewarding if you have a passion for wines and beverages. As a sommelier, you will curate wine lists, offer recommendations to guests, and ensure the proper storage and service of wines.

sommelier
Photo by cottonbro studio

Guest relations manager

Guest relations managers are responsible for ensuring guest satisfaction throughout their stay. They handle guest requests, address concerns, and coordinate with various departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Hotel general manager

As a GM, you will oversee all vital aspects of hotel operations. For example, guest services, sales and marketing, human resources, and finance. This role requires strong leadership skills, business acumen, and the ability to make strategic decisions.

Group regional manager

Group regional managers oversee the operations of multiple hotels within a specific region. They ensure that properties meet quality standards, achieve financial goals, and implement corporate policies effectively.

Food & Beverage jobs

Restaurant manager

Restaurant managers oversee restaurants’ day-to-day operations, ensuring quality food and service, managing staff, and maintaining profitability. They also handle customer inquiries and resolve complaints to provide a positive dining experience.

Catering Assistant

Catering assistants support the catering team in organizing and executing events, including weddings, conferences, and banquets. They assist with food preparation, setting up event venues, and ensuring the smooth running of events.

Sous chef

Sous chefs work closely with executive chefs in professional kitchens, managing food preparation, supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring quality control. In addition, they contribute to menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining high culinary standards.

sous chef
Photo by Anna Tarazevich

Culinary director

Culinary directors oversee multiple kitchens and culinary operations within an organization. They develop menus, manage food costs, train chefs, and ensure consistency across all culinary outlets.

Director of food & beverage

F&B directors oversee the food and beverage operations of hotels, resorts, or restaurant chains. They develop strategic plans, manage budgets, and ensure high-quality food and service standards.

Entrepreneur

With a hospitality management degree, you can explore entrepreneurship by opening your own restaurant, café, or catering business. This path lets you showcase your creativity, passion, and culinary expertise.

Travel and tourism jobs

Travel agent

Travel agents assist individuals and groups in planning and booking their travel arrangements by providing recommendations, handling reservations, and ensuring that clients have a seamless travel experience.

Tour guide

Tour guides lead travellers on guided tours, providing historical, cultural, and local insights. They must have excellent communication skills, a strong knowledge of tourist attractions, and the ability to engage and entertain guests.

tour guide
Photo by William Fortunato from Pexels

Marketing and public relations

In the travel and tourism industry, marketing and public relations professionals are crucial in promoting destinations, hotels, and attractions. They develop marketing strategies, create compelling content, manage social media platforms, and foster relationships with media outlets.

Sports, wellness & leisure positions

Casino host

Casino hosts are responsible for providing personalized services to high-value casino guests. They ensure that guests have an enjoyable gaming experience, handle special requests, and facilitate loyalty programs.

Spa director

Spa directors oversee the operations of spa facilities, ensuring high-quality services, managing staff, and implementing wellness programs. They also collaborate with marketing teams to attract clients and maximize revenue.

Theme park manager

Theme park managers oversee all aspects of theme park operations, including rides, attractions, guest services, and safety measures. They ensure smooth operations, maintain high guest satisfaction, and manage a staff team.

Photo by Caroline Cagnin

Sports event executive

Sports event executives coordinate and manage sporting events, including tournaments, competitions, and conferences. They handle logistics, sponsorship agreements, and marketing, as well as ensure the smooth execution of events.

Event planning

In-house event planner

In-house event planners work within hotels, resorts, or corporations. They organize and manage events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate meetings by coordinating with clients, arranging logistics, and ensuring that events run smoothly.

Conference organizer

Conference organizers are responsible for planning and executing large-scale conferences and conventions. In addition, they handle venue selection, speaker coordination, registration, and logistics to ensure successful events.

Overall, these are just some notable examples of the diverse international opportunities available to graduates of hospitality management programs. Additionally, the hospitality industry offers a broad range of career paths, allowing you to pursue your passion and specialize in various areas of interest.

Hospitality management salary

The salary in the hospitality management field varies depending on factors such as job position, location, and level of experience. Typically, entry-level positions in the industry offer lower salaries, while managerial and executive roles may offer higher earning potential.

According to recent industry reports, the median annual salary for hotel managers is around $54,430, while food service managers typically earn a median salary of $55,320 annually. However, it’s imperative to note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on various factors.

However, with substantial experience, further qualification, and career progression, there is potential for higher salaries and additional benefits in the hospitality industry. Additionally, international positions may offer competitive compensation packages and other perks such as accommodation, meals, and health benefits.

Generally speaking, it’s essential to research and consider the specific industry trends, location, and job market conditions when evaluating potential salary prospects in hospitality management.

Who should study hospitality management?

Hospitality management is an ideal field for individuals who:

  • Have an undying passion for providing exceptional service.
  • Enjoy working in dynamic environments.
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, customer-centric industry.
  • Are genuinely interested in creating memorable experiences for others.

If you’re considering a degree in hospitality management, read this article “Who Should Take A Course In Hospitality and Tourism?

Where to study hospitality management?

If you want to study hospitality management, it is imperative that you select a reputable institution that offers extensive and industry-relevant programs. University of Wollongong Malaysia is one such institution that offers a Diploma in International Hotel Management.

The program will equip students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of hospitality administration and provides practical training through internships and industry placements. It includes hotel operations, food and beverage management, event planning, and tourism studies, among other topics.

What subjects are needed for hospitality management?

To excel in a hospitality management program, students typically study various subjects that cover the industry’s theoretical and practical aspects. Some of the common subjects include:

  • Introduction to Hospitality Management
  • Food and Beverage Management
  • Hotel Operations
  • Tourism and Travel Management
  • Event Planning and Management
  • Marketing for the Hospitality Industry
  • Financial Management in Hospitality
  • Human Resource Management in Hospitality
  • Customer Service and Relationship Management

Conclusion

Studying hospitality management opens up international opportunities in a vibrant and ever-growing industry.

Whether you aspire to manage luxury hotels, create exceptional dining experiences, plan unforgettable events, or explore the world of travel and tourism, a degree in hospitality management can pave the way for a rewarding and fulfilling career.

By studying hospitality management, you can work overseas, enhance your resume, gain a deep understanding of the industry, expand your professional network, and hone your existing skills.

The diverse job opportunities, competitive salaries, and the chance to positively impact people’s lives make hospitality management an excellent choice for individuals with a passion for service and a drive for success.

To learn more about the hospitality and tourism industries’ exciting future and possibilities that lie ahead, read ‘Hope for the Future: Bringing Hope to the Hospitality Tourism Industry‘.

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21 June 2023

CATEGORY

Education and Career