Is Hospitality the Right Career for You? What to Know Before You Begin

That instinct is what acclaimed chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller calls the hospitality gene. “I think true hospitality comes from within. I think that you are almost born with the hospitality gene in you. You want to make people happy,” he said in an ICE interview.

Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Management professional Fabio Pari-di-Monriva, who has helped countless students enter the industry and understands what it takes to succeed, echoed the sentiment: “A hospitality career demands dedication, hard work and a genuine love for serving others.”

Because there are so many unique careers within the field — including some you may not expect, like lifestyle manager at a luxury residential building or director of a hospitality non-governmental organization — there’s no single way to begin the journey.

“The world of food and beverage hospitality offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for those who have a passion for culinary arts, customer service and creating memorable experiences,” added Pari-di-Monriva.

Whether you are fresh out of high school, a recent college graduate, a veteran, or someone contemplating a career change, here are important things to know about hospitality careers.

What is hospitality?

Hospitality is a broad industry that encompasses several different sectors, all of which relate to the care of guests or visitors. These sectors include food and beverage, lodging, event planning, travel and tourism, and recreation and entertainment. Regardless of which sector you begin your career in, many facets of the hospitality industry are transferable between segments.

Take ICE alum Michael Lawrence, for example, who started in restaurant management and led operations at Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group for 25 years. Now, he serves as the Lifestyle Manager at One Wall Street (a luxury condominium building in Manhattan), and uses the same skills and instincts that made him successful in Michelin-level dining to create a sense of home for residents.

The desire to care for people and anticipate guests’ needs underscores all aspects of hospitality. Over time, you will learn which aspects of the industry you are most drawn to and where your unique skills are best suited.

What skills are important for a hospitality career?

Beyond the technical mechanics of any role, there are essential soft skills for hospitality careers.

“Effective communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving and customer service skills are essential in hospitality,” said Pari-di-Monriva. “[You need to] cultivate these soft skills to excel in a fast-paced, people-centric environment.”

ICE Executive Director of Industry Relations Rick Camac looks for a number of soft skills when hiring in the industry, which include “curiosity, perception, energy, enthusiasm, drive, ambition, problem solving and conflict resolution.”

In addition to soft skills, strong knowledge of the hospitality sector you’re interested in, plus a familiarity with finance, business and marketing principles can be helpful.

Can you work your way up in hospitality?

It is possible to work your way up in the hospitality industry, and many begin in entry-level positions.

According to Pari-di-Monriva, “The hospitality industry is well-known for providing opportunities to work your way up and build a successful career. This industry is unique in that it often values practical experience, dedication and a strong work ethic as much as formal education.”

That said, a formal education provides the basis for a comprehensive understanding of core hospitality principles ranging from budgeting and projections to legal issues and recruitment and training — and presents students with a safe environment to put them into practice.

While hospitality is a field where you can progressively advance by demonstrating dedication, refining your skills and taking on more responsibilities, acquiring foundational business acumen in advance of landing a role can prove helpful.

Just ask Sameer Bhatt, an ICE Restaurant & Culinary Management graduate and current Managing Partner at Bungalow (a three-star New York Times recipient), who noted, “At ICE, we covered finances, operations, marketing — stuff people might not realize is crucial. Even now, I rely on what I learned about percentages, rent costs, salaries and budgets.”

Upon completion of the program, Bhatt said, “I felt more confident about turning my passion into a career. Meeting people who were just as serious about it really solidified that.”

Should you consider formal education for a career in hospitality?

Formal education or training, such as ICE's Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Management diploma program, can certainly give you a leg up if you are starting in hospitality or looking to advance your current career.

The program helps to prepare students for careers that range from hotels, resorts, airlines, event management companies, cruises, theme parks, event venues and more.

“Training and education play a significant role in building a successful and well-rounded career in the hospitality industry,” Pari-di-Monriva said. “While hands-on experience is crucial, formal training and education can provide you with a strong foundation, specialized knowledge and a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving field.” 

ICE’s hospitality management students don’t just study hospitality, they practice it in real time — this is just one benefit of studying in one of the world’s most famous tourism destinations: New York City. Students have access to learning opportunities on and off campus:

• On-campus, lessons cover the hospitality mindset, financial concepts, lodging operations management, food and beverage management, employee hiring and training, marketing, sales, event planning and more.
• Off-campus, students attend field trips and guest lectures, providing networking opportunities and previews of real-world hospitality businesses.

Additionally, ICE’s hospitality programs include externships, which often prove helpful in launching careers. Here, students complete a 200-hour externship, applying the skills taught in the classroom to a tourism, travel or hospitality venue of their choice.

Related reading: What is an externship?

Formal education is designed to provide technical knowledge and business acumen, while hands-on training during an externship offers real-world experience and insight into how the industry works — both of which support in laying the foundation for a successful career.

Education in hospitality can range from classes and seminars to diploma programs like the one at ICE, though the option that is right for you depends on your specific hospitality goals.

According to Pari-di-Monriva, “By combining your passion with strategic planning and continuous learning, you can forge a fulfilling and successful journey in this exciting industry.”

ICE’s Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Management is offered at ICE New York and online. Request more information about the program here.