Hospitality : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

• Graduate training schemes exist with larger organisations, such as restaurant and hotel chains. For more information see typical employers.
• There are also opportunities with smaller businesses, such as exhibition venues and events management companies, and independent restaurants, bars and hotels.
• Generally, hotels, restaurants and bars offer more opportunities. It can be more difficult to get into events management.
• Work experience is crucial in this sector and many graduates get into management positions after working for a significant period in operational roles.
• Student and graduate vacancies can be found on the UKSP  website. 
• Jobs are also advertised in the trade press or on specialist websites, such as Caterer and Hotelkeeper Jobs , Hcareers  or the Caterer.com . There is a range of specialist recruitment consultancies in every region of the UK.
• It can be useful to make speculative applications or to visit businesses in person to see if they are hiring, particularly for part-time or vacation work.
• Hotels often advertise specific vacancies locally, which can provide an entry route for graduates wishing to work in a specific location.

Find out more about interview tips, job application advice and CVs and covering letters.

What skills do I need?

• The Institute of Hospitality  has identified communication skills, interpersonal skills, team-working skills, problem solving, numeracy and IT proficiency as key employability skills in the sector.
• Other key attributes are enthusiasm, adaptability, an ability to work hard and commercial awareness.
• Graduates from hospitality-related disciplines are preferred, but most employers accept candidates with other degrees as long as they have already worked in the sector.

Where can I find work experience?

• Most hospitality-related degree courses provide industrial placements or work-related modules.
• You can gain relevant experience through voluntary work, such as helping to organise events or working in care homes or for charities, or through paid part-time or vacation work.
• If your degree is not in a hospitality-based subject, schemes exist to help you gain accreditation for relevant experience within the industry. For example, the Institute of Hospitality’s HAVE Scheme, and the various work experience opportunities offered by Springboard .
• Many large hotel and restaurant chains offer one-year placement or holiday schemes across the UK and sometimes internationally.
• Due to the shortage of staff in the hospitality industry and high turnover, it can be easy to gain relevant experience in entry-level positions, such as food and beverage service, cleaning or customer services.

Is postgraduate study useful?

• Many universities offer postgraduate courses in hospitality management, open to graduates of any discipline.
• Look for courses which involve practical relevant placements and good networking opportunities.
• Although relevant postgraduate qualifications may be useful, employers place most value on work experience, an understanding of the sector and key skills. Some employers may be willing to sponsor part-time or distance-learning postgraduate or professional study.

For more details, search courses and research.

How can my career develop?

• There are many different career paths and specialisations within the hospitality industry. Many people will start in entry-level jobs, such as waiting tables in a restaurant or housekeeping in a hotel.
• Opportunities for progression exist for dedicated staff.
• Moving to a different employer or relocating may sometimes be necessary in order to progress.
• There is usually a wider variety of positions to explore within larger organisations, whereas a position with a smaller employer may involve a broader range of activities and responsibilities.
• Many employers are likely to provide training and/or support part-time study in order to address skills shortages.