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Are you thinking of pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism? Here are five of the most important things to consider.

Working in hospitality can be challenging but also rewarding. Along with greater flexibility, a career in hospitality and tourism will give you the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life and use your creativity to solve problems and plan long term strategies.

Hospitality and tourism is also one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing service sectors, and according to Job Outlook the number of job openings for hospitality managers is expected to be above average over the next five years.

If you think a career in hospitality might be right for you, here are some of the most important things you should consider.

1. Working hours

If you’re not a 9-5 type of person and don’t mind working evenings or even nights, then a hotel, restaurant or other hospitality job may suit you quite well.

Hospitality jobs are fast-paced and generally involve longer working hours, but the upside is that there is also a great deal of flexibility in terms of when and how many hours you want to work, so you’ll usually be able to settle into a working pattern that suits your lifestyle.

2. Job description

The hospitality and tourism industry is quite diverse and jobs range from entry level positions like bartending, waitressing, food preparation and front desk to roles like corporate chef, hotel or restaurant manager, sales manager or senior travel consultant.

Keep in mind that even if you start in an entry level position, there is always room to move up the ladder as you gain more experience. And regardless of the job you start out in, many of the skills you’ll gain, such as multitasking, customer service and team working, are transferrable, which makes it easier to move between jobs within the industry.

3. Work environment

The type of environment you enjoy working in will influence the sort of job you choose. For instance, if you like constant action, you may prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel or restaurant to the somewhat calmer environment of a travel agency.

Additionally, when working for a larger brand name company, you’ll likely have just one specific job to focus on, whereas smaller independent companies may expect you to be more flexible and take on numerous responsibilities.

One thing you can always count on in the hospitality industry, though, is that you’ll be working in an engaging, sociable and multi-cultural environment.

4. Average salary

Your salary will vary depending on your job title and level of experience, but according to PayScale the average pay for a Hospitality Manager is AU$52,886 per year, while travel agents earn an average of AU$36,565 per year. Bartenders, baristas, and other front of house staff in entry level positions can expect to earn between AU$30,000 and AU$45,000 per year.

5. Necessary skills and qualifications

Some of the soft skills you’ll need to work in the hospitality sector include flexibility and creativity as well as interpersonal and communication skills. Leadership skills are also highly valued, especially if you intend to pursue a position in management.

Although most entry level positions allow you to learn on the job, gaining a relevant qualification in hospitality and tourism will give you an edge once you start applying for jobs and could even help you start off at a higher position.

If you’re interested in a career in hospitality and want to get started, check out our online Tourism and Hospitality Courses or get in touch with one of our career counsellors for guidance on how to choose a course that fits your specific needs and interests.