Five reasons why it makes perfect sense to study hospitality management

There are so many subjects to study for a Bachelor’s degree, why choose hospitality? If you want to know the answer to that question – or more precisely, five answers – then read on…

Do you love to travel and experience new places? Do you enjoy team working and interacting with people? Are you hungry to make a career in a dynamic and fast-growing industry? If the answer to any or all of these questions is ‘yes’ then studying for a hospitality degree might just be the best decision you ever make.

Why study hospitality management

Whether you want to work in the hospitality industry or are looking for a qualification that opens doors, a hospitality management program is a great way to boost your career and get started in a number of industries. 

It’s perfect if you’re passionate about providing exceptional guest experiences, interested in the intricacies of managing a business in the service sector, or simply drawn to the idea of working in a fast-paced and diverse environment, studying a hospitality management course can help you prepare for high level hospitality roles. 

Having a professionally-focused degree to your name has a direct impact on the level at which you can expect to enter the hospitality industry.

In fact, in some fast-developing markets, it can be hard to get a hospitality job at all without a relevant qualification.  

According to research by consultants Oliver Wyman, some 83% of entry-level hospitality jobs offered in China demand a Bachelor’s degree, with 61% for India. And when it comes to industry specialization the two markets are equally demanding, with a respective 74% and 83% requirement for a hospitality related education. This means that if you want to work in these exciting emerging fields, getting a hospitality management degree is almost essential. 

While these hard numbers are compelling, the reasons to study hospitality management go much deeper, touching on what you want to be – and where you want to go – as an individual. Let’s look at more reasons why you should study hospitality.

5 Reasons why hospitality management is degree choice for you

Here are five compelling reasons why pursuing hospitality management could be the perfect fit for your future success, and all the benefits you’ll get from picking the right course.

1. It delivers the industry-specific knowledge you need

A successful career in the hospitality industry requires specific knowledge and skills. It’s possible to develop these through years of first-hand experience; but studying for a specialized degree accelerates your learning, enabling you to aim for a manager-in-training or similar fast-track hospitality graduate trainee role.

A typical hospitality business degree provides you with a thorough understanding of the industry’s inner workings, including:

• Hotel operations: understanding the various departments within a hotel, including front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and reservations. This includes learning about room management, guest services, and revenue management.
• Food and beverage management: knowledge of restaurant operations, menu planning, food safety and sanitation, beverage management, and customer service techniques specific to the dining industry.
• Event planning and management: skills in organizing and executing events, conferences, weddings, and other gatherings, including venue selection, logistics, budgeting, and marketing.
• Tourism and destination management: insight into tourist behavior, destination marketing strategies, sustainable tourism practices, and the economic impact of tourism on local communities.
• Hospitality law and ethics: understanding legal and ethical considerations in hospitality operations, including contracts, liability issues, labor laws, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Revenue management: Techniques for optimizing revenue and profitability, including pricing strategies, demand forecasting, inventory management, and distribution channel management.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): Strategies for building and maintaining customer loyalty, managing guest feedback and complaints, and utilizing technology for personalized guest experiences.
• Cultural competence and diversity: Awareness of cultural differences, sensitivity to diverse guest needs, and strategies for creating inclusive environments in hospitality settings.
• Hospitality technology: Familiarity with hospitality-specific software and technology solutions, such as property management systems, point-of-sale systems, online booking platforms, and customer relationship management software.
• Entrepreneurship and small business management: Knowledge of entrepreneurial principles and practices relevant to starting and managing hospitality-related ventures, such as boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, or independent restaurants.
• Sustainability and environmental management: Understanding the importance of sustainable practices in hospitality operations, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, green certifications, and eco-friendly initiatives.
• Risk management and crisis communication: Preparedness for handling emergencies, crisis communication, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure guest safety and protect the reputation of hospitality establishments.

This knowledge can help you excel in various roles within hospitality, from hotel management to event planning. Furthermore, it will bring you up-to-date with industry trends and changes, making you a valuable asset to any organization.

2. You’ll open doors to a diverse and rewarding career in hospitality and beyond

You’d be surprised at the sheer breadth of hospitality jobs on offer. From revenue management to digital marketing, from guest services to food & beverage, and from event planning to human resources. Whatever your career ambitions, there’s a hospitality job that can fulfill them.

And of course a hospitality career is about far more than just hotels. It also encompasses the wider experience economy including sports and events, casinos, private travel, luxury vacation rentals, spa & wellness, and much more.

But that’s not all. With their exceptional blend of hard and soft skills, Glion graduates find doors opening to a vast spectrum of industries outside hospitality; some of which might surprise you! Take a look through our alumni stories and you will find people working in banking and finance, real estate, technology startups, you name it. The only limit to your potential career options is your own imagination!

3. You’ll acquire transferable skills

You may have heard the expression ‘non-linear career’. What it means is that today’s employees typically progress by bouncing between roles and industries, rather than following the more direct and linear career trajectory that was common among previous generations.

It makes a career more exciting and stimulating, offering opportunities to take chances and try new things in new locations. But the ticket for this non-linear trip is possessing transferable skills that your future potential employers are looking for.

While a hospitality business degree provides you with industry-specific knowledge, it also helps you develop a set of transferable skills that can be applied to other sectors and roles. By acquiring these skills, you can enhance your employability across various industries. These skills include:

• Communication skills: students learn how to communicate clearly and professionally with guests, colleagues, and other stakeholders, both verbally and in writing. Effective communication is essential in any industry.
• Problem-solving: hospitality management programs teach students how to identify and address problems that may arise in various aspects of hospitality operations, from guest issues to logistical challenges.
• Teamwork: hospitality is a team-oriented industry, and students learn how to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals.
• Leadership: aspiring hospitality managers learn essential leadership qualities such as decision-making, delegation, motivation, and conflict resolution to effectively lead teams and drive organizational success.

4. You’ll graduate with real-world professional experience

Many hospitality business degrees – including Glion’s – offer hands-on learning opportunities through internships as well as business projects that enable you to work with real companies. Experience such as this is worth its weight in gold, and it should be a prime consideration when you are choosing your program.

Internships in particular provide you with an opportunity to gain practical skills and first-hand insights into the industry. For example, you may be able to shadow a hotel manager or restaurant manager; or work with a team of event planners to plan a conference. This direct professional experience can help you build your confidence, gain practical skills, and make valuable industry connections. Additionally, it can help you identify the areas within the hospitality and tourism industry that interest you the most.

5. Access powerful hospitality networks

Networking is crucial in any industry, and hospitality is no exception. Hospitality programs often have strong ties to the industry which provide students with valuable access to industry professionals, allowing you to make connections and gain insights into the field. 

Not only this, but you can also add the network connections you make through your professional internships and business projects, field trips, and industry visits; not forgetting your expert faculty, who are only too happy to stay in touch with graduates and offer advice about working in the hospitality industry when asked.

Networking isn’t limited to professionals—it also includes connecting with fellow students and peers. Building relationships with classmates who share similar career aspirations can lead to collaborative projects, study groups, and future professional partnerships.

By studying at Glion you will join an élite, worldwide alumni network that is now 16,000-strong and counting! 

Glion alumni are only too happy to support one another in their business and career endeavors. The network is your ready-made, gold plated international contact book; once you are part of it you will be able to interact with fellow alumni online as well as participate in exclusive alumni events staged throughout the world.

It means you are never alone, no matter where – or to which industry – your career takes you. That’s an incredible extra return on your investment in a Glion education!

The benefits of studying hospitality abroad

Studying hospitality management abroad offers a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the classroom. Here are several great benefits of pursuing your hospitality degree in a foreign country:

• Cultural immersion: studying hospitality abroad provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. By living and studying in a foreign country, you’ll gain firsthand insight into different customs, traditions, and ways of life, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.
• Language proficiency: many hospitality programs abroad are conducted in English, but studying in a non-English-speaking country can also provide an excellent opportunity to learn or improve your language skills. Proficiency in another language, such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin, can significantly enhance your career prospects in the global hospitality industry.
• Global perspective: hospitality is an inherently global industry, and studying abroad exposes you to diverse perspectives and practices from around the world. By learning alongside students from different cultural backgrounds and studying under international faculty, you’ll gain a broader understanding of global hospitality trends and best practices.
• Networking opportunities: studying abroad allows you to connect with industry professionals, fellow students, and alumni from around the globe. These connections can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations in various countries and sectors within the hospitality industry.
• Personal growth: studying abroad requires independence, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that are highly valued in the hospitality industry. Living in a foreign country challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, develop problem-solving skills, and become more self-reliant, fostering personal growth and maturity.
• Enhanced career opportunities: a degree from an internationally recognized institution can significantly enhance your hospitality management career prospects. Employers value the global perspective, cultural competency, and language skills that are gained from studying abroad, making you more competitive in the job market.
• Lifelong memories and experiences: studying overseas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates lasting memories and friendships. Exploring new cities, trying exotic cuisines, and immersing yourself in different cultures will enrich your life and broaden your horizons in ways you never imagined.

@glion.spirit

This semester, our Bachelor students in International Hospitality Business went to #Munich for their field trip! ?? During their academic curriculum, they have the chance to immerse themselves in hospitality enterprises in a selected European city. Find out what they did during this field trip! ✈️ #Glion #Munich #FieldTrip #Travel #Europe #Hospitality #Trip #Bachelor #City #Germany

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