WHY THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO MAKE YOUR CAREER
• It's not just food - the world of hospitality needs designers, accountants, social media people, salespeople, managers, and the list goes on into almost every facet of job descriptions. • There's a ladder to climb if you want to. If you are motivated, hard working, and focused, you can aspire to nearly any position in our industry. • It's a great place to find friends (and in my case, meet a husband :) • It is mostly recession proof - as people want to share food in both the best of times and the worst.
The picture looks old - it is. 38 years to be exact, where I was receiving my 10-year employment pin (a tradition back then) - making today my 48th year in what was once referred to as the "foodservice industry.” It is now more appropriately known as "the hospitality industry.” And what an place it is.
Lynne Schultz CEO of Tri-State Marketing
I am confronted with people all the time that barely know this industry exists. Last week, we met this wonderful, enthusiastic waiter, Barron. Each dish he described made you want to order it. His smile was contagious. He was upbeat and fun and looking for the next step into building a career. He mentioned real estate. I suggested the hospitality industry - as he was already dipping his toe into it and it was an ocean of possibilities. Like many, he had no idea how big or diverse it was. The Cambridge dictionary describes hospitality as: the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors. Society for Hospitality and Foodservice (SHFM) Foundation realized this years ago when the group rebranded from SFM (Society of Food Management) to what it is today, because they realized the success of food management is anchored in being friendly and welcoming. Here's what I've learned about the hospitality industry: • It's filled with incredible people. • Many of those people are willing to mentor others. • It is one of the few industries that has multiple levels to work in - if someone is comfortable in a middle management position and doesn't aspire to climb the corporate ladder - there's lots of opportunities.
• And - according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in December 2023, employment levels in the hospitality industry reached 16.8 million jobs - meaning there's a job for you.
HOSPITALITY NEWS AUGUST | Page 47
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