Networking for Hospitality Management Majors
The hospitality industry is a fairly large sector that employs millions. It offers many job opportunities in various areas for hospitality management students, including restaurants, hotels, cruise lines, and more. Many prominent multinational hospitality firms have a significant corporate presence in the United States.
Companies operating in the industry are always looking for qualified and energetic professionals with strong leadership qualities. The field has several areas of specialization. If you are interested in managing lodgings, you can find employment in small or large hotel chains. You can also focus on taking up managerial roles in cruise ships or airlines. Alternatively, you can run your own travel agency or catering business.
Hospitality managers are tasked with the responsibility of managing resort centers, casino establishments, hotels, and more. Some of the key daily duties include ensuring customer or guest satisfaction, supervising employees, planning work schedules, and ensuring compliance with specific regulatory requirements.
Resources for Hospitality Management Networking
You can take advantage of a wide array of hospitality resources that provide more information about job opportunities. The platforms are also ideal for networking with fellow professionals.
Some of the best resources to access job opportunities include:
NEWH Career Network
This platform provides a job and resume service to members as well as non-members. It is also a premier-networking platform for professionals in the hospitality sector. The network delivers regular emails to subscribers providing links to its database. This gives you a chance to connect with more than 18,000 professionals in the field.
Employers or recruiters post jobs on the NEWH website and have access to resumes posted by job seekers. On the other hand, you can browse job listings by location and discipline. This allows you to find suitable openings and submit your resume once you complete the Career Network Agreement Form.
Hospitality Leaders
Hospitality Leaders is a career network that lists thousands of hospitality management jobs from around the world, including the United States. The platform rewards members for interacting with other professionals who are active on the site. You will gain access to professionals specializing in various areas of the hospitality industry.
The individuals are also at varying stages of their careers. From entry-level professionals to those in top management positions, you are sure to meet like-minded individuals.
The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA)
ILHA provides a good platform for hotel and travel professionals to interact. The association aims to advance and promote various aspects of the hospitality industry. It has a strong membership base comprising individuals in more than 90 countries. The platform also lists job opportunities for its members.
Networking Tips
Whether you are a student, graduate, or working professional, networking can have a positive impact on your career prospects. A careful approach allows you to interact with professionals that add value to your aspirations.
Some of the best practices when networking include:
- Give positive feedback – expressing gratitude for great service in restaurants, hotels, other establishments enables you to gain valuable contacts in the sector. Positive feedback can make you stand out.
- Get involved – joining hospitality associations and attending events is a sure-fire way to meet fellow professionals.
- Ask for referrals – friends and family can refer you to great contacts
- Use social media – join conversations and make friends with professionals in the hospitality sector through social networking sites. Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your profession.
- Be polite and engaging with everyone you meet – you never know who you might end up working with or for.
- Carry business cards – don't expect everyone to remember your name or contact information. Bring business cards with you and accept others to help nurture relationships.
Can you see yourself succeeding in the world of hospitality management? If you'd like to learn more about earning a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Hospitality Management, consider ECPI University for the educational background you'll need to achieve in the field. Don't hesitate. Contact ECPI University today to learn more.
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Gainful Employment Information – Hospitality Management - Bachelor’s
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