Hard work, dedication and motivation - do you have what it takes to thrive in this fast-paced industry?

A career in hospitality and tourism may be rigorous and competitive, but it is not without its perks. Today, many hospitality and tourism graduates are well-rounded individuals with a good balance of life skills and managerial proficiency, allowing for a wide range of career opportunities. Additionally, with the right
attitude and experience, ambitious individuals can expect high-ranking opportunities in the industry of their choice. Bear in mind, though, that while it may seem glamorous from the outside, a job in the field typically entails working the hardest during holidays and weekends, especially as you progress up the career ladder.

Let's take a look at the two main branches - hospitality and tourism, and employment opportunities in each.

Hospitality

This field is all about food, beverage and accommodation. If you are detail-oriented and pay strict attention to the guest experience, hospitality management may be a sound career path to consider. Getting a degree would give you the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for the field of hospitality. There are several main careers paths that you can take:

Food and Beverage - F&B managers work throughout the world in catering companies, hotels, restaurants, and basically anywhere food is served. An
F&B manager oversees all operations of restaurants and on-property food services.

Human Resources - You would be responsible for all duties involving employees, including recruitment, salaries, employee benefits, insurance, and conflict resolution.

Lodging and Accommodation - Also referred to as the management of hotels,motels, resorts, or any property that provides accommodation. Managers in this
area are in charge of daily operations. This can include sales, marketing, employee relations, customer relations, budgeting and maintenance.

Casinos - This can be one of the most lucrative areas in the hospitality field, although, it does come with heavy responsibility. Casino managers are responsible for overall operations of the facility, much like a hotel manager, but with the added responsibility of security due to the nature of the business.

Tourism

Tourism refers to travelling, attractions, customer service and basically everything within the tourist experience. Work in this area can involve lots of travelling, which can be appealing.

Tour Agencies -Guides bring guests on educational or sight-seeing activities at a variety of tourist attractions. They describe points of interest and answer questions from tourists, and are responsible for the safety of their customers.

Travel Agencies -Here, you would deal with vast amounts of travel information, from making travel reservations, accommodations and recreational
activities bookings, to passport and visa arrangements. It is also crucial that travel agents have a great deal of knowledge about their travel destinations from the weather to local attractions.

Tourism Marketing - If you prefer a career in marketing, you would work with advertisers to promote the products and services of a travel or tour agency.
You would conduct studies to engage prospective customers, identify new markets, establish pricing strategies and keep an eye out for upcoming tourism trends.

Whether hospitality or tourism, one thing is for sure -the career opportunities are vast and exciting! If you are still unsure which of the above paths suit you, do not worry. Your first year would expose you to a wide range of subjects from both hospitality and tourism, requiring you to specialise only in the later
years of your studies. For more information, visit the websites of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (www.hotels.org.my), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (www.mfbea.org.my) or the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (www.tourism.gov.my).