Why the Hospitality Industry is one of the best places to make your career... 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 "food service industry". It is now more appropriately known as "the hospitality industry". And what an place it is. 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 they changed their name 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. *It's not just food - the world of hospitality needs designers, accountants, social media people, sales people, 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. *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. In 1976, at 17 years old, I walked into my first day as a switchboard operator for a company that sold refrigerators. At least that's what I thought. What actually happened, I had stepped out of a fallen house and into the land of Oz. Only this Oz happened to be the hospitality industry. Through these years, I have made incredible friends. I have been given the opportunity to learn and teach. Each one of my successes was due to someone in this industry guiding me along. In return, I guide others. It is an industry that demands much but gives back more - It's an industry that will change one's life. It did mine.
Love this post. I 100% agree. I landed a pot washing job in college in 1982 and it changed the course of my life. From dish pit to J&W to hotels and resorts… 40+ years later I’m still in it and learn things every day. There is a place for everyone in hospitality. From maintenance to kitchens, from dining room to guest rooms, from management to all the vendors partners. There is a place for everyone.
Congrats Lynne!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing your journey in the hospitality industry. It's incredible to see how it has evolved and how it continues to offer such rich and rewarding career paths
I often think who would have thought back in 1989 that starting at that “Refrigeration Mfg”. It would start a career path that it did.
Well said, Lynne! As someone 25+ years in, I am still learning, climbing, and meeting AMAZING people every day. Hospitality is not easy, but as you said, it can give you a lot in return, you just need to keep your eyes, ears, and mind open 💙
Well said Lynne. I remember those early days as well. It has been a pleasure watching and being a part of your journey (and you ,mine).
Oh the memories. We met during your “refrigerator” days. It’s been a fun ride, I’ve certainly done some cool things in our industry.
Congratulations my friend! Beautifully put!
Vice President AYS Staffing & SHFM IAB Board Member.
5moOh Lynne, I love this post, I mean I love all of your weekly posts, but this one hit different, as a college student with a Social Work degree who was going to save the world, I found myself in the hospitality industry! Congratulations on 48 years! Our industry is lucky to have you in it! 🤗💜