Career Opportunities for Hospitality and Tourism Managers

Career Opportunities for Hospitality and Tourism Managers

With 335,000 job opportunities forecast over the next three years*, the Australian tourism and hospitality industry is set to make a come back in 2010, says William Blue College of Hospitality Management.

"Demand for highly skilled hospitality and tourism management professionals remains high, despite suggestions the industry took a hit during the GFC. And while our sector has suffered in some shape or form, the industry has managed to retain staff and keep busy. There has never been a better time to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality management," says Stuart Wiggins, deputy head of college, William Blue College of Hospitality Management.

However, Wiggins says the days of rising through the ranks without a qualification are over.

"The professionalisation of the industry has resulted in employers placing a high priority on business qualifications. All the major hospitality and tourism organisations require graduates and trainees to have a degree qualification as a minimum to join their program.

"Employers are also looking for graduates with more than just entry-level skills. They want industry-ready professionals equipped with strong interpersonal and communications skills, a good work ethic, a sound knowledge of food and beverage in addition to business and management skills and qualifications," he says.

Wiggins says William Blue graduates are equipped with business skills that can be applied in all forms of business management whether it be in hospitality, tourism, HR or events.

"Our students have the skills to start out in hotel management, move into event management or lead tourism operations in the cruise liner or airline sectors all with the one qualification," he says.

Wiggins says a growing number of students are studying with the intention of going into business for themselves.

"The professional skills students acquire, combined with a keen entrepreneurial instinct is the stuff business success stories are made of," he says.

According to Wiggins, students have a clear understanding of the professional and culture expectations of the industry from day one.

"Students live and breathe hospitality and tourism management from day one. They manage the College's William Blue Dining restaurant and kitchen as well as running major events on-campus. We set the bar high for our students and expect the same level of professionalism, work ethic and skills set by any 5-star organisation.

"Industry placements organised through the College are also critical to ensuring students have the best opportunity to apply their knowledge in the workplace. In fact we're finding many students being offered positions part way through their course and then finishing their studies via the College's flexible and online offering," he says

The result, says Wiggins, is a graduate that can integrate seamlessly into the workplace; moving from education to industry with no element of culture-shock to the demands of the fast-paced hospitality and tourism environment," says Wiggins.

Bachelor of Business graduate, Matthew Abrahams, says studying at William Blue provided him with a strong understanding of industry operations, and secured him a position with Toga Hospitality Group, one of Australia's fastest-growing hospitality companies.

Recently promoted to duty manager for Toga, Abrahams says he was drawn to hotel management for its diverse and challenging work environment.

"One of my recent jobs involved relocating to Darwin for the opening of the Medina Grand and Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront - a dual-hotel. Working closely with the regional manager I was involved in organising décor, establishing operational procedures and training staff.

"My role now includes managing staff, overseeing the restaurant and housekeeping, budgeting and dealing with guest on a daily basis. I'm constantly looking for opportunities to improve my abilities to become a better manager," he says.

"Hotel management is far from just a desk job. Every day is different and you need good people, time management, problem solving and business skills to deliver the best customer experience. At the end of the day it's all about the guest and making their day, makes my day," Abrahams concludes.

William Blue courses (with majors in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management and Event Management) have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Association of Hotel Schools (AAHS), AHA (NSW) and the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE)

All Australian students can apply for FEE-HELP or VET FEE-HELP. For more information please call William Blue on 1300 851 237 or visit https://www.torrens.edu.au/about/our-heritage/william-blue