From Hospitality to CEO: How a Background in Hospitality Can Benefit Your Career Trajectory

The hospitality sector is known for its dynamic and fast-paced nature, offering a multitude of roles and opportunities for career advancement. Although some may view a job in hospitality as merely a transitional phase, the truth is that a background in this industry can significantly influence your career path, regardless of the field you pursue.

Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube, started her career as a restaurant hostess, which helped her develop exceptional communication and customer service skills. Likewise, Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, began his career as a chef and worked his way up in the culinary world, honing valuable problem-solving skills that have proven vital in his current role. Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, began as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant, an experience that fosters resilience and grit, both of which are essential for a CEO.

Front of house teams learn to develop exceptional customer service and communication skills, being able to manage conflict in a fast-paced, stressful environment. They learn the value of the product or service they are selling and know how to balance the importance of getting new customers and keeping existing customers.

You’ll learn how to work in a team and if you move into a supervisor or management role, it can be a fantastic opportunity to develop accounting, budgeting and supplier management skills.

In short, a background in hospitality can provide you with a host of transferable skills that can benefit your career in any field. The communication, management and customer service skills you develop in hospitality will help you excel and succeed whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, finance or technology. So if you're looking to start your career, consider working in hospitality - it could be the best decision you'll ever make!