Studying while working can be a rewarding experience, particularly in the hospitality sector. Not only are jobs in this industry plentiful, they are also fun, sociable and generally appealing. From bar work to classy hotels, today we cover 5 reasons why a job in the hospitality industry is ideal for students in Australia.
Have you ever eaten at a restaurant, gone to a casino or stayed at a hotel? If the answer is yes, you’ve already experienced the hospitality industry!
At its crux, the hospitality sector is the part of the service sector that concentrates on helping customers meet their leisure and recreational needs. Business types included under the hospitality umbrella include bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, casinos and cruises. Likewise, job roles include waiters, cooks, chefs, concierges, baristas, bartenders, servers, hosts and hotel receptionists just to name a few.
The majority of roles in the hospitality sector include a significant amount of face-to-face interaction with customers. Therefore, good customer service skills are a must. A large part of the job is about making sure customers are satisfied, as well as dealing with problems proactively when they do arise and going the extra mile to make a guest happy.
Other skills needed for success in the hospitality industry include communication, multi-tasking and teamwork skills. This is because each day you will be meeting and working with many different people, so it is crucial that you’re a team player. Hospitality is also subject to incredibly busy periods; you need to be able to multi-task and manage your time while maintaining clear communication and a good work ethic.
What makes a job in hospitality ideal for students in Australia?
1) The hospitality sector can offer flexible shifts
Unlike most office jobs, the hospitality sector can offer flexible shifts outside of the 9-5 routine. If you’re worried about work getting in the way of your studies or not having enough time, a role in hospitality may just be the solution. This offers you the option to arrange shifts to suit your schedule, making them ideal to the busy life of Australian students. Similarly, in the hospitality industry you may also be able to get a colleague to cover for you in case of an emergency, giving you even more flexibility.
2) Working hours will increase during the holiday period
As the holiday period approaches people go out more and the hospitality industry gets busier. Luckily for Australian students, this increase in business (and consequently shifts) lines up perfectly with the downtime in your studies so you can work more and save up when classes aren’t running.
3) You get to meet new people and make friends
When you’re working in hospitality, a lot of your colleagues will be just like you— fellow TAFE or university students looking to make some money while studying. As you get to know your coworkers and work together as a team, it is only natural for some friendships to develop. Who knows? Your next hospitality job could be where you meet your future BFF. In any case, a role in hospitality provides you with a great opportunity to socialise and meet new people.
4) It’s a fun, sociable job
The hospitality industry is based on customer interaction, and being part of it means you will get to meet lots of different people! From a hotel concierge helping young travellers make the most of their stay to a bartender serving a group of newly arrived tourists, one of the unexpected benefits of working in hospitality is gaining new perspectives and interacting with interesting people from all over the world.
5) You get to broaden your skillset
Customer service, communication, teamwork— all these are skills you learn and develop through a job in hospitality. But did you know these are highly sought after qualities in almost every industry? Working in hospitality isn’t just an excellent way to make money to cover your tuition and living expenses, it is also a valuable experience which will make you a more well-rounded and employable person in the long run.
If you’re a friendly and responsible person who loves meeting new people and going the extra mile, a job in hospitality may be perfect for you. With flexible shifts and many attractive qualities, the hospitality industry is the ideal workplace for busy students in Australia.