A Guide to Hospitality Careers for Aspiring Professionals in Africa

The hospitality scene is massive, going in all sorts of directions. It's actually one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. You've got a ton of career choices, from working in hotels, planning epic events, and managing beach houses to being a tour guide, tourism or roles in restaurants, bistros, lounges and bars.

But sincerely—it's a bit like navigating a maze to figure out the best path. There's the whole deal with what skills you need, what the job outlook is, and what doors would open for you.

You don't need to worry though. This guide is your roadmap to NAVIGATING the awesome career routes waiting for you in the hospitality industry.

What does the hospitality industry look like?

The hospitality world is all about businesses that make life more enjoyable—think food, hotels, fun stuff to do, and places to hang out. It's not just local; it's a global thing that brings in a bunch of money and creates loads of jobs. Basically, it's a big deal for the whole world's economy.

So, why choose a career in hospitality? Well, it's an exciting adventure where you can grow as a person and in your career. You might even get to travel and work in different parts of the world! Plus, working in this field helps you build awesome skills like leading a team, talking with people, solving problems, and giving top-notch customer service.

Is hospitality a smart career move? Totally. If you're a hard worker who loves making people happy, this could be your jam. Hospitality is a fast-growing industry with tons of job options. The possibilities are pretty sweet!

Career Choices in the Hospitality Industry

In the world of hospitality, there are lots of cool jobs to choose from, whether you're just starting out or aiming for the top. Let's explore some of these jobs and what they involve.

Management Roles

If you love being in charge and making sure everything runs smoothly, management roles are for you. These jobs involve overseeing the daily operations of places like restaurants, hotels, and resorts. To get into these roles, you usually need a Bachelor's degree in hospitality management and some experience in the field.

1. Hotel Manager

Hotel managers are in charge of the day-to-day running of the hotel. They take care of everything – they ensure employees do their duty, guests are happy, and see to handling the money and marketing.?

2. Food and Beverage Manager

Do you enjoy the idea of making sure people have tasty food and drinks? That's what food and beverage managers do. They oversee places like cafes, bars, restaurants, or even places where big parties happen. They plan menus, order supplies and make sure everything tastes just right.

3. Event Manager

If you like organizing parties and gatherings, being an event manager will be fun for you.? Event managers plan conferences, weddings, and festivals. They work with clients to figure out what they want and handle the budgets and schedules. They also have to pick the perfect place and manage the people who help make the event successful.

4. General Manager

The general manager oversees everything in a hospitality business. They work with other managers, like event and food and beverage managers, to make sure everything is running smoothly. It's a bit like being the CEO of a company. They ensure everyone is doing their job well.

Operational Roles

These are the jobs that focus on making sure everything in a hospitality firm is running just right. Think about housekeepers, bartenders, kitchen staff, chefs, servers, and the friendly folks at the front desk – they all play a big part.

1. Housekeeping Supervisor

Housekeeping supervisors make sure all the areas in a place are clean and neat. They train the cleaning team, keep track of supplies, and make sure the job is done really well. If something needs fixing, they talk to the maintenance team and the front desk to make sure everything's top-notch for the guests.

2. Front desk receptionist

The front desk receptionist is the friendly person at the front desk. They greet and welcome guests and customers, help them check in and out, take calls, make reservations, and keep everything in order. They're a big part of making sure guests have a great time.

3. The bartender

The bartender is the person behind the bar mixing up all those cocktails and creating a fun atmosphere. They make sure everyone has a good time by serving up delicious beverages.

4. The chef

Chefs are the masterminds in the kitchen. They're the ones who create mouth-watering dishes that excite the taste buds of guests. They plan the menus and cook tasty meals, and ultimately play a huge role in making a restaurant or hotel dining experience memorable.

5. The server

Ever been to a restaurant and had someone friendly bring you your food? That's the server or the waiter. They take orders, bring delicious dishes to the table, and make sure everyone's having a great dining experience.

6. Maintenance crew

When something breaks in a hotel or restaurant, it needs fixing. That's where the maintenance crew comes in. They make sure everything works perfectly, from fixing leaky faucets to keeping the lights beaming bright.

Support roles

There are still some important roles that help keep a hospitality business running smoothly, even though they might not have direct contact with guests or customers.?

1. Sales and Marketing

There needs to be people telling everyone about how awesome a hospitality brand is.? That's what those in sales and marketing do. They come up with cool ideas to make more people know and love the place. They create ads, talk to potential customers, and even make friends with other businesses to help the place grow.

2. Human Resources (HR)

HR managers are those that look after the wellbeing of all the people who work in a hospitality business. They help recruit new team members, make sure everyone gets trained properly, and take care of employee benefits. They also help to build a healthy work environment for everyone.

3. Accounting and Finance

Meet the money manager. Those who work in the finance department are in charge of everything. They keep track of how much is coming in and going out, making sure budgets are on track, and telling the managers about it.?

So, even though these roles might not be the face you see when you check into a hotel or enjoy a tasty meal, they are a huge part of the success of any hospitality brand. Without them, guests and customers cannot? have the best hospitality experience.

What are some skills you have to nurture as a hospitality expert?

To become a true hospitality expert, you need to cultivate and hone certain soft skills. The bedrock of success in the industry lies on these skills.?

1. Friendliness

The cornerstone of hospitality lies in the ability to exude warmth and friendliness. Guests and customers often remember not only the quality of service but also the positive interactions with staff. A friendly demeanor can create a welcoming atmosphere and create connections that go beyond transactions. It is not just about your smile but genuine engagement, active listening, and the ability to make your? guests feel special and at ease.

2. Teamwork

Effective teamwork is indispensable in hospitality. You must be able to collaborate with other team members to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for guests. Teamwork involves effective communication, mutual support, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service.?

3. Adaptability

The hospitality landscape is dynamic, and change is constant. As an adept hospitality expert, you must possess a high degree of adaptability. This skill is crucial during peak times when the pressure is on, and unexpected challenges arise. It's about maintaining composure and delivering top-notch service, even in the face of adversity. For instance, being able to handle a rude guest with grace and professionalism is a testament to your adaptability. Moreover, adaptability extends to embracing technological advancements and evolving industry trends to stay ahead in an ever-changing market.