Pursuing tourism or hospitality management or operational course is so much fun and eye opening to anyone interest and passionate about working or starting a business in the tourism industry. But it is also a nightmare to that student who jumped right in just because the course looks promising or because somebody referred them to it or because it is considered heroic pursuing a diploma or a degree in their village. Sometimes it’s good to think about yourself and what you want first before u start thinking about the societal needs. There are some factors that you should really consider and some insights that you should know before making a decision to pursue a course or a career in this field. Here is the summary: Understand the field first-before jumping right into the tourism or hospitality field of study, it’s not only smart but safe first if you really know some few facts about the industry. We are no longer in the 19th century when all u had to is to get a diploma or a degree and jobs will start following you. It is very important to have some facts like the possible careers and opportunities that you could pursue, the current trends in the industry and what it takes to make in industry.
Be passionate about it. A course is definitely right for you when you can talk for 10 minutes on the question, 'so what do you like about that course?’ or if you went to a club last night and you wake up in the morning with a really bad hangover but you still don’t want to miss that class. Passion is when others are counting reasons why the course sucks; you are just blown away by the opportunities ahead that no one else can see.
Think about your values, interests and beliefs- Does your beliefs make it hard for you to miss church on Sabbath days? Do you only conform to certain dressing codes? Because trust me some hotels have their own codes and some shifts will require you to work any day and any time with limited off days (mostly not on weekends) especially when there are lots of customers. So do you want to work in place that fits your schedule or in a schedule that fits the company?
Don’t be a jack of all trades and a master of none-When I first set my foot in a hospitality class, I knew I wanted to be a hotel manager and nothing could have stopped me. I was dressing like a manager, speaking like one and even walking like one. Somewhere along the way it hit me that this is not a short term plan? Long story short, the dream is still on but that’s a long shot. You have to test and know what it that you are really good at, a case of a hotel do you want to be a Front office manager, a marketer, and housekeeper, be your own boss, a chef? A case tourism do you want to be a tourism officer, a tour guide, a travel agent or a tour operator? Just don’t be so competent in all but outstanding at none.
Your personality and flexibility-Can you are able to pull off the biggest smile to a customer even when you are pissed at everyone at your workplace? Every one of us at some point experiences some low moments. You feel like you don’t want to talk to anyone but get this most tourism and hospitality jobs e.g. service team, customer care team, travel agents, marketers or receptionists requires you to be smiling, outgoing and polite(all the three can be learnt though.) This is regardless of how rude a customer gets because they are always ‘right.’ So if can you keep it together in such situations, then you’re the right man (or woman) for the job

If doubtful, choose the path that keeps the most doors open- So you are in a catch 22 situation whether to do tourism or hospitality or just some other course, right? Or you really don’t know which ideal post suits your personality. The easiest way to know what’s right for you in such situations is to keep your options open. Replicate choices from one choice till you find out which has more options. Case scenario: In hospitality you could be a waiter, a supervisor, a receptionist, a guest relations officer, a chef, a housekeeper, front desk agent but could tourism or a business management option give me that kind of flexibility?
Keep up with the current trends in the industry and the job market- I’m not saying that because the newspapers headline was like”30000 hotel workers lost their jobs…” you should shut off your dream career, all you need is a strategy. So, yes I want to work in this industry, how am I going to fit in, how am I going to stand out and be the best candidate, what are the opportunities for growth, because at the end of the day everyone is running their own race, competing for the few resources regardless of whether they step on your feet. Just know what the industry requires and figure out how to attain all that.
Don’t be too proud, consult your seniors- Somebody who has already been into the ‘mess’ knows how to explain it better. If they think it’s a good course, they will tell you why, if they don’t, it’s not your fault, just listen up, take what’s real and weigh your options alone. At the end of the day, it’s you against the world, right? But a good senior will narrate a nice story that no lecturer could ever tell, most of it is true.
Come up with goals and start early-Most people realize what the course is really about when they are in their third year or almost finishing. The world is not fair and for you to have some competitive advantages you have to have to do what others are not doing. Building a successful career in future regardless of whether its self-employment or being employed depends on your foundation right from the moment you decided to take that route. It’s like a house, for it to withstand the storms; it must have a very firm foundation.
Network Network! Network! – We all saw this one coming didn’t we? After all is said and done, you eventually need a job to make up for the hard toils and sacrifices. So during your school time, your holidays & internships make sure you make a few friends who have meaningful connections and can hook you up to a job when you are done with your studies. It’s not rocket science but if nobody knows you and can vouch for your credentials you will need to input some extra ‘effort’ to get that job in this industry. It’s a competitive but rewarding industry.