5 answers
Jossette
Student
Kingman, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
443 views
I want to start a career in Hospitalty and Tourism.
How do I obtain an internship in Hospitality and Tourism/Event Planning?
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5 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
331
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Great question, Josette. A quick search on Indeed.com and LinkedIn (see links below) showed many opportunities, but some aren't internships. You could set up job agents to look for you and send emails when new ones are added to those sites.
You could join the "talent community" at hospitality brands you are interested in, such as Hilton. This would keep you informed about major updates for that brand (good to know for interviews) and create a job agent based on your interests. In all job agents, you could specify how often you want to be notified so you are not bombarded with emails.
Also most states and many major cities have tourism departments. Their names might not mention tourism specifically, instead being "Visit [insert name]". For example, here is a link to the Baltimore one (picked because my daughter's internship a few years ago). There is a lot of information there if you are willing to click around.
Good luck!
Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/q-internship-in-hospitality-tourism-jobs.html?vjk=dfea750aa92d4db1
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/hospitality-internship-jobs/?currentJobId=3865397179
Baltimore Tourism site careers - https://baltimore.org/hospitality-jobs-in-baltimore/
You could join the "talent community" at hospitality brands you are interested in, such as Hilton. This would keep you informed about major updates for that brand (good to know for interviews) and create a job agent based on your interests. In all job agents, you could specify how often you want to be notified so you are not bombarded with emails.
Also most states and many major cities have tourism departments. Their names might not mention tourism specifically, instead being "Visit [insert name]". For example, here is a link to the Baltimore one (picked because my daughter's internship a few years ago). There is a lot of information there if you are willing to click around.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Jossette
Kathy Laneaux
Cake Decorator/Finisher
21
Answers
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
Ok...hospitality and/or event planning. Kind of two different mind sets.
Hospitality doesn't always plan things and event planning doesn't always work with people directly, depends on the type of planning that you are looking for.
AS for Hospitality, any job that gets you in direct with people can set you on the right path. Become a waitress or a receptionist anything that you have to be face to face with peopled.
You could try it and realize that you don't want to do it after all.
Yes, take a course in Hospitality 101, but remember, this is a tool, you may not get the exact experience you may want. Just speaking from experience. If you are truly a person who love to help others, you can seek jobs that require compassion, understanding and a helping hand. You can even go to the local food bank, or soup kitchens where they serve the homeless.
As an event planner, that is where your service will help. If you are good at something, creating some sort of decorations, or you love to bake or create menus, something of sorts will be helpful in event planning. You can check with the local catering companies and see if they will be able to use an extra hand for the experience that you will receive.
Hope this helps.
Hospitality doesn't always plan things and event planning doesn't always work with people directly, depends on the type of planning that you are looking for.
AS for Hospitality, any job that gets you in direct with people can set you on the right path. Become a waitress or a receptionist anything that you have to be face to face with peopled.
You could try it and realize that you don't want to do it after all.
Yes, take a course in Hospitality 101, but remember, this is a tool, you may not get the exact experience you may want. Just speaking from experience. If you are truly a person who love to help others, you can seek jobs that require compassion, understanding and a helping hand. You can even go to the local food bank, or soup kitchens where they serve the homeless.
As an event planner, that is where your service will help. If you are good at something, creating some sort of decorations, or you love to bake or create menus, something of sorts will be helpful in event planning. You can check with the local catering companies and see if they will be able to use an extra hand for the experience that you will receive.
Hope this helps.
Hello Kathy! Thank you so much for your time and your invaluable information. I appreciate it and will definitely take this as I move forward with this next career in my life. Have a blessed week-Jossette
Jossette
Ebonie H
Sales Analyst
3
Answers
Evansville, Indiana
Updated
Ebonie’s Answer
Starting a career in hospitality and tourism is exciting because it's a vibrant industry with diverse opportunities. Here’s how you can get started:
1. **Education and Training**:
- Consider enrolling in hospitality or tourism management programs at universities or vocational schools. These programs provide essential knowledge in hotel management, travel operations, customer service, and event planning.
- Online certifications in hospitality management or tourism can also be helpful if formal education isn’t an immediate option.
2. **Gain Experience**:
- Start with entry-level positions like front desk agent, waiter/waitress, tour guide, or event assistant. Many successful professionals in this field started at the ground level and worked their way up.
- Internships and part-time jobs in hotels, resorts, or travel agencies are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience and build your network.
3. **Build Soft Skills**:
- Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills are critical in this industry. Practice working with people, handling complaints, and staying organized under pressure.
4. **Networking**:
- Connect with industry professionals through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Attend hospitality or tourism events, conferences, and workshops to meet people and learn about job openings.
- Join professional associations like the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) or the International Association of Travel & Tourism Professionals (IATTP) to gain insights and mentorship opportunities.
5. **Stay Up-to-Date**:
- Keep up with industry trends, technologies, and customer expectations. The hospitality industry evolves quickly, so staying informed will give you an edge.
6. **Consider Specializing**:
- After gaining some experience, you might want to specialize in areas like event management, food and beverage, luxury travel, or eco-tourism, depending on your interests.
By combining education, experience, and networking, you’ll build a strong foundation for a successful career in hospitality and tourism.
I wish you the best of luck!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!
1. **Education and Training**:
- Consider enrolling in hospitality or tourism management programs at universities or vocational schools. These programs provide essential knowledge in hotel management, travel operations, customer service, and event planning.
- Online certifications in hospitality management or tourism can also be helpful if formal education isn’t an immediate option.
2. **Gain Experience**:
- Start with entry-level positions like front desk agent, waiter/waitress, tour guide, or event assistant. Many successful professionals in this field started at the ground level and worked their way up.
- Internships and part-time jobs in hotels, resorts, or travel agencies are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience and build your network.
3. **Build Soft Skills**:
- Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills are critical in this industry. Practice working with people, handling complaints, and staying organized under pressure.
4. **Networking**:
- Connect with industry professionals through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Attend hospitality or tourism events, conferences, and workshops to meet people and learn about job openings.
- Join professional associations like the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) or the International Association of Travel & Tourism Professionals (IATTP) to gain insights and mentorship opportunities.
5. **Stay Up-to-Date**:
- Keep up with industry trends, technologies, and customer expectations. The hospitality industry evolves quickly, so staying informed will give you an edge.
6. **Consider Specializing**:
- After gaining some experience, you might want to specialize in areas like event management, food and beverage, luxury travel, or eco-tourism, depending on your interests.
By combining education, experience, and networking, you’ll build a strong foundation for a successful career in hospitality and tourism.
I wish you the best of luck!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Hello Ebonie - thank you so much for this wonderful answer. I have been wondering about education so you answered that question and I appreciate that you gave me a couple of options. I am excited and encouraged about this undertaking....at 56 years old so your vote of confidence gave me a little push forward. Thanks again and have a blessed week! Jossette
Jossette
Lisa Lim
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
The tourism, hospitality, and event planning sectors encompass a wide variety of roles. Many of these positions are "front line" roles, which require excellent people skills and a customer-centric approach. Understanding this is crucial to finding the right fit and knowing what potential employers in this industry value.
There are also roles that are less customer-facing, such as project management. Most entry-level positions are administrative, which helps you build a solid foundation. Once you've mastered the processes, you'll gradually take on more responsibilities and projects, eventually leading a team.
Networking is key in this industry. Make sure to attend industry trade shows and career fairs. Many companies announce these events on their websites, often targeting high schools and colleges. Hospitality schools also post job listings, which can give you an idea of the skills employers are seeking in new recruits.
Starting with an entry-level job at a hotel is an excellent way to enter the industry. It allows you to network within the company and gain a deeper understanding of various roles. Another good starting point is in food service, such as restaurants or catering companies. Catering offers a lot of flexibility, and you'll meet many interesting people. It also provides a deep dive into what it takes to pull off a successful event, including project and team management. This was my own path into the industry, and it eventually led me to a position organizing corporate events.
Hotels are a great start, even small ones where you will be given more responsibilities to manage and work your way up.
There are also roles that are less customer-facing, such as project management. Most entry-level positions are administrative, which helps you build a solid foundation. Once you've mastered the processes, you'll gradually take on more responsibilities and projects, eventually leading a team.
Networking is key in this industry. Make sure to attend industry trade shows and career fairs. Many companies announce these events on their websites, often targeting high schools and colleges. Hospitality schools also post job listings, which can give you an idea of the skills employers are seeking in new recruits.
Starting with an entry-level job at a hotel is an excellent way to enter the industry. It allows you to network within the company and gain a deeper understanding of various roles. Another good starting point is in food service, such as restaurants or catering companies. Catering offers a lot of flexibility, and you'll meet many interesting people. It also provides a deep dive into what it takes to pull off a successful event, including project and team management. This was my own path into the industry, and it eventually led me to a position organizing corporate events.
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Annie Booth
Event Planner
5
Answers
Walnut Creek, California
Updated
Annie’s Answer
Embarking on a career in Hospitality and Tourism is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to create memorable experiences for others. Here are some steps to help you secure an internship in this dynamic field:
Research and Identify Opportunities: Start by researching companies, hotels, event planning firms, and tourism boards in your area. Look for internship programs or entry-level positions that align with your interests.
Network: Connect with professionals in the industry through school events, career fairs, or online platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to internship opportunities.
Gain Relevant Experience: Volunteer at local events, join school clubs related to hospitality or tourism, or take part in community service projects. These experiences can enhance your resume and demonstrate your passion for the field.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have, such as customer service, teamwork, or organizational abilities. Customize your application materials for each opportunity to show your genuine interest.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss why you're passionate about hospitality and tourism. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Stay Persistent and Positive: The process may take time, but persistence pays off. Keep applying and learning from each experience.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Good luck, and enjoy the journey into the world of Hospitality and Tourism!
Research and Identify Opportunities: Start by researching companies, hotels, event planning firms, and tourism boards in your area. Look for internship programs or entry-level positions that align with your interests.
Network: Connect with professionals in the industry through school events, career fairs, or online platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to internship opportunities.
Gain Relevant Experience: Volunteer at local events, join school clubs related to hospitality or tourism, or take part in community service projects. These experiences can enhance your resume and demonstrate your passion for the field.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have, such as customer service, teamwork, or organizational abilities. Customize your application materials for each opportunity to show your genuine interest.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss why you're passionate about hospitality and tourism. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Stay Persistent and Positive: The process may take time, but persistence pays off. Keep applying and learning from each experience.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Good luck, and enjoy the journey into the world of Hospitality and Tourism!