Why Working In Hospitality Is A Rite Of Passage

They say you haven’t experienced it all until you’ve worked in the hospitality industry. It’s a starting point in the workforce for most - the second you turn 14 and 9 months, you’re ready to earn some money to call your own.

Although hospitality has copped from time to time, it is one of the most secure and growing industries in Australia - spanning over from restaurants, hotels, drive-thru joints and the tourism industry. In our polls, 65% of you started your first job in hospitality. Plus, the perks of free food, discounted travel experiences, the friends you meet and memorable interactions? Priceless.

From learning how to keep your cool to juggling everything at once, Work Your Way with Accor - for greater flexibility, training and support with the opportunity to do what you love most! If you’ve worked in hospo, you know what hard work is–and it is a rite of passage. If you haven’t, here’s why you should:

1. It’s extremely flexible

Whether it’s those four hour after-school trots, early mornings serving hotcakes or late nights at the pub, hospitality is the most flexible, exciting and interesting industry. If you’re still in school or after a side hustle, your employer will work around you. So keep your passions and hobbies in check because hospitality is here to support you and to reach your full potential!

2. Travel the world 

Got the travel bug but still want to earn some decent dosh along the way? Whether you’re halfway across the world pouring codger’s schooners in an Irish pub or working in the world's finest Michelin starred restaurants, the practical and people skills you learn in hospitality will open doors to work in and travel to some of the most desired locales.

3. You can make someone's day

You’re providing a service, yet it doesn’t take going above and beyond to change the tune of someone’s day. No matter your work environment, you’re lighting someone's eyes up by making their morning coffee, pouring them their favourite beer or showing them to their room - something that gets them excited for the day.

4. You learn people and communication skills

Working with people from all corners of the world will teach you a thing or two about communication, patience and kindness. Without our favourite customers we’d do anything for or the Karen’s we need to get the manager for, you would never learn how to deal with all types. You only experience that in this industry.

5. You learn all about multitasking, prioritising and problem-solving

In Britney Spears terms, you better work–and dang, does hospitality put you to work. You’re put in some high pressure environments that trigger your fight or flight and you generally come out better and more prepared on the other end. Surviving and thriving, baby.

6. You will always have stories to tell

From the relationship you build with regulars to the wackiest situations you end up in, there is always a great story to come out of hospitality. Good or bad, we remember just how fun and easy it was to earn a decent living (plus, catching up with your work colleagues is the best feeling).

7. Hospitality provides the best character building

Taking responsibility, leadership and accountability for your job all adds to your personal character building - your personality will attract people. You learn to develop a sense of loyalty and you’ll come out stronger and switched on.

8. The skills are transferable to any job

A career in hospitality is readily available, no matter where you are in the world. Discover new countries, culture, people and jobs–you will stand out from the crowd with prior jobs in the industry.

Hospitality sets the foundation for a strong, evolving career. Whether it’s a short stint or something more long-term, there are major pros and perks that we sometimes oversee–from someone that has spent eight years in hospo, it’s an evolving industry that’s only on the up, so Work Your Way with Accor and get your start in a flexible and supportive career!