Did you know you could have a career in Human Resources in the hotel industry? I am here to inform you that you can and it can be very rewarding. Hotels are measured by the market size and revenue. There are a total of 187,000 hotels in the world with an estimated 17.5 million guest rooms in the world. The hospitality industry is worth over $258.1 billion as of 2022. In the hotel realm in Human Resources, you will be working with Sales and Marketing, Finance, Culinary, Banquets, Food and Beverage, Catering and Event Planning, Spa, Reservations, and Guest Service Operations.
In my college years, I was torn between being a news reporter and a high school English teacher until I started working for a hotel at the front desk. It all started with me just trying to earn a living to pay bills until I discovered I was great at guest service. I was averaging at least 10 comment cards a week, and was very passionate about what I was doing. I started moving up and realized this was exactly what I wanted to do. After working in Operations, I realized that I had a passion for teaching others, giving feedback, engagement, and correcting processes. My interest grew for Human Resources. Now after holding various positions in Operations and Human Resources, I am now a Director of Human Resources.
What skills should possess for Human Resources in the hospitality industry? You need to be an effective communicator, problem solver, agent of change, and be willing to
engage. Of course, you are in hospitality, so a great personality and being able to think on your feet is a plus because the operation changes daily. Organizational, creativity, and computer skills are necessary. Do you need prior hotel experience? No you do not. I have found that Human Resources professionals from retail, distribution and logistics, and medical fields have been a great fit. The career path for a hospitality HR professional would be HR coordinator/HR Generalist, Recruiter, Human Resources Manager, Assistant Director of Human Resources, and Director of Human Resources. You can also advance to an Area Director of HR, Corporate HR Director, and VP of Human Resources.
The biggest benefit from working in the hotel industry is you get to travel and see beautiful properties at a discounted rate. You receive a competitive benefit package, free employee meals, and vacation time. So, what are you waiting for? If you are saying “I can do this?”, then the time is now. Wait no more and start pursuing your career in hotel hospitality? Please visit heihotels.com for open opportunities.