How skills from hospitality and tourism can propel careers beyond the industry

Removed from the stereotype of low-wage, low-skill positions, hospitality and tourism jobs could possibly be highly effective launchpads for broader profession success, in accordance with a brand new research from the College of Surrey. Researchers imagine that working in these roles cultivates a wealth of transferable expertise that may result in profitable alternatives in sectors like finance, well being care, and know-how.

In a research printed within the Annals of Tourism Analysis, a crew led by Dr. Brigitte Stangl recognized 116 distinctive transferable expertise that workers acquire whereas working in these sectors, highlighting the business’s position as an important coaching floor for important expertise.

The research discovered that workers in hospitality and tourism developed this wealthy variety of smooth expertise, together with emotional intelligence, teamwork, and cultural consciousness. These competencies are usually not solely relevant inside the business however may also considerably improve profession prospects in numerous different fields. For instance, many former hospitality employees efficiently transitioned into high-demand roles in banking, well being care, and IT, leveraging the abilities they honed whereas serving clients.

Dr. Stangl, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and lead-author of the research on the College of Surrey, mentioned, “Many people underestimate the value of skills developed in hospitality and tourism jobs. Our findings demonstrate that these roles do not just provide immediate employment; they equip individuals with critical skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that are highly sought after in many industries.”

The research highlights that the tourism and hospitality sectors are dealing with challenges in recruiting and retaining expertise, usually on account of damaging stereotypes and perceptions surrounding these jobs. Nevertheless, by reframing the narrative and emphasizing the precious expertise gained via these roles, the business can appeal to a extra various workforce.

Dr. Stangl continued, “With the tourism and hospitality industry projected to contribute significantly to the global economy in the coming years, this research serves as a wake-up call to reevaluate how we perceive these professions. The findings encourage both potential employees and employers to recognize the long-term benefits of working in this sector—not just as a job or long-term career within tourism and hospitality, but as a stepping stone to greater opportunities outside the sector.”