As the global hospitality industry recovers from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are seeking jobs in one of its multiple sectors.
Historically, entry-level hospitality jobs such as servers, cleaners, receptionists, etc., have been a staple among students due to their availability and low requirements. But while some students regard such jobs as only a source of income, others see them as opportunities for further career growth in the industry.
Regardless of their purposes, all students with jobs are extremely busy. Very often, it may result in excessive stress levels and lead to burnout. Luckily, such students can ease the burden of academic workload by placing an essay order online. Thus, they can continue to combine work and studies successfully.
But if you are planning on advancing your career in the hospitality industry, it is vital to move beyond entry-level jobs. Education can help a lot, so it’s worthwhile to consider a course or a degree program.
If you are wondering what subjects you will be studying as a hospitality student, read on to find out.
Hospitality Industry Sectors
Many people, even those who plan to work in the hospitality industry, tend to underestimate its size and diversity. Most of them limit it to the hotel or restaurant industry only.
But in reality, “hospitality” is an umbrella term encompassing many sectors. So, before we move on to the list of the subjects, let’s take a quick look at the different sectors of the hospitality industry.
Typically, experts name four or more of them. The main four are
- food and beverages;
- travel and tourism;
- accommodation;
- events and recreation.
Each of these sectors is very broad on its own. For example, the “food and beverages” category includes all kinds of facilities, from restaurants to small pubs, plus catering companies and delivery services. So, there is a lot to learn if you want to become a hospitality industry professional.
Below, you’ll find a list of just a few subjects you’ll need to study.
5 Subjects Hospitality Students Usually Study
There are various educational opportunities for those planning to enter the hospitality industry. You can choose a traditional degree program, an online degree, or a certificate course. Either way, you’ll most likely be studying the following subjects.
Hospitality and Tourism Fundamentals
As the name indicates, this course is a fundamental one regardless of your specialization. It is taught in most colleges providing hospitality degree programs. Anyone willing can take it as a separate course on an online learning platform.
The course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of management in the field. It also examines various aspects of business components.
Classes typically cover such topics:
- management;
- human resources;
- marketing, and more.
Accounting and Control
Accounting is an integral part of any business, so hospitality students aiming at managerial positions in the field study this subject. The course is typically designed to answer the specific needs of the industry.
Expect to study topics such as
- seasonal demand;
- pricing strategies;
- budget construction;
- cost-volume-profit analysis, etc.
Also, expect assignments such as course projects involving pricing or bookkeeping. Sometimes, the course includes an introduction to accounting software programs.
Marketing
The hospitality industry is very competitive, so marketing courses are indispensable for practically any professional working in the field. Whether you’re working at a restaurant or a hotel, an amusement park, or a transportation company, marketing skills will always come in handy.
The course for hospitality students usually involves all the main aspects:
- advertising;
- marketing trends;
- digital marketing strategies.
You may also want to take an online course if you are a trained marketer looking to switch industries.
Law
Understanding the legal regulations of any industry is always important. And the hospitality industry is no exception. The law course introduces students to the legal principles governing the industry. It usually covers many areas, from hotel law to insurance issues and liquor liability.
Other topics may include
- employment law;
- contracts;
- casino law;
- responsibility for guests’ property, and more.
Human Resources Management
There are very few industries where employees are as visible as in this one and where customer satisfaction depends on people this much. Therefore, studying human resources management is vital for succeeding in the field.
The course typically focuses on such aspects of HR management as
- employee training and evaluation;
- legal and regulatory requirements;
- compensation and motivation, etc.
In Conclusion
Hospitality and tourism is a huge, multi-segmented industry worth billions. Before a dramatic drop last year caused by the pandemic, it peaked at a staggering 1.47 trillion US dollars in 2019. In 2021, it is rapidly growing again.
If you are planning to join the workforce in this vast field, you can start at the beginning and get an entry-level position at a hotel, restaurant, or travel agency. But to advance your career, you’ll need professional education.
There are many opportunities to get it nowadays, but in any case, the subjects listed above will be a part of practically any extended program.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
