Opportunities for Business School Graduates in the Hospitality Industry

If you're wondering what sector of the economy to pursue work in after business school, consider the leisure and hospitality industry. It's growing fast, and it offers many interesting opportunities.

First, you might be wondering what type of businesses make up the leisure and hospitality industry. It refers to companies that provide services to people traveling for business or personal reasons. It includes airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and restaurants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics breaks the industry into two sectors: the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector and the accommodation and food service sector.

Opportunities for Business School Graduates in Hospitality

Business school graduates might find themselves employed in all areas of the hospitality industry. MBA graduates with a specialization in marketing, for example, might be involved in rolling out a luxury hotel's marketing campaign. With expertise in finance, you might work as a financial manager of an airline.

Hospitality Management School

For those who like lots of activity and interaction with people, you might pursue a job in hotel management, overseeing the daily affairs of a Marriott, Fairmont, or Four Seasons hotel. Such high-level jobs in hospitality, however, may not require a business degree. Some people enter the hospitality industry on their own merit, working their way from the bottom to the top. Those interested in speeding their ascent to higher positions might attend a hospitality management school.

Your MBA and the Leisure Business

For positions requiring marketing and financial management, an MBA degree is still a good credential to have. You can take those skills to lots of different industries, but there's a reason why some MBA graduates are attracted to the hospitality industry--it's the discounts on great hotel rooms, reduced or complimentary travel on airlines, and a connection to a global company with opportunities around the world.

Source
The Bureau of Labor Statistics