Career Information
Lifestyle. Income. Travel. The World Awaits You!
The rapid growth of the hospitality and culinary industry and the need for well-trained and experienced managers provide great opportunities for positions upon graduation. Frequently, students get their first career offers during their internships.
Here is some industry information you should know:
2007 Restaurant Industry Facts according to the National Restaurant Association:
- Sales: $537 billion
- Employees: 12.8 million- the restaurant industry is the largest employer outside of government
- The number of foodservice managers is projected to increase 11 percent from 2007 to 2017
- Four out of five consumers agree that going out to a restaurant is a better way to use their leisure time than cooking and cleaning up.
The Wall Street Journal reports that recent college graduates who work in hotel-property management earn the following average annually starting salaries, according to a 2004 report from Wage Watch Inc., a human resources survey firm in Scottsdale, Arizona:
- Assistant director of food and beverage: $45,000
- Guest-service manager: $34,485
- Assistant banquet manager: $32,300
- Entry-level sales manager: $34,500
- Assistant director of human resources: $40,000
According to the the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook:
- The employment of lodging managers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014.
- Job opportunities are expected to be best for persons with college degrees in hotel or hospitality management.
- Additional demand for managers is expected in suite hotels, because some guests-especially business customers- are willing to pay higher prices for rooms with kitchens and suites that provide the space needed to conduct small meetings.
- Large full-service hotels- offering restaurants, fitness centers, large meeting rooms, and play areas for children, among other amenities- will continue to provide many trainee and managerial opportunities.
What Employers Say
Ms. Nancy Aitken, The Kessler Collection, Orlando Florida
"We recruited students for the past 8 years - great success!" "The students are very committed and raise the bar for our properties" "We provide great career opportunities, benefits, discounts for the college students"Ms. Gale Killion, Human Resources Director, HYATT Key West
"The previous experience with students was so great that we have been coming back every year for the last 7 years" "The students are always open to learning whatever it takes" "Students renew our energy and enthusiasm in hospitality business"Ms. Theresa Thoms, Human Resource Specialist, Kingsmill Resort and Spa
Ms. Melissa Scott, Manager of Reservations, Kingsmill Resort and Spa
"The students are outgoing, willing to take any project and follow through" "Very professional"Mr. Benjamin Lau, Human Resources Manager, The St. Regis, New York
"These students have "people skills" and it is more important than just technical."Ms. Johanna Lundbladh, Human Resources, Millenium Knickerbocker
"We choose these students because of the global diversity, their experience and knowledge in the field that they have gained." "There is always a demand for good managers like these graduates."Ms. Karen Vallecillo, Director of Human Resources, Westin La Paloma, Westin Kierland Resort, The Phoenician, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass
"We have recruited these students for over 4 years and designed a special training program for them." "They are enthusiastic and easy to train." "I adore the students' passion and enthusiasm in the industry."Ms. Allyson Smith, Human Resources Manager, Westin Diplomat
"We always recruit phenomenal students from this college." "These students are willing to do. The training in school makes it so much easier to train them in the industry." "We have potential to develop and keep these students within the company."