Why Work in Hospitality: 10 Reasons to Start Today

Key Takeaways

• Jobs in the hospitality industry are people-centered and offer worldwide opportunities, rapid growth, and personal fulfillment.
• Working in hospitality provides you with opportunities and skills you can use for everything from international hotel jobs to starting your own business.
• Even if you decide to take your career beyond hospitality, the skills you develop through a hospitality degree can follow and serve you anywhere.
• Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) prepares students for a successful career in hospitality through hands-on training, global internships, and industry connections.

Are you looking for a meaningful career that also offers the potential to evolve? More people today are seeking careers where they can create value, connect with others, and leave a lasting impression. When asked why they chose hospitality, many point to these exact qualities. The field attracts those with a genuine passion for service and a desire to make every interaction count.

Hospitality includes travel, tourism, events, and guest services across a wide range of industries. Whether you are planning a corporate conference, managing a resort, or creating memorable experiences for guests and clients, this field offers the chance to make a positive impact every day.

As an industry, hospitality is global. By 2034, it’s projected to employ 449 million people worldwide, representing 12% of the workforce, and offering opportunities in nearly every corner of the world.

What Makes the Hospitality Industry Unique?

What sets hospitality apart from other industries is its focus on human connection. Success in this field depends on how well you anticipate people’s needs and how effectively you create positive guest experiences.

Every interaction, even simply a warm greeting at check-in, can leave a lasting impression on guests. The industry combines consistency and creativity—it relies on service standards and systems while allowing space for quick thinking and personal touches.

Hospitality is also known for its resilience. No matter how technology advances or markets shift, people will continue to seek connection, comfort, and care. This ongoing demand is what drives the industry forward and attracts professionals who want their work to have purpose.

10 Strong Reasons to Work in Hospitality

If you have ever walked away from a restaurant, hotel, or event thinking, “That just made my day,” then you’ve experienced the power of hospitality. Now, imagine being the person who creates that feeling every single day for others.

For many, hospitality is more than just a job—it feels like a true calling. This dynamic, people-focused industry is full of opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. You meet people from around the world, solve challenges on the spot, and develop skills you never expected to learn.

These ten reasons are based on what people in the industry say they love about their work.

1. Career diversity and global opportunities

Hospitality is one of the few industries where you can build an international career in just a few years. Whether in front desk operations, food and beverage, events, or business development, the possibilities are endless.

Nicolò Boschi Colombo, a current BA student at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), is a great example. Originally enrolled in a business program in Italy, he discovered his passion for hospitality through a part-time job and a campus visit to SHMS. Since joining, Nicolò has charted an international path with purpose—securing his first internship at the Ritz-Carlton in Osaka by proactively contacting the hotel himself and preparing by learning Japanese in advance.

Now back in Switzerland, Nicolò is helping run the campus bar, planning a large-scale gala, and preparing for a second internship in a French-speaking country to expand his language skills. His story reflects how SHMS encourages students not only to explore global opportunities but also to create them. Asked if he is still happy to have put his destiny in the hands of SHMS, he noted,

Yes, because SHMS is one of the best hospitality schools in the world. I've learned a lot, found an amazing international environment, made a lot of connections, and, most importantly, made good friends.

2. Fast career growth

The hospitality industry rewards the same qualities that SHMS instills in every student: ambition, adaptability, and strong performance. Many international hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and Accor, prioritize internal promotion, creating clear pathways for career progression.

Those who demonstrate initiative and deliver excellent service tend to progress more quickly from entry-level positions to supervisory roles than in many other sectors. SHMS students often share stories of starting as trainees during their internships and stepping into management positions after graduation.

Leonie Demgenski is one example. After entering the industry at just 19, she began finding success early in her career, progressing from entry-level roles to a senior leadership position at Park Hyatt Dubai. Reflecting on her studies at SHMS, she stated,

I think I learned more in six months at SHMS than I did in three years in Hamburg. The program is excellent, and we learn so much in a short amount of time.

3. People-centered environment

Hospitality is built around people. Whether it’s guests or colleagues, you’re constantly meeting new faces and building meaningful connections.

For many hospitality students, there’s real satisfaction in knowing their work can improve someone’s day by solving their problems or simply treating them with care. It’s a career that strengthens interpersonal skills and teaches you how to work in a team, as success often depends on how well you collaborate with others.

At SHMS, students develop these skills early by working closely with international peers and industry professionals during their internships, building skills and lasting relationships that support their personal and professional lives.

4. Every day is different

One of the most exciting aspects of a career in hospitality is its variety, where no two days are the same.

Each day offers something different, from managing large-scale events to solving unexpected challenges or welcoming guests from all over the world. This constant change keeps the work engaging and ensures you’re always learning, adapting, and growing.

SHMS students experience this firsthand during their internships and work placements, where they quickly see how fast-paced environments accelerate their development and confidence.

5. Travel perks and discounts

Travel and hospitality often go hand in hand, attracting professionals who want to explore the world while building their careers. Many careers in hospitality come with amazing travel perks, including discounted hotel stays, reduced airfare, and exclusive access. Many global hospitality brands, such as Radisson Hotel Group or IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), offer these benefits to their employees as a reward for their commitment and hard work.

There is a wide range of careers for traveling for those who love discovering new places. SHMS graduates often connect with international hotel chains and luxury brands, giving them the opportunity to combine work with travel experiences.

6. Transferable skills for any career

A 2024 study surveyed employees across tourism and hospitality sectors, identifying 116 transferable skills frequently developed in the industry. Some of these skills include communication, teamwork, empathy, adaptability, problem-solving, multitasking, time management, patience, and active listening.

Even if you decide to take your career beyond hospitality, the skills you develop through a hospitality degree can follow and serve you anywhere.

7. Sense of purpose and fulfillment

Hospitality provides a deeper sense of purpose to its employees. Whether it is welcoming guests after a long journey, helping a couple celebrate a special occasion, or resolving an issue with care, there is an emotional reward that comes with that.

Many professionals in this field find purpose in creating positive experiences. Their actions, big or small, can leave a lasting impression, and it’s this human connection that often brings the most fulfillment.

At SHMS, students learn to understand the guest journey and anticipate needs with empathy and professionalism and approach their work with purpose and passion.

8. Entrepreneurial opportunities

Hospitality is an excellent fit for aspiring entrepreneurs. It combines creativity, people skills, and business knowledge, offering multiple ways to launch your own venture. Many professionals eventually start their own bed and breakfast, café, restaurant, boutique hotel, travel agency, or even an event planning business.

One of the biggest advantages of working in hospitality is the broad exposure it offers. From front office and food and beverage to sales, marketing, and guest relations, professionals gain a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate.

SHMS supports this entrepreneurial mindset through business-focused coursework, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects. Students graduate with the confidence and tools to build businesses and drive innovation across the sector.

For SHMS graduate Krispin Wehrli, this preparation was key to finding success. After gaining experience across operations, sales and marketing, and business development in New York and Manila, he co-founded SoldoutNight—a global travel booking platform that helps companies manage travel and access exclusive hotel rates.

I found entrepreneurship very exciting and enjoyed the challenge and freedom of building something from scratch and growing a business,

says Krispin.

He adds that being involved in every aspect of building the company—from identifying customer needs to growing the team—required a hands-on approach, something he was already familiar with thanks to his SHMS training.

9. Inclusive and multicultural workplaces

Hospitality is one of the most internationally connected industries, and that global reach is reflected in its workforce. Hospitality teams often include individuals from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures.

Working in such diverse environments encourages professionals to become more culturally aware, adaptable, and open to different perspectives.

At SHMS, inclusivity is part of everyday learning. Students study and live alongside peers from dozens of countries, gaining firsthand experience in intercultural communication.

10. Flexibility and creative expression

A hospitality career offers a level of flexibility that suits a wide range of goals and lifestyles, including full-time positions in luxury hotels or part-time jobs at event venues. For many, this flexibility makes hospitality accessible and sustainable long-term.

Hospitality also invites creativity. Whether it’s designing a beautiful guest experience or presenting a dish with flair, professionals in this field have daily opportunities to think creatively.

No two guests or situations are the same, which is why hospitality professionals are always thinking on their feet and finding ways to exceed expectations.

Who Should Consider a Career in Hospitality?

Hospitality is a perfect fit for people who love working with others and know how to stay calm and focused when things get busy. If you are naturally friendly, good at solving problems, and enjoy making people feel welcome, you are already halfway there.

This industry draws all kinds of people, whether it’s students looking for their first job, professionals making a career switch, world travelers who love connecting with culture, or creatives who want more energy in their work. There is always a role where your strengths can shine.

Hospitality offers something for everyone, including roles in front-line service or behind-the-scenes operations. The best part about it is that you don’t need years of experience to get started. There are degree programs, clear training paths, and certifications to help you grow.

With the industry’s global reach and demand, hospitality continues to offer strong job security and opportunities to move up, either locally or internationally.

How to Start a Career in Hospitality

Starting a hospitality career means combining your passion for working with people with the right hospitality skills, industry knowledge, leadership, and global cultural awareness.

Formal education plays a vital role in preparing future professionals, not just with theory, but with practical experience that sets them apart. At SHMS, students gain this foundation through a blend of Swiss excellence and international hospitality standards.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management equips students with service-focused leadership skills, real-world experience, and intercultural competence, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

For students ready to advance or shift careers, SHMS offers a range of options. The Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management provides three specializations: hotel management, luxury brand management, and event management, preparing students for leadership roles in competitive markets. Additionally, for those pursuing senior management positions, the Master of Science in International Hospitality Management is ideal, as it focuses on strategic thinking and operations.

SHMS also supports career changers and working professionals. The Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management offers a pathway into the industry, featuring internships and operational training in event planning, spa operations, and food and beverage management. For those balancing work and study, the Online Master of Arts in Executive Hospitality Management offers flexible learning at a self-directed pace, enabling professionals to upskill without interrupting their careers.

Practical experience is central to every program at SHMS. Internships are built into the curriculum and typically take place in Switzerland or abroad, helping students build a strong hospitality resume with international work experience. Many students also gain additional exposure through part-time jobs and volunteering, supported by SHMS career coaches who help align each opportunity with students’ goals and schedules.

Networking is equally important. SHMS students attend the International Recruitment Forum (IRF), an exclusive industry event that connects them with recruiters from top hotel chains, luxury brands, and event companies. Many students secure internships or full-time roles at this forum, building a global network before they even graduate.

Of course, when opportunity strikes, it’s important to be ready. SHMS supports students with workshops and coaching on crafting compelling résumés and hospitality-specific cover letters. These sessions help students communicate their experience and strengths clearly, giving them a competitive edge in a people-focused industry.

Begin Your Hospitality Career Today

Whether you're starting your career, considering a change, or looking for more meaning in your daily work, hospitality offers a rewarding path forward. It’s an industry where people from diverse backgrounds find purpose, energy, and continuous growth.

If you value human connection, thrive in dynamic environments, and want to contribute to something bigger than yourself, a role in hospitality may be the perfect fit for you.

Take a moment to reflect on whether these values align with your goals. If they do, consider exploring our programs to help you build a strong foundation, gain hands-on experience, and prepare you for management roles.

Find success in hospitality—apply to SHMS today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best long-term career paths in hospitality?

Some of the best long-term career paths in hospitality include hotel management, event planning, and hospitality consulting.

What are the benefits of starting your own hospitality business?

Starting your own hospitality business offers independence, creative control, and the potential for higher financial rewards.

Is hospitality a good fit for introverts?

Hospitality might be challenging for introverts, but roles that focus on behind-the-scenes work or smaller guest interactions may be an excellent fit for them.