Download pdf - SCG Hospitality 0

7/28/2019 SCG Hospitality 0

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/scg-hospitality-0 1/18



The gradireland Hospitality & Tourism sector career guide is publishedby The Association of Graduate Careers Services in Ireland (AGCSI)and GTI Specialist Publishers Ltd (Ireland).

Project managed by AGCSI Careers Information Committee:Paul Murphy, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Designand Technology (chair)

Kendra Cassidy, NUI, Galway (secretary)Colette Aungier, Trinity College DublinCora Cregan, St Patrick’s College, DrumcondraSeamus McConomy, University of UlsterCatherine Lyster, Letterkenny Institute of TechnologyMary Egan, Athlone Institute of TechnologyGeraldine Fay, Dublin City University

Editor Abigail LewisDesign & production Maya LittleProofreader Penny KileyPublishers Chris Phillips, Adrian WoodGTI Ireland, 9–11 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, IrelandT +353 (0)1 660 3422 F +353 (0)1 660 6623

Printer Headley Brothers, Ashford, Kent, UK

© November 2006 The Association of Graduate Careers Services inIreland (AGCSI) and GTI Specialist Publishers Ltd (Ireland). All rightsreserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by anymeans including, but not limited to, photocopying or stored in aretrieval system in any form without prior written consent of AGCSI.This is subject to the single exception of photocopying by AGCSI-member institutions. All items so used should be fully acknowledged.The views expressed in articles are those of the author and theirpublication does not necessarily imply that such views are shared byAGCSI and GTI. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication, the author and publishers cannot acceptresponsibility for any inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arisingfrom such inaccuracies, or for any other loss, direct or consequential,arising in connection with information in this publication.

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

Opportunities in Ireland and Northern Ireland ..2The main areas of work ..............................................4

Hotels and other accommodationproviders....................................................................6Food service, pubs and clubs ............................8Tourism and travel ................................................9Events ......................................................................10Leisure and entertainment ............................11

Training and career development........................12Getting a job ................................................................14Work experience ........................................................16

§ CONTENTS

Writer: JILL BARRETT, Careers Adviser, Dublin Institute of Technology

§ TITLES IN THIS SERIES

Arts & Social SciencesBusiness Studies,Commerce & EconomicsComputing & ITConstructionEngineeringFinanceHospitality & TourismJournalism & Media

LawLanguagesPostgraduate Study &AwardsPsychologyScienceSocial WorkTeaching & EducationWork Experience

go to | 1

Revised for this edition: MARY EGAN, Careers Officer, Athlone Institute of Technology



Opportunities in Ireland andNorthern Ireland

Hospitality and tourism is a growth area, with a surprising number of opportunities for graduates to start a fulfilling career.

The hospitality and tourism industry is one inwhich the attitudes, competence, enterprise,innovation, hospitality and friendliness of

people working within it are integral. It is humancapital that drives competitive advantage inhospitality and tourism.

Facts and figuresThe hospitality and tourism industry continues tothrive: in 2005, the Republic of Ireland welcomedalmost 6.8 million overseas visitors and FáilteIreland reported that almost a quarter of a millionpeople were employed in the industry.Approximately 199,000 of these work on a year-round basis and the rest in seasonal employment.

In the same year, the Northern Ireland touristindustry earned £500 million in revenue, of which

£146 million was earned from domestic holidayspending. Visitor tourism reached 1.967 million. Thiswas good news for the Northern Ireland TouristBoard (NITB), which is currently implementing its‘Strategic Framework for Action’plan, 2004–2007.

TrendsRepublic of IrelandThe increase in the provision of low-cost air travel

has resulted in more tourists taking short breaks inIreland, the main benefactors of this trend beingDublin and the larger urban centres. Domestic

growth in tourism and hospitality has increased by2.5 per cent, with over seven million trips beingtaken within the Republic by Irish residents. Anincrease in disposable income has meant that wenow spend more time and money dining out too.Hotel construction and expansion remains high.In the leisure sector growth remains strong.The objective of the National Sports Strategy,aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles and increasingsports tourism, has provided another developingarea of employment, providing more opportunitiesfor graduates of leisure and event managementprogrammes in particular. The renovation of Lansdowne Road, and the use of Croke Park to hostmajor rugby events while that project is underway,will increase the available capacity for sporting andmusical events.

There are many challenges facing Irish tourism.A positive one for graduates is the fact that thelabour market is tightening. In 2005 approximately10,000 jobs in tourism remained unfilled, with62 per cent of employers claiming a relatively lowturnover rate. The decrease in the available Irishlabour pool has been replaced by an increase inimmigrant labour. However, as these potentialemployees often hold a different skills set and

come from a different academic background, thecompetences of graduates of Irish programmes arestill very much in demand.

2 | Hospitality & Tourism



go to | 3

The Tourism Policy Review Group has made

recommendations for a National Recruitment Plan.This plan is being implemented by Fáilte Ireland,which established a Tourism Careers PromotionsGroup. One of the Group’s aims is to encourageemployers to develop HR practices that foster theideal of work/life balance for all employees.Competition for skilled staff, particularly atmanagement level, is high, meaning thatgraduates are in a better bargaining position thanever when it comes to issues such as pay,conditions, hours of work and so on.

Threats to the development of tourism andhospitality include exchange rate variance andnational economic factors. These have impactedsignificantly on the price competitiveness of thetourism ‘product’. Environmental issues alsothreaten the sustainability of growth.

Furthermore, the market continues to experiencethe fallout from a number of events includingterrorist attacks in London and the USA, the after-effects of the invasion of Iraq and the consequentreluctance of Americans to travel abroad. However,the smoking ban – initially strongly resisted by thesector – is now thought to have had a positive effectwithin the industry and many tourists have chosenIreland as a destination specifically because of it.

Innovative owners of licensed premises havecreated new jobs through provision of foodservices in a move to replace custom lost throughthe ban. The figures for 2006 are looking positivewith overseas visitors for the first quarter up eightper cent on the same period last year.

Northern IrelandOver 50,000 people are employed in the tourism,

leisure and hospitality sector in Northern Ireland,and tourism there is looking very good. The NITBreported an overall increase of 13 per cent in earned

out-of-state revenue for 2005, £354 million in total.

A further £146 million was earned from domesticspending. Visitor tourism reached 1.967 millionwith ‘visitor nights’ attracting almost 10 millionpeople. In the leisure sector, what the NITB definesas ‘activity product providers’ continue to beimportant contributors to the tourism industry.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport,like its counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, hassought to implement a strategic plan to developsport and physical activity throughout NorthernIreland. This Strategic Framework for Action isentering its third year. Significant progress hasbeen made in developing its flagship signatureprojects, such as ‘Titanic/Belfast MaritimeHeritage’and the Causeway Coast and AntrimGlens. Work is also ongoing on ‘winning themes’such as the production of cultural events andactivity tourism. This has the potential to furtherdeliver international acclaim for Northern Irelandas a tourist destination.

The department has also committed itself toensuring an adequate skills supply for cultural andheritage attractions. The Strategic Framework’s aimto ‘deliver memorable experiences’will, among otherthings, involve nurturing people through providingopportunities for career development and training.

The NITB has also recently been discussing the needfor an integrated approach to skills developmentwith key partners including the Department forEmployment and Learning (DEL), the Tourism TrainingTrust (TTT) and the sector skills council, People 1st.All of these developments are encouraging forgraduates. The increasing appeal of Northern Irelandand Belfast as a conference, entertainment andevent venue is evident from a growth in business

tourism. While Northern Ireland is facing the samechallenges as the Republic in its development of theindustry, the future looks promising.


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/scg-hospitality-0 5/184 | Hospitality & Tourism

The main areas of workYou can choose from a huge range of employers in this sector.

Graduates of tourism and hospitalitycourses find work across a vast range of employer types: hotels; restaurants; pubs;

leisure centres; entertainment venues; hospitals;event management companies; heritage sites;tour operators; travel agents; airlines; national andregional tourism organisations; and localauthorities.

The majority of recruiters in Ireland are smallindigenous operations, with a number of largerinternational organisations operating in thehospitality and travel sectors. Depending on theacademic programme that you complete, and thelevel of employment experience that you havegained, your first career destination may be into anoperational position or into a supervisory ormanagement position. If you have completed

postgraduate study you may have moreopportunities to enter at a more senior level of employment and at a higher salary level, againdepending on the amount of experience gainedand the organisation you enter.

Management training programmesManagement training programmes are a popularchoice for many graduates who have their sights

set on a career in senior management. These areusually 18 months to two years in duration and,depending on the organisation, may be quite

operational in nature, at least initially, or bedesigned to fast-track you to senior management.Selection processes can be very intensive, involvingapplication forms, psychometric testing, multipletypes and levels of interview, assessment centresand social events. Recruiters for such programmesare often seeking graduates with a broad skills set.While most specialist programmes will givepreference to those with a related discipline, manywill hire graduates from other disciplines. As placestend to be limited, competition for places can bevery fierce.

Opportunities for graduatesThe following pages describe potential careerareas. However, you should be aware that job titlescan vary considerably from one organisation to

another. This means that the responsibilities inone job you have held can be different to anotherof the same title. When applying for any position you should always ask for a detailed jobdescription and, if necessary, do further research toestablish clearly what responsibilities are involved.

Remember that, alongside the industry-specificroles mentioned below, every tourism andhospitality organisation offers you a range of

business-focused career options to consider. Theseinclude sales, marketing, finance, human resourcemanagement, information technology



go to | 5

management, training, purchasing and public

relations. If the academic or training programmes you completed and the work experience yougained did not provide you with enough of theskills to work in these areas, further study may benecessary. Depending on the size of theorganisation, each of these functions might bemanaged by different people or by a team, while asole operator might have responsibility for all of them. You may also find work in career areas suchas teaching, research, consultancy, new product/service development and journalism where yourin-depth industry knowledge and experience willbe highly valued.

Tourism and hospitality careers are attractive tograduates from a variety of disciplines. Althoughmost employers may choose specialist experienceover that of a graduate who is neither qualified norexperienced in the industry, many positions onoffer require a broad range of skills that manygraduates can demonstrate. In recent years oneDublin hotel made headlines when it appointed anIT specialist with no hospitality experience to ageneral management position.

At the graduate level, competition can be veryintense for some jobs. Management positions,particularly jobs in tourism and travel, are much

sought after. Taking an entry-level position (thatmight also be offered to an applicant without anyqualification) may seem like a backward move.However, graduates with vision will see this as astepping stone to higher levels within theorganisation. Once you have learned the ropes and you have demonstrated your personalcompetences and potential you will be in a betterposition to access higher-level positions and

negotiate more responsibility and experience. If you have gained relevant employment experiencethrough your internships and part-time work you

are more likely to enter an organisation at a

position higher up the hierarchical chain.Finally, if you would like to learn more about

the first types of jobs, employers, salaries andfurther study choices of previous graduates of yourcourse, contact your Careers Service and ask to seethe First Destination Reports for your programmeof study.



Hotels and other accommodationproviders

Working in hotels has an unrivalled buzz.

Hospitality is a significant business inIreland. Throughout the island of Ireland you will find every type of accommodation

from hostels and B&B’s to budget hotels,university residences and luxury five-star sparesort properties. It is a 24-hour, seven days a weekbusiness. Those who work in it and enjoy itdescribe ‘the buzz’that they get from it asunrivalled to any other profession. While manyfunctions operate ‘back-of-house’, the majority of staff are employed in front-line positions, requiringconstant interaction with the customer and withother team members. A high level of stamina and

excellent interpersonal skills are essential for thiscareer area, which is one of Ireland’s greatestemployment providers.

Graduate positions include: waiter/waitress;bar person; accommodation assistant;receptionist; reservations agent; conference andbanqueting co-ordinator; duty manager;supervisor; departmental manager – frontoffice/reservations/food and beverage/accommodation/conference and banqueting/kitchen (head/executive chef); general manager;chef; leisure centre manager; and fitnessinstructor.



go to | 7

Starting outI now oversee eight managers and supervisersand their teams, but starting out I worked in afront desk position. In the summer before myfinal year at university, I worked for a hotel inBarcelona. This gave me the travel bug so Iapplied for a position in Atlanta. Over three years, I learned the ropes with stints in front-of-house roles such as receptionist and bellmanand progressed to managing the front desk andtraining others. Following this, I became part of a specialist task force in St Louis as Director of Housekeeping.My current roleTwo years later, I decided to come home. I’mnow responsible for the operation of: the frontdesk, the concierge service, housekeeping andthe spa. My role involves ensuring guests havepositive experiences, managing costs andgenerating revenue. As part of the executiveteam, I run my department as if it were my ownbusiness and so I need financial acumen and aninnovative mindset as well as good people skills.

Best and worstHours can notch up when there are problems toresolve, but I love standing in the lobbyknowing from off-the-cuff feedback that guestshave enjoyed themselves. Working in the USboosted my career – it encouraged me to provemy worth – and showed me you can advancequickly if you work hard; I plan to be a generalmanager of a hotel one day.

Top tipIf you have the opportunity to work abroad, I’drecommend you take it to broaden yourexperiences.

§ MANAGING MANAGERS

NAMEKarl de Lacy, 29JOB TITLEDirector of RoomsOperationsEMPLOYERMarriott DruidsGlen Hotel & Country ClubEDUCATIONBA HospitalityBusiness Management(1999)

Starting outHospitality has been the only career sector thathas ever interested me; I started working in aB & B when I was 16 and haven’t looked back.Before going to college, I worked with mycurrent employer, first within Conference andBanqueting, then Food and Beverage and finallyReception. Event management for hotelsinterested me at this point so I decided toreturn to college to gain the qualifications toprogress far in this area.

My current roleI now work with my team to manage events,which covers everything from the initial enquiryto drawing up a proposal to the follow-up callafter the event. I work closely with appropriatedepartments, including Conference andBanqueting, to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Working in a hotel is different to workingelsewhere: this is an office job with a realdifference! The skills I have learned are valuablethroughout the hotel industry and everyday life.

The ability to connect with people so that youcan understand their perspective is key toproducing the best work.

Best and worstThe extent of the work can be a little dauntingbut I love the buzz that working in hospitality,especially Events, can create. My next goal is tocontinue cross-training with our Sales andMarketing departments so I can achieve abetter understanding of the relationshipbetween Sales and Events.

Top tipWorking life is very different from college andso you should be able to use your own initiative.

§ A JOB WITH A DIFFERENCE

NAMEClaire Shortt, 23JOB TITLEEventsCo-ordinatorEMPLOYERThe Westin,DublinEDUCATIONBusiness andEvent Management (2006)



Food service, pubs and clubsCatering offers employment in a range of environments.

This sector of the tourism and hospitalityindustry includes restaurants, bars, clubs,cafés, delicatessens, patisseries, fast food

outlets and sandwich bars. In addition, you mayfind graduate employment with cateringcompanies in location catering for events such asconferences, weddings, sports events, concerts andmovie filming. Opportunities also exist in in-housecatering operations including those in largecorporate settings and with other private andpublic sector employers such as schools, prisons,hospitals, nursing homes and transport providers.

Graduate positions include: catering assistant;waiter/waitress; chef; catering officer; cateringmanager; regional manager; purchasing officer;bar person; bar manager; club manager; andentertainment co-ordinator.

I was first introduced to the professional kitchenas a kitchen hand when I was 14 and knew thatthis was the career for me. I started at my currentemployer as a commis chef (essentially anapprentice) and began working my way up thestructured kitchen hierarchy. After two yearsworking abroad I rejoined The Merrion Hotel asa senior sous chef, responsible for the smoothrunning of the kitchen. This covers everythingfrom team management and the rotas to foodcosts and health and hygiene. I also ensure myteam are given structured training to makeeverything from a club sandwich to a Hollandaisesauce while maintaining a consistent highstandard.

The best thing about my job is its creativity– you have input into menus, keep ahead of foodfashions, and source the best produce. You needa real passion for food and the drive to achieveperfection. Always work in the best establishmentsbecause you’ll learn from top professionals andwork with the best produce. I get a real sense of achievement when I see how far I have alreadyprogressed and can see my future career.

§ HAVING PASSION FOR FOOD

NAMEGareth Mullins, 27JOB TITLESenior Sous Chef EMPLOYERThe MerrionHotelEDUCATIONNTCB 1 & 2(2000)



go to | 9

Tourism and travelThere are ways to get a foot in the door of this popular career area.

This is a popular career area, with positionsmuch sought after even by those who don’tcome from a relevant discipline. Employers

include tour operators; travel agents; airlines andother transport providers; tourist informationcentres; interpretative centres; tourism co-operatives; heritage sites; local authorities; andnational tourism bodies such as Fáilte Ireland,Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland TouristBoard. Staff turnover in many of theseorganisations tends to be low so you may have totake a position at a lower level and salary than youintended, with a view to getting a ‘foot in the door’.Once in an organisation, more senior opportunitiestend to be more readily accessible. If you areseeking a career in the promotion of Ireland, aregion or a particular site as a destination, you will

need to have excellent knowledge of the Irish‘tourism product’ in order to be successful.

Graduate positions include: travel consultant;tourism officer; reservations agent; tour guide;Tourist Information Centre manager; touroperator; operations manager; and heritage officer.

I knew I wanted to work for ebookers aftergraduation so while at college I approachedthem for a summer job. Following this job, Iworked for them part time during college andalso completed a marketing placement there.After graduating, my aim was to work in themarketing department. I first worked as aProduct Executive until a position as a MarketingExecutive became available. A year later, whenthe Marketing Manager relocated, I realised thatI should let the management team know that itwas something I aspired to so I submitted my CVand after an internal interview was offered the job. I am responsible for print advertising, pressreleases and product launches. I also produce aquarterly travel magazine, and we are planning astreet and radio promotion. A large part of my job is related to online advertising, and thewebsite needs permanent updating with specialoffers. Every day is a challenge and of coursethere are the travel perks! Don’t expect to walk

into the job you want straight away. Be flexible,particularly if it is a company that you wouldreally like to work for. If you impress them with your skills, other doors will open up.

§ BE FLEXIBLE

NAMEMichelle O’KeeffeJOB TITLEMarketing ManagerEMPLOYERe-bookers IrelandEDUCATIONBSc, Tourism Marketing (2002)



EventsEvent management includes sport, the arts and business.

Careers in this area will involve the planning,organisation, co-ordination and totalmanagement of every detail needed to

ensure that the whole operation runs smoothlyfrom concept through to final execution. The eventcould be in sport, the arts or the wider businessarena including events such as conferences,exhibitions and festivals. Graduates may find workwith an event management company orconsultant, organising events for clients whoestablish accounts with that organisation.Alternatively, positions might be in-house incorporate settings, museums, theatre companies,hospitality organisations, music venues or sportsstadia. Often, graduates may find work on aproject-management or administration basis,running or helping to co-ordinate annual events

such as the Bloomsday Festival or one-off eventssuch as the Special Olympics World Games.

Graduate positions include: account executive;event administrator; event co-ordinator; artsofficer; museum manager; and event manager.

I’ve wanted to work in hospitality since workingin a local hotel part time while at school. I studieda course with a structured work placement soI could gain experience. I broadened this whenI worked with a premier hotel group in Americaand dealt with VIP guests. I returned to Irelandtwo years ago and found my current position.I manage golf membership sales and golf reservations and am responsible for all golfingevents. These can be bespoke golfing days forclub members or for corporations and theirclients or guests. This involves confirming initialenquiries, working with clients on their specificrequirements and organising everything on thecourse and at the resort. I liaise with our internalteams, such as food and beverage, guestrelations and event management so needstrong administrative, organisational andskills. Excellent guest care and sales skills arealso essential. I do need to know a lot aboutgolf – something that our golf experts on the

resort help me with. It’s just been announcedthat we’ll host the ‘Irish Open’ for the nextthree years and I’m involved in the planningfor this event.

§ ORGANISING THE OPEN

NAMELorna O’Riordan, 31JOB TITLEMember andGuest Relations ManagerEMPLOYERAdare ManorHotel and Golf ResortEDUCATIONPGDip HotelManagement (1997)



go to | 11

Leisure and entertainmentLeisure and sports provision has increased rapidly.

There are career opportunities for graduatesin leisure and sports complexes and clubs,hotels, local authorities, golf courses, aquatic

centres, cultural organisations, cinemas, parks,music venues and all recreation-relateddevelopments.

The number and variety of leisure and sportscentres in particular has increased rapidly in recent years, with huge diversity in the types of servicesprovided. Smaller facilities may offer little morethan a gym and changing room whereas biggeroperations may provide an entire suite of sportsand leisure activities and equipment, treatmentrooms, classes, training courses, catering facilitiesand so on.

As the government seeks to increase the levelof participation in sport, and to promote healthier

lifestyles, this will be a significant growth area inthe years to come. Additionally, consumer appetitefor a wide choice of entertainment options willremain steady as long as disposable incomesremain high.

Graduate positions include fitness instructor;fitness consultant; leisure centre administrator;centre/sports manager; coach; personal trainer;sports co-ordinator; sports officer; sports

development officer; cinema manager; theme parkmanager; and entertainment co-ordinator.

I came across an advertisement on the internetfor an administrator in the Anti-Doping Unit of the Irish Sports Council (ISC). I wasn’t sure whatit entailed so I did some research on thewebsite and found that it involved assistingwith the testing process. It sounded interestingso I applied and got the job.

My jobI now administer the Therapeutic Use

Exemption (TUE) System. I look after athleteswho need to take banned medications formedical purposes. My work is very varied andI love researching illnesses and medicalconditions. I am currently studying at nightschool for a Diploma in Sports Psychology.

Tips for students• Use the internet as a research tool.• Get as much work experience as you can –

even if you have to volunteer for a few weeks.Employers always look for previous workexperience.

• Register with employment agencies – youcan temp until you find something relevant.

§ DO YOUR RESEARCH

NAMEGillian Costelloe, 26JOB TITLEProgrammeOfficer, Anti-Doping UnitEMPLOYERIrish SportsCouncilEDUCATIONBSc, LeisureManagement (2001)



Training and career developmentYour education does not stop with your degree.

The benefits of working in the industry arenumerous, as cited by the many graduateswho have gone on to enjoy dynamic career

paths within it. These include:• confidence about getting a job• potential for constant social interaction• variety of work• positive nature of the working environment• lifetime mobility of your qualification in a

worldwide market• opportunities to progress quickly upwards

through many organisations• a high level of job satisfaction.

In a recent industry survey, job satisfaction wasfound to be greatest among those who hadcontinued to a high level of educationalattainment before entering the workforce.

Historically, the industry was seen as one thatfeatured long hours and low pay but salaries andconditions have improved considerably in anumber of career areas. Many employers providemeals, accommodation, pension schemes,uniforms, free or discounted leisure centremembership and free or discounted rates in travel,accommodation and entertainment. This ensuresthat, from an economic perspective, the sector can

provide opportunities to rival other sectors. One of the most important factors to consider, however, iswhether an organisation will actively help you to

progress upwards and reach your true potential.This is explored in this article.

How your career might progressDepending on the programme of study that youhave pursued, you may enter the graduateworkforce at either operational level or a positionhigher up the hierarchical chain. However, thecurrent trend for organisational structures is tobecome flatter so, no matter what level you areemployed at, you are increasingly expected to takeon as much responsibility as you can handle.

Qualifications and coursesThe hospitality industry in Ireland is not one thathas traditionally been seen to recognise the valueof a third-level qualification – in particular, any

beyond your undergraduate qualification.However, this trend is changing. Even long-established managers who have ‘worked their wayto the top’ are beginning to embrace the spirit of continuing professional development (CPD) and toappreciate the wide range of skills that engaging inany third-level programme can provide.

The number and variety of programmes of study has expanded rapidly in recent years to

reflect the changing nature of the industry. Thevariety and scope of programmes in tourism,hospitality and leisure provide excellent



go to | 13

opportunities for graduates to progress all the way

to doctoral level should they meet the minimumcriteria required. In addition, the skills developedwithin the sector – both through academic workand practical work experience – ensure that, as agraduate of any tourism or hospitality-relatedcourse, you are a marketable entity in any businesssector.

Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Hotel and CateringInstitute (IHCI) have placed particular emphasis inrecent years on CPD for all those working in thehospitality industry. For example, they havedeveloped short courses in finance, humanresource management and marketing.

Similar short courses to help graduatesentering the workplace to further develop theirskills and competences are provided in-house, andby a variety of educational institutions acrossIreland. The Skillnet Programme, set up by theDepartment of Enterprise, Trade and Employmentin 1999, aims to support groups of enterprises tocome together to decide on training needsrequirements and how these will be addressed.The Hotel Management Skillnet programme, forexample, outlined a range of competences that itdeemed essential for managers operating in ahospitality environment. (See page 14 for a list of

general competences for the hospitality andtourism industry.)

Postgraduate studyFinal-year degree students considering apostgraduate course should check outpostgradireland.com for a full list of postgraduateoptions available in Ireland. The current range of options in tourism, hospitality and related areas

includes:• MA in International Tourism• MBS (Co-operative and Social Enterprise)

• Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in HospitalityManagement

• Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in TourismManagement

• Postgraduate Diploma/Diploma/MA in CulturalManagement

• Postgraduate Diploma in Event Management.Some of the most important questions to ask

in deciding upon your postgraduate study optionare:• Have I researched the programme enough to be

sure that it interests me?• If I intend to use it to progress my career path, is

there a good chance it will do this?The annual postgradireland fair is attended by

numerous educational institutions from Irelandand overseas. Attendance is highly recommended

as this event gives you a great opportunity todiscuss each option you are considering on a one-to-one basis with representatives of the courseproviders. Remember, choosing your postgraduateprogramme may be the first opportunity you’vehad to make a sole career decision, without theinfluence of others. Such programmes can be verycostly so it pays to research your options as youwould any serious financial investment. If you are

already in employment, ask your employer if theywould consider sponsoring you or at leastsubsidising your study.

Even long-established managers whohave ‘worked their way up’ appreciate the

skills that a third-level programme can

provide and are beginning to embrace

the spirit of continuous professional

development.The number of courses are

expanding rapidly.



Getting a jobYou need to know where and how organisations recruit.

How organisations recruitEventsEmployers visit campuses throughout theacademic year. Check with your Careers Service fora schedule of events.

The MilkroundOnly a limited number of hospitality and tourismorganisations recruit through the Milkroundsystem but it is worth checking out those who do.Some companies will make presentations oftenfollowed by an informal gathering. Attending suchevents will enable you to find out aboutcompanies’ activities, cultures, policies andrecruitment practices. Employers generally holdfirst interviews on campus.

Recruitment fairsRecruitment fairs usually have jobs on offer for theright candidates. These events offer you a greatopportunity to talk to current employees who mayoften be recent graduates. Bring your CV along topresent to employers recruiting on the day.

Careers seminars/guest lecturesIf your college has organised such events for you it

is worthwhile bringing your CV along to give to thespeakers, should you wish to target theirorganisation for employment in the future. Even if

you do not decide to pass on a CV, these areexcellent opportunities to network with people inindustry and to make valuable contacts.

Other methodsThere are many other conventional methods of finding a job. These include: checking the jobssection of newspapers; registering withrecruitment agencies; surfing jobs and graduatecareers websites; and sending out CVs on aspeculative basis. Your Careers Service should haveup-to-date company lists.

If registering with recruitment agencies, ensurethat they are reputable firms with a track record of placing graduates from your field of study. Don’trely on them to chase you up as agencies will oftenreceive hundreds of CVs every month. As such they

are most likely to find jobs for those who make aneffort to keep in touch with them (and who meetthe required criteria for each post).

THE SKILLS YOU WILL NEED§ Teamworking§ Communication§ Organisational/planning ability§ Problem solving/analytical skills§ Time management§ Entrepreneurialism§ Enthusiasm/motivation§ Willingness to learn



go to | 15

Where to find vacancies

Newspapers and publications• The Irish Times (Friday edition)• The Irish Examiner (Friday edition)• The Irish Independent (Thursday edition)• The Sunday Independent • The Sunday Business Post

• The Sunday Tribune

• The Belfast Telegraph• The Belfast Post

• The Irish News• The News Letter

• The Irish Hotel and Catering Review

WebsitesAs well as the companies who may visit yourcampus, there are a large number who recruitgraduates through your Careers Service website.Also check out gradireland.com for a list of jobopportunities and forthcoming events.

Ireland• National Tourism Development Authority

www.failteireland.ie• Irish Tourism www.irishtourism.com• Northern Ireland Tourist Board www.nitb.com• Irish Hotels Federation www.ihf.ie

• Irish Hospitality Institute www.ihi.ie• Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association of

Ireland www.hsmai.ie• Restaurants Association of Ireland www.rai.ie• Food and Drink Industry Ireland www.fdii.ie• Vintners’Federation of Ireland www.vfi.ie• Licensed Vintners Association www.lva.ie• Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management

www.ilamireland.ie

• Irish Travel Agents Association www.itaa.ie• Irish Tour Operators Association

www.itoa-ireland.com

• Barkeeper – A Resource for Hospitality

Professionals www.barkeeper.ie

Recruitment sites (Ireland)• www.hotelkeeper.ie• www.actionrecruitment.ie• www.thefirm.ie

Northern Ireland/UK• Hospitality, Catering and International

Management Association (UK)www.hcima.org.uk

• Visit Britain (UK)www.visitbritain.com• Central Council of Physical Recreation (UK)

www.ccpr.org.uk• Sports Institute Northern Ireland

www.sini.co.uk• Guide to Internet Resources in Hospitality,

Leisure, Sport and Tourism (UK)www.altis.ac.uk• Association of Event Organisers (UK)

www.aeo.org.uk• Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau

www.belfastconventionbureau.com• Licensed Retail Professional Body (UK)

www.bii.org• Springboard UK Limited

www.springboarduk.org.uk

International• CatererSearch www.caterersearch.com• Recruitment website

www.hospitalitycareernet.com• Worldwide recruitment website

www.catererglobal.com



Work experienceWork experience can help you get that first job.

The amount of work experience you have iskey in deciding your first job and startingsalary. You will have the advantage if you use

part-time work, holiday work and placements/internships to gain wider experience of moresenior positions while completing your collegeprogramme.

Hospitality and tourism graduates demonstratesome of the highest levels of work-based learningexperience of any graduates entering employment.It pays to have invested some time early on infinding out what type of experience the toprecruiters will be seeking. Some international hotelgroups, for example, will only recruit graduateshaving fluency in at least one additional language,while others will only recruit those who haveworked in four/five-star properties. Some leisure

centres will only recruit graduates who havegained a lifesaving qualification, and so on.

During my four years in college I carried outthree different work placements. The first was asix-month placement in the Davenport Hotel inDublin, working as a chef as part of the team ina busy kitchen. The second placement was sixweeks in the Superquinn support office,working as an assistant to the nutritionist.My last placement was for five months andI carried it out in the Dunne & Crescenzirestaurant in Dublin. I was responsible fordesigning and preparing the hot dishes of theday, monitoring food safety managementsystems, stock control, and training junior staff.In all my placements I’ve learned theimportance of working as part of a team and of communication. In the hospitality industryespecially, teamwork has always been crucial.I developed problem-solving skills and learnedthe importance of time planning and meetingdeadlines. I’ve broadened my culinaryknowledge and familiarised myself with the

health and safety issues and legislation whichare a big part of the food industry. I also had thechance to manage people, learning how to dealwith different types of personalities.

§ LEARNING TEAMWORKING

NAMEFrancesca Forghieri, 28JOB TITLEOperations/Supply Chain TraineeEMPLOYERMusgraveFoodservicesEDUCATIONBA, CulinaryArts (2004)



The Association of Graduate Careers Services in Ireland(AGCSI) is the professional association for careers servicesin higher education in Ireland, north and south. It fostersco-operation among the individual careers services, producinga range of careers publications for students and graduates.

GTI Ireland is a division of GTI Specialist Publishers, one of theleading graduate careers publishers in Europe, publishing over100 careers magazines and directories each year as well astargetcareers.co.uk and doctorjob.com .GTI Ireland, 9–11 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, Ireland

TITLES IN THIS SERIES

Arts & Social Sciences

Business Studies, Commerce & EconomicsComputing & IT

Construction

Engineering

Finance

Hospitality & Tourism

Journalism & Media

Law

Languages

Postgraduate Study & AwardsPsychology

Science

Social Work

Teaching & Education

Work Experience

Written by careers advisers and available todownload at gradireland.com/publications