What does it take to break into the field of international tourism and hospitality?
There are different ways to break into the industry, depending of course, where you want to live and what you want to do. Is it wise to pack your suitcase, jump on a flight, and just show up, looking for work? Indeed, this method does work out for some people, particularly if you’re willing to get your hands dirty, start at the humble grassroots, and work your way up to a management position. When Kevin Pattee realized he wanted to try his hand at working in the private yacht industry, he travelled to southern France where he walked the docks, day and night, looking for ‘day work’, cleaning people’s boats and making connections with owners. After three months, Pattee’s persistence paid off and he landed a full-time job on a yacht.
Others prefer to research openings, connect with potential employers, and secure job offers from their home-country, before they travel, for greater job security. “I’m a risk-taker because I move around the world. But I won’t move to a foreign country without knowing I have a job,” admits Amanda Gamel. “I need to know that I have a source of income because if I don’t enjoy the job, I have the means to leave the job.” Gamel found her current position working as an assistant manager and equestrian guide in Chile by simply Googling her interests and applying for over 60 positions around the world! Eventually, based on the responses she received, Gamel narrowed down her choices to the winery and lodge she currently works at.
But regardless of how you decide to knock on future employer’s doors – whether via a Google search, or literally showing up on an employer’s doorstep and talking your way into a position – it’s important to do your research before you pack up and go. Some professionals recommend travelling to a potential place first to scope out if it’s somewhere you’d want to live. Ask yourself: do you enjoy the culture and the food? Are you willing to learning the local language? Can you meet people, locals and other expats, who could help you find the right job? Most importantly, what are the requirements for obtaining a working visa? Can you find an employer who’s willing to sponsor you, or support your process for securing work visas? Can you obtain a youth working visa that will allow you to live and work there for a couple of years? If you work under the table, what are the risks?
Shay Bell cultivated her career in hospitality, specializing in luxury service and fine dining, in Florida. After nearly twenty years working in the business, she traveled to Moshi, Tanzania, where she co-founded an NGO called One Ndoto Inc., which supports a local boys and girls club. Bell manages an eco-lodge called Worlds Collide Africa House, funneling 100% of the profits back into their local development work.
Bell says that, in order to break into the field of hospitality and tourism, you need to have travel experience and cross-cultural communication competencies. “If you have the opportunity to do an internship abroad, live, or volunteer abroad - do that. It’s an invaluable experience.” Listening, says Bell, is the most important skill you need to have in your toolkit. “You can bring the fundamentals, the techniques, but unless you know about the culture and how to apply those tools where you're working…it's really about the application.”
Checklist for Aspiring Globetrotters
Consider specializing in tourism and hospitality. Particularly if you wish to find work at a managerial level, consider focusing your undergraduate degree, or specializing at a Master’s level, in tourism and hospitality. Similarly, a degree in business, or marketing will help you cultivate the skills you need to excel at organization, customer service, communication, and marketing. The experts agree, look for university, or college programs that include internships, allowing you to gain practical skills and work experience before you even graduate.
Travel first. Before you look for your dream job in the tourism industry, figure out what you love about travel. Ask yourself, what regions of the world do you enjoy most? Where do you want to live? Be realistic. Accept the cultural realities that come along with particular regions of the world, whether it’s humble living conditions (a lack of hot running water), or inconsistent Wi-Fi access, or cultural norms. “It can also be difficult for women to travel and live in a foreign country,” admits Gamel. “For example, cat calling [of women] in some countries is totally acceptable.”
Start at home. All employers want to hire people with experience; particularly if you’re competing with other international applicants. Look for work experiences close to your roots, whether it’s a ski resort in the mountains, or a hiking lodge, or a fine dining restaurant. Get to know the tourism and hospitality industry at home. The skills you cultivate will be transferrable – and desirable – anywhere else in the world.
Diversify your skill-set. What kind of tricks do you have up your sleeve? You need to impress your employers with a broad range of skills and expertise that will enrich the experiences of tourists and guests. Knowledge of yoga, scuba diving, cooking, fine dining, hiking, birds, wildlife, and local flora will sweeten your resume, and prove to a potential employer that you’re well-rounded and a potential asset to their team/organization.
Learn another language. “My ability to speak Spanish is critical,” says Ron Berezan, a Canadian entrepreneur who organizes agri-tourism opportunities in Cuba. “No matter where you are – even if you’re in an English speaking country – learning to communicate well in the language and the way of using language is important.” Consider that you’ll be a conduit for guests and foreigners to communicate with, and understand the local culture. Employers will want to see that you’re multilingual to help build bridges between cultures, manage logistics, and enrich the experiences of their guests.
Research and apply for jobs. It’s definitely ideal to do your homework on country realities, political and economic situations, culture, and visa requirements before you pack your bags and go forth searching for employment in, say, Timbuktu. Do you need a company to sponsor your working visa application? Can you connect with a company, or organization before you travel? Also, consider the politics of local places. What are the implications of a foreigner working abroad in certain places? What challenges might you encounter? Is the country at risk of experiencing political instability?
Join a recruiting agency. Many travel agencies, cruise liners, and other tourism associations headhunt travel professionals via recruitment agencies. Check out job opportunities with Progressive Personnel, a global travel and tourism recruitment agency.
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