People who work hospitality and tourism jobs can develop a wide range of skills and instincts that come in handy in other roles as they progress in their careers. It is quite surprising how often people choose to skip these transferable skills when writing a resume or selling themselves in an interview.
According to an article from the World Economic Forum, 35% of the crucial skills in today’s workforce will have changed by the year 2025. Even though some job opportunities are more connected to hospitality and tourism than others, having soft transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and critical thinking can prove useful no matter where your career path takes you.
Avoid the colossal mistake of failing to acquire transferable skills that can make you more marketable to future employers. Remember, when a company is hiring, they want to know how much value a person can add to the work position, including soft and hard skills. With that said, check out AGEMA Work’s list of top 5 hospitality and tourism jobs that offer excellent transferable job skills.
Travel Concierge
A travel concierge is responsible for arranging travel activities that are unique and enjoyable. It is their responsibility to research, plan, and book trips for individuals and groups. An excellent travel concierge can also help guests perform various tasks such as making restaurant reservations, booking hotels, arranging for spa services, recommending nightlife hot spots, and booking transportation (like taxi, limousines, airplanes, boats, etc.), and coordinating porter service. Most people find it easier to use a travel concierge since they have years of experience and knowledge.
Transferable skills in which a travel concierge will develop and maximize over time are the following:
- Time management skills
- Administration skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
Front Desk Agent
A front desk agent is the face of a hotel or resort. From the moment a guest arrives, it is the agent’s responsibility to ensure they know about the amenities and services the property has to offer. An agent must also come across as friendly, inviting, customer service-oriented, and helpful.
With a few years of experience, a front desk agent will develop the following transferable skills:
- Customer service skills
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal skill
- Resourcefulness
- Conflict Management
Events Coordinator
One of the most demanding careers working in hotels, resorts, and conference centers is being in charge of banquet and conferences. Workers in this area must have the skills and abilities to plan and execute an event from beginning to end. It is their job to create a unique environment as their clientele is always changing.
Ultimately, an event coordinator will develop the following transferable skills:
- Problem-solving skills
- Stress management skills
- Time-management skills
- Active listening skills
- Monitoring skills
Tour Guide
Another excellent job opportunity is working as a tour guide. Tour guides ensure that itineraries are met and that customers are being informed about their tour locations entertainingly. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the group and ensuring that tour groups remain together.
In time, a tour guide will possess many excellent transferable skills, which include:
- Leadership skills
- Effective communication skills
- Cross-cultural competency skills
- Improvisation skills
- Adaptability
Hotel Manager
Hotel managers can have a wide variety of duties, depending on the establishment. Some primary responsibilities range from overseeing housekeeping to budget management.
With enough experience, a Hotel Manager will possess a wide range of transferable skills, which include:
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Team-building skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Motivational skills
Ultimately, the top five hospitality and tourism jobs mentioned in this article offer a wide variety of skills and abilities that can be vital and useful across different areas in various career fields. Keep in mind that we all have to start somewhere, and recruiting companies are usually looking for those who can demonstrate transferable skills.
Even side jobs like the ones offered through AGEMA Work allow you to earn extra income while developing transferable soft skills. AGEMA Work is a leading provider of service staff in non-urban areas and connects talented professionals to regional business owners. Download the AGEMA Work app today and start working towards your career aspirations.
