Are you considering a career in Hospitality Management? Nowadays, internships are becoming increasingly popular among students striving to gain experience and boost their skills. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the right fit for you. That’s why today we’ll be talking about the advantages of hospitality internships and offering some ideas on excellent apprenticeships that fit your interests.
From improving job prospects to gaining hands-on knowledge, internship programs provide incredible professional development opportunities and open access to an invaluable network of industry contacts. If you’re interested in taking your career in hospitality to the next level, keep reading! We’ve gathered all the information needed for you to learn more about what these kinds of experiences have to offer.
What are the Benefits of Getting a Hospitality Internship?
Gaining practical work experience will give you tons of possibilities in whatever career path you choose. In the Hospitality Industry, internships are necessary to build partnerships, establish relationships with notable figures, and gain exposure to the field.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of getting an internship in hospitality:
Professional Experience
When you expose yourself to different job roles in hospitality, you get hands-on experience even before you graduate. It’s what most employers are looking for in their potential employees. By applying for an internship, you’ll get a feel for how the industry works, and you will be ready to start with less training when you land your first job.
One way you can find internship offerings is by going to job expos. Look for corporate event vertical banners that market internship opportunities in their Hotel or Restaurant and introduce yourself. It will give you the exposure needed, as well as contacts with the right people.
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Skill Development
Building skills in real-life situations allows you to utilize your gained theoretical knowledge. Through internships, you can apply your learning in real-world scenarios while you acquire new skills and techniques while improving your existing ones. With numerous job openings in hospitality, gaining as many skills as possible will help you land your dream job immediately.
Examples of careers in hospitality:
- Lodging Manager
- Event Planner
- Restaurant Manager
- Travel Agent
- Concierge
The best part about internships is you learn from professionals who have been in the industry for many years. From soft skills to transferrable skills, getting an apprenticeship offers a fruitful experience to everyone.
Build Resume
If you want to impress future employers, an internship is another way to make your resume look more attractive. It won’t only give your resume a boost, but it will also make you stand out among other job seekers. Since fresh graduates have a hard time looking for work due to their lack of experience, an internship can bridge that gap.
With a good-looking resume, you’ll have a higher chance of getting an interview and securing a job offer. In fact, a study in 2019 by NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) indicated that fresh graduates who have internships received 20% more job offers than those who didn’t get one.
Internship Ideas for Hospitality Management Majors
Now that you know what internships can give you as a Hospitality Management graduating student, we’ll explore the various internship ideas you might want to explore if you’re still looking around:
Boutique Hotels
For those interested in managing the front desk and guest services, you should evolve these skills by interning at boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and smaller lodging properties. Though these may not be as well-known as larger hotel chains, they offer a personalized and unique experience for guests.
Since larger and more prominent hotels are usually overstaffed and require years of experience before you can handle specific tasks, starting at a boutique hotel can open many doors for you in the future. Furthermore, you can manage many tasks since these businesses are usually laid back and have fewer guests.
Event Planning Companies
Do you have a talent for planning events? Or maybe you want to provide a spectacular experience for your future clients? If so, you might be interested in internships at event planning companies. They will give you a chance to learn the basics of event planning, such as knowing where to source your entertainment, vinyl banners for branding, food & beverage, and other essential elements.
Furthermore, you’ll be trained to handle high-pressure situations, which are common in the events industry. As an event planner, you’ll need to master staying on top of your checklist at all times while being approachable to potential clients. While in the field, remember to make valuable connections with other event vendors, as it can open doors for future job opportunities.
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Local Restaurants
If you always wanted to understand how restaurants work while immersing in an intense and fast-paced environment, consider interning in your local food joint. As an intern, you will most likely be working directly with customers and managing their dining experiences while keeping good relations.
Other skills required in restaurants include:
- Multitasking
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Food safety
- Listening and communication
With this in mind, you need a pleasant attitude while attending to your customer’s needs. At the same time, small local restaurants will allow you to take control of the business’ marketing, so you’re free to test your marketing ideas.
Youth Camps
Last but not least is Youth Camps. These organizations require full-service hospitality, and they’re mostly understaffed. Interns like you are welcome, and you get to work with kids and adolescents. It’s your chance to manage their lodging, food and beverage, and other activities while keeping them entertained.
Though this field may sound like it requires a lot of energy, it offers a great deal of experiences that you won’t attain anywhere else. Additionally, you can have fun while working since it provides an excellent balance between work and mingling with children.
Become Professionals in the Hospitality Industry through Internships
The Hospitality Industry is massive, and many job roles can be found here. Depending on what you want to focus on after graduating, internships are a great way to test things out. It’s also a chance to get your hands dirty and know which tasks you enjoy! If you’re ready, don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and learn!
