Intro to Tourism & HospitalityChapter 13

Copyright

Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC by Morgan Westcott, Editor, (c) Capilano University is used under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.

This chapter is by Micki McCartney and Lynda Robinson and is used under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.

Learning Outcomes

Identify and define the steps in career planning

Identify aspects of labour market information

Compare and describe types of work learning experiences

Describe tools and strategies to successfully complete work experience

Explore career management strategies for workplace success

Review industry career profiles and professions for common themes

Career Planning

“An ongoing process through which an individual sets career goals and identifies the means to achieve them” (Shepard and Mani, 2013)

Requires you to understand your values, interests, skills

Is an ongoing process

Figure 13.1: Students from VIU hone their skills and network at a case competition

Five Essential Steps of Career Planning

1. Conduct a self-assessment

2. Research the labour market

3. Create your career search toolkit

4. Put your career campaign into action

5. Engage in networking

1. Conduct a Self-Assessment

Process where you gather information about yourself so you can make the right career decisions

Values, interests, personalities, skills Think back to when you were a child – what hopes

and dreams did you have then? What has changed? Create a personal value statement Ask a friend or family member how they see you (list

10 words) Choose the 2 tourism/hospitality sectors that appeal

the most to you, and list the reasons why

2. Research the Labour Market

Visit tourism and hospitality job boards to identify demand www.go2hr.ca/jobboard www.hcareers.ca www.craigslist.org

Follow companies and sectors in the media

Figure out where the opportunities are – how big is your target?

3. Create a Career Search Toolkit

1. Personal attributes: what you are like as a person/employee

2. Technical skills: specific skills and knowledge for certain types of work (e.g. Point-of-Sale proficiency)

3. Transferable skills: skills you can use for a variety of tasks and jobs (e.g. how to read a balance sheet)

Toolkit Components

Cover letter

Resume

Reference List

Social media profiles: LinkedIn, etc.

E-portfolio or other current tools

Figure 13.2: A branded set of tools

4. Put Your Career Campaign Into Action

Make a list of companies to target, and approach them

Remember most jobs are found through the hidden job market

Don’t have connections? Make them! Search the web for the key people in HR departments Connect with alumni from your program (ask faculty) Contact the person working in your dream job Ask friends and family who they know in the industry

Informational Interviews

Write a short script

Reach out to your contacts

Quick meeting (under 30 minutes)

Ask in-depth questions (answers NOT on company website) Culture of company Growth pattern Training and career support

Say thanks and follow up

5. Engage in Networking

Conduct info interviews

Maintain contact with classmates and faculty

Attend conferences

Participate in case competitions and academic contests

Use social media

Maintain contact with coworkers

Figure 13.3: Students at a networking event

Work Experience

Experiential learning: action-oriented, learner-centred, geared towards process (not outcomes) Co-op education Internship Practicum Service learning Volunteering

Much higher success rates for students and grads with experience in the field

Keys to Success in the Workplace

Research and understand the organization's culture and ensure you work within their norms Pick a placement or job where this fits you

Show initiative on the job Ask to observe a meeting Ask to shadow a manager in another department Read through policies and plans, ask questions Offer up your skills (e.g. create a social media

account or training manual)

Practise Conflict Management

Tourism and hospitality = people industry

Conflict management is an essential skill

LISTEN

REFLECT AND SUMMARIZE

RESPOND

Be friendly, positive, and direct

Success Stories: Brock Martin

Account Manager, Booking.com

Vancouver Community College BHM

“Have a passion for guest services and for helping people … think quickly and be a good problem solver”

Figure 11.4: Brock Martin

Success Stories: Katie Clarke

Marketing Coordinator, Parkside Hotel & Spa

Vancouver Island University Diploma of Hosp Man

“Hospitality can be a career if you stick with it”

“Keep up with new training and volunteering, most workplaces encourage it!”

Figure 13.5: Katie Clarke

Success Stories: Ana Rowinska

Project Coordinator, MCI Group Canada

Capilano U BTM

“Both education and experience are important to being an event coordinator”

“Long workdays are common … commitment and the ability to be flexible are key”

Figure 13.6: Ana Rowinska

Success Stories: Christine McCann

Senior Conference Services Manager, Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Douglas College Hotel and Restaurant Mgmt

“I started at the hotel as a SWEP (student work experience)”

“Takes passion and an understanding and appreciation for the guest experience”

Figure 13.7: Christine McCann

Success Stories: David Wooldridge

Owner and Founder, Ridge Wilderness Adventures

Capilano U Outdoor Recreation Management

“This work is for those who don’t like to have a fixed routine”

“This industry is all about the people that you know – go to every event and course you can to meet people and get known”

Success Stories: Cleopatra Corbett

Long-range Planner, City of Vernon

Vancouver Island U BTM

“My first experience in community planning came during my third year co-op”

“Have mentors you respect and admire”

“Get experience before graduating through volunteer work, internships, or co-op”

Figure 13.8: Cleo Corbett

Success Stories: Marie-Cat Lapointe

Travel Designer Team Lead, Discover Holidays Inc.

Capilano U Tourism Diploma

“Students wanting to get into the tour operator sector need to have a tourism education”

“You also need skills in customer service, sales, cultural practices, marketing, and a real passion for the products”

Figure 13.9: Marie-Catherine Lapointe

Success Stories: Jody Young

Industry and Community Services Mgr, Tourism Vancouver Island

VIU BTM

“Jump at an entry-level opportunity as it will be your door to advancing your career”

“Take advantage of student rates at industry events to rub shoulders with folks at the top of the game”

Figure 13.10: Jody Young

Conclusion

Tourism and hospitality careers depend on: Reaching out and meeting people (networking) Gaining practical experience Having a great attitude and work ethic Committing to ongoing learning about the world,

the industry, and yourself

Remember: career planning is an ongoing process, revisit these steps for future success

References

Shepard, B. & Mani, P. (2013).Career development practice in Canada: Perspectives, principles and professionalism. Toronto, ON: Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC).

Attributions

Figure 13.1 VIU diploma winners by LinkBC is used under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Figure 13.2 Green Resume CV & Business Card by buyalex is used under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Figure 13.3 006 LinkBC Student-Industry Rendezvous 2013 by LinkBC is used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Figure 13.4 West Coast Sightseeing’s booth by LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0 license.

Figure 13.5 Brock Martin by Melissa Phung for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

Figure 13.6 Katelyn Clarke by Vivian Kereki for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

Attributions

Figure 13.7 Anna Rowinska by Karl Rowinski for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

Figure 13.8 Christine McCann by Beth Pink for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

Figure 13.9 Cleo Corbett by Digital Dean Photography for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

Figure 13.10 Marie-Catherine Lapointe by Marie-Catherine Lapointe for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.

Figure 13.11 Jody Young by Landon Sveinson Photography for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license..