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..