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So, you want to get your foot in the door of the international hospitality management industry, but you’re not sure which job is right for you? Well, you’ll be pleased to know the global hospitality industry is one of the largest industries in the world - so much so, that it’s having to continually evolve to cater to the new trends and demands of world-wide travelers and go beyond the traditional realms of hotel and restaurant managers.
Read on and take a look at some of the unique and unusual jobs you may come across with a master’s in international hospitality management.
Culinary trendologist
This may sound like a new social media fad, but it truly is a real job where you can combine your love of food with your tip-top business acumen.
You’ll need to stay up-to-date with market research and data in order to offer specialist advice to restaurants and hotels when it comes to what food customers want (and don’t want). Your culinary radar should be as sharp as your taste-buds, and so watching cooking shows, reading culinary blogs, and attending food tour shows will be necessary to keep you inspired and well-informed when it comes to knowing what’s on trend in the world of gastronomy.
Chief listening officer
As social media platforms continue to grow, it’s the listening officer’s responsibility to keep an eye on social media and websites for reviews and feedback about the business, whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or event. Your business acumen and management skills will ensure you’re well prepared when it comes to protecting the brand and reputation of the company.
With an average salary of £60,000 (~US$77,262) according to Monster.co.uk, it’s no wonder this job role is gaining a lot of attention.
Banquet concierge
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced setting where timing and attention to detail is absolutely critical, then a job as a banquet concierge may be perfect for you.
From corporate events to charity events, banquets are considered the most prestigious and elaborate dining events in the world, and as a banquet concierge, it’s your responsibility to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.
You will effectively run the show as you oversee, manage, plan and liaise with kitchen staff and other team members whilst ensuring guests receive top class service when it comes to the food and overall experience and that your clients’ requirements are also met to the highest standards.
Hotel events planner
Hotels are a prime location for a variety of events, and so it’s your job as a hotel events planner to make sure each and every event is tailor made to suit its purpose, whether it’s a wedding, conference or convention.
Similar to a banquet concierge, your time management, organization and coordination skills need to be spot on when it comes to planning the overall execution of an event from start to finish. You’ll also need a head for finances and logistics as you liaise and finalize sales with external vendors and other services, such as florists and photographers (depending on the type of event).
Staying within the clients’ budget and ensuring everything goes to plan is also your top priority as the success (or failure) of an event can have a huge impact on the brand or business. Fortunately, a master’s degree such as international hospitality management can give you a solid understanding of general management and skills necessary to perform well in this role.
… or start your own business
As they say – the sky’s the limit! You’d do well to become your own boss – whether it’s opening your own boutique hotel or starting up your own chocolate factory as one emlyon business school student recently considered. No matter what your ambitions are, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills that come with studying an international hospitality management master’s degree.
Where to begin…
International hospitality management master’s programs are a great way to get your foot on the hospitality career ladder. Emlyon business school and Institut Paul Bocuse have come together to create the MSc in International Hospitality Management, where you’ll have the exciting opportunity to study in three locations – Lyon, Paris, and Shanghai in order to gain both a broad perspective of the industry and specialized knowledge, focusing on such topics as new venture creations, brand design and innovation management.
