INDUSTRY SECTORS
Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism A
lthough 2020 was the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry’s toughest year on record, it continues to offer lots of graduate-level opportunities, contrary to popular belief. These range from managing hotels and positioning them for future growth opportunities to reinventing business models and “support” functions in IT, marketing or HR. The industry places much emphasis on professional development – whether training or a postgraduate qualification – but experience is also key to a successful career. As such, it’s common to spend time on the “front line” as part of a training scheme to gain a well-rounded perspective, but career progression can be rapid.
You’ll need… • To be customer-oriented • Communication skills • Organisational skills • To be a team player • Problem-solving skills
Types of employers • Hotels and accommodation providers • Restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues • Event management companies • Leisure centres and sports/social clubs • National and regional tourism organisations • Travel agents and tour operators
Types of jobs • Hotel/restaurant/catering manager/ chef • Events coordinator • Leisure centre manager • Fitness instructor • Tourism officer or manager • Tourism development officer • Travel agent manager
Job-hunting tips • Get as much work experience as possible. Alternatively, contact a local hospitality or tourism organisation and ask to work-shadow a professional • When looking for a permanent position, find out whether there are formal graduate training schemes available • If there are no formal graduate training schemes available, send a speculative application detailing interest in the industry/employer and highlight any relevant work experience
Work experience Recruiters see work experience as evidence of commitment and skill – it doesn’t matter to them if hopefuls have been waiting staff, cleaners, lifeguards, or zookeepers. Even temporary work in support functions, such as finance, can give insights into the industry. This can enhance a candidate’s resume if they can demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Deadlines
Did you know? Throughout 2020, Singapore’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sector completely revamped itself and transformed offerings and experiences, tailoring them to local tastes. Examples of these endeavours include the Jewel Heist Tour in Jewel Changi Airport, a game tour, and Aminah in Kampong Glam, where the tour guide dresses and acts as the fictional 86-yearold Aminah and leads groups on a journey through Singapore during the 1930s and Second World War.
Most popular employers 1. Singapore Tourism Board 2. Changi Airport Group 3. Resorts World Sentosa 4. Wildlife Reserves Singapore 5. The Walt Disney Company 6. Singapore Airlines 7. Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) 8. Ritz-Carlton Millenia 9. Park Hotel Group Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2021 edition
Some larger organisations run formal training schemes, and deadlines for these tend to fall between August and October. Other organisations recruit on an asneeded basis. directory 2022 | 127
