Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism

Although 2020 was the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry’s toughest year on record, it contnues to ofer lots of graduate-level opportunites, contrary to popular belief. These range from managing hotels and positoning them for future growth opportunites to reinventng business models and “support” functons in IT, marketng or HR.

The industry places much emphasis on professional development – whether training or a postgraduate qualifcaton – but experience is also key to a successful career. As such, it’s common to spend tme on the “front line” as part of a training scheme to gain a well-rounded perspectve, but career progression can be rapid.

You’ll need…

• To be customer-oriented • Communicaton skills • Organisatonal skills • To be a team player • Problem-solving skills

Types of employers

• Hotels and accommodaton providers • Restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues • Event management companies • Leisure centres and sports/social clubs • Natonal and regional tourism organisatons • Travel agents and tour operators

Types of jobs

• Hotel/restaurant/catering manager/ chef • Events coordinator • Leisure centre manager • Fitness instructor • Tourism ofcer or manager • Tourism development ofcer • Travel agent manager

Job-hunting tips

• Get as much work experience as possible. Alternatvely, contact a local hospitality or tourism organisaton and ask to work-shadow a professional • When looking for a permanent positon, fnd out whether there are formal graduate training schemes available • If there are no formal graduate training schemes available, send a speculatve applicaton 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 mater to them if hopefuls have been waitng staf, cleaners, lifeguards, or zookeepers.

Even temporary work in support functons, such as fnance, can give insights into the industry. This can enhance a candidate’s resume if they can demonstrate what they’ve learned.

Deadlines

Some larger organisatons run formal training schemes, and deadlines for these tend to fall between August and October. Other organisatons recruit on an asneeded basis.

Did you know?

Throughout 2020, Singapore’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sector completely revamped itself and transformed oferings 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 fctonal 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. Intercontnental Hotels Group (IHG) 8. Ritz-Carlton Millenia 9. Park Hotel Group

Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2021 editon