by Vicki Salemi “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Sure, the popular mantra implies mystery and intrigue, but when it comes to Sin City and beyond, it’s all about the burgeoning hotel, hospitality, and tourism industry. Be it the scintillating plots intertwining the surveillance team at the fictional Montecito Resort & Casino on NBC’s drama "Las Vegas," or strategic marketing plans at the real-life Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino in Scottsdale, Ariz., this particular industry is scorching hot. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in hotels and other accommodations is expected to increase by 17 percent through 2014, compared to the 14 percent growth projected for all industries combined. This is good news for those with strong interpersonal skills, says Charles Van Every, director of strategic marketing for the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino. “Individuals with good people skills can have an excellent career in hospitality at all levels,” he affirms. High (customer service) rollers Career opportunities in this field include security work, like the job of "Las Vegas'" Big Ed Deline, head of the Montecito surveillance team, and range from working the front desk to managing the finances, or in Van Every’s case, implementing marketing strategies. Regardless of the specific job, Van Every indicates that the industry emphasizes a team-oriented approach. “If someone starts out at the front desk, they quickly understand how each department interacts with the other since they are all in daily contact,” he says. As demonstrated by "Las Vegas" character Danny McCoy, an ex-Marine who works closely with Deline and deals with card-counting cheaters, customer service is key. “Prospective employees have to demonstrate that they care about people and are outwardly friendly and positive," says Van Every. "On the management side, people demonstrating problem-solving capabilities will emerge as leaders. When they also possess customer service skills, they lead by example and the business flourishes.” Raising the education stakes Barbara Vale, human resources director of Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Spa in San Diego, Calif., confirms that there are a plethora of employment opportunities in the industry for customer service-oriented individuals. “Hotels are like small cities filled with career opportunities, including finance, sales, engineering, security, food and beverage, rooms division, human resources, purchasing and receiving, recreation, spa, and retail,” she says. As for the specific bachelor’s degrees Vale looks for in candidates? That depends. “Our director of food and beverage has a degree in English, yet she is more than qualified for her position," she says. "On the other hand, our culinary and accounting departments really require some formal training.” Industry-related degrees may look like the bachelor’s degree program in tourism development and management at Arizona State University. This new program has close ties with the Arizona tourism industry through its internship requirement. After all, says Dr. Timothy Tyrrell, the school's professor of tourism economics and the associate dean of the College of Public Programs, “hands-on work experience is a critical element in the education of tourism students." Incorporating guest lecturers and instructors comprised of the area's tourism industry leaders is also key. In fact, Mark Ahles, tourism instructor at Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College, explains the new program was developed as a result of the increase in tourism. “It is evident that the entire tourism industry is in a strong growth mode today, with new hotels, resorts, and cruise ships being built at a fever pitch. Even older hotels are spending millions of dollars sprucing up their properties and adding upgrades,” he says. Hybrid hospitality degrees Whether the programs are brick-and-mortar or hybrid (consisting of traditional classroom courses offered on evenings and weekends in addition to online courses), at Troy University, they’re emerging as a result of the booming industry. Troy’s master of science degree in management with an international hospitality concentration features classes such as organizational behavior, international hospitality legal issues, and managing financial systems in the hospitality industry. “This program is catered to the more experienced, mature candidate,” states Dr. Christine Burge, director of Troy’s Atlantic region. “We believe that the internship portion of the program equips current and future industry leaders with the tools they need to make sound and successful choices when in key decision-making roles.” Climbing the ladder Want to raise your hospitality career to the next level? Robyn Ryan, author of “Soaring on Your Strengths” (Penguin, 2005), advises, “To put yourself in a more promotable situation, master the job tasks, show initiative, and be eager to learn more. Ask for more duties such as team leader, or managing the front desk.” She also recommends improving your computer and communication skills. “Both are the foundation of this industry, so they are essential to long-term success.” Andy Hottenstein knows this firsthand. Currently the catering manager at Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Spa, he started as market café supervisor and was promoted three months later to assistant outlets manager. There the University of Arizona communications degree earner assisted the market café, lounge, and restaurant outlets, and was promoted one year later to manager. According to Vale, career advancement like Hottenstein's is not uncommon–77 percent of Loews' supervisor and management positions are filled internally. Perks and pitfalls While some of the perks for Hottenstein and fellow employees include training courses, free meals, employee recognition programs, and hotel discounts, there are downsides, too. Earnings in hotels and other accommodations generally are much lower than the average for all industries, reports the BLS. In 2004, average earnings for all nonsupervisory workers in this industry were $10.58 an hour, or $317 a week, compared with $15.67 an hour, or $529 a week, for workers throughout private industry. Salaries of managers vary, however, since they depend on the size and sales volume of the hotel and their specific responsibilities. And just like on "Las Vegas," countless issues can arise when dealing with valet parking, restaurant management, and casino security. “It is truly about the guests, and you need to roll up your sleeves. At times you may work in one area, but if we need your help in another, you could be doing something totally different,” notes Vale. Plus, she says, you’ll need to work your way up. “Everyone wants to be an event planner, but starting in banquets or food and beverage is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be an event planner in the future.” Hottenstein concurs. “The hospitality industry is without a doubt one of the hardest industries to work in. Guests come to our resort and enjoy a memorable and supremely comfortable experience, and that’s due to a lot of hard work by our team members.” But, he adds, the work is worth it. “The bottom line is that if making people happy is something that makes you happy, then hospitality is the career for you. The rest will take care of itself.” Vicki Salemi, a frequent contributor to ClassesUSA.com, Online Degrees Magazine, and The CollegeBound Network, writes regularly about education and career issues. She is also the author of "The ABC's of College Life.”
by Vicki Salemi