There is nothing better than putting yourself out there and getting hands-on experience in the field that you are interested in. By getting hands-on experience either by shadowing, getting an entry-level job, or just getting an interview with someone in the field helps you decide if this is the right step in your future. By doing this, you gain experience and knowledge that you can not get from sitting in a classroom.
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For me, I decided that the best way to figure out if hospitality was right for me was to get a job. Not just because it helps me figure out if this is what I want to do but also to gain experience. I want to gain experience because in this industry that is the most essential tool. Hands on knowledge is essential in this industry because every day is different and being exposed to more situations and problems makes you better at handling high stress or weird cases.
In order to get a head start I recently just started working in a hotel at the front desk. I have learned so much new information and tricks of the trade just in the first few weeks. I have learned the jargon and language that is used between coworkers in your department and other departments. I have learned the computer system that is used in mostly all hotels. I have learned how to talk to guests. I have learned how to answer the phone, how to notice little things so the guest stay is above and beyond what they were expecting. These are all things that can be stated in textbooks and told by teachers but unless experienced first hand you will not truly understand how to do it.
In the end, my advice for college students would be to get a head start and get hands-on experience. This is because it is not only valuable for you now to figure out if that is what you want to do for the rest of your life but also help you in the future by gaining valuable experience. As you take the next step towards your future, think about the present and try to put yourself out there, whether that be shadowing, or meeting with people, or even getting a job it will help you in the end.
~Erin Connolly
~Erin Connolly
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