Job Search Strategies with the “Career Coach”
June 21, 2007
Today’s viewer submitted career question for Susan Strayer is from a marketing and hospitality student here in B.C. We’ve recently been talking about how students or people new to the industry can kick off their careers, and Susan brings up some great points in her reply:
Q: I am really interested in Hospitality Marketing; however, I found it’s difficult to make a break into the industry for a student like me. There are not many entry level positions in Hospitality Marketing. What should I do to start my career as a hospitality marketer? And what kind of hospitality marketing jobs are available for a new grad like me?
A: I think it’s great you have such a specific interest and desire to work in a certain arena. And while it may seem hard to break into many areas at an entry level, there are certain tricks of the trade that may help more so than trying to . First, get some general hospitality experience. It’s really an industry where having tangible, field experience is essential. If you can’t start at corporate headquarters, try working at a large property of a well respected chain or company where there will be opportunities to move and grow. Sales or event planning are a great place to start and a good foundation for marketing.
You should also use your network to find some mentors--experienced marketing professionals both in and out of hospitality that you can bounce ideas off of, be motivated by and get general advice and encouragement from. They can also be instrumental in helping connect you with others and in sharing the realities--the good and bad--of the job. But the best advice is to get into a hospitality company and make your preferences known. Work hard and ask to take on extra projects, maybe even as an intern in marketing or after hours. Commitment, passion and patience--that’s how you’ll get noticed!
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Susan Strayer, SPHR, is Director of Talent Management for one of the world’s leading hotel chains. Susan has over ten years of experience in human resources, recruiting and career development. She has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, thousands of coaching clients and is the author of two books. Her latest, The Right Job Right Now: A Complete Tool-Kit For Finding the Perfect Career (www.therightjobrightnow.com), is a complete end-to-end job search and career guide.
