How to Choose a Career in Hospitality and Restaurants

Choosing a career in the hospitality and catering industry requires careful consideration of your skills, interests, and professional goals. This dynamic and broad sector offers many opportunities for growth. Here’s a guide to help you choose the profession that suits you best:

1. Identify Your Interests

Ask yourself the right questions to pinpoint your preferences:
• Do you enjoy interacting with customers? (receptionist, waiter, concierge)
• Do you prefer working in the kitchen? (chef, pastry chef, kitchen assistant)
• Do you have a talent for management and organization? (hotel manager, restaurant manager, event coordinator)
• Are you creative? (pastry chef, culinary designer, head waiter)

2. Explore Possible Careers

The hospitality and catering industry offers a variety of careers, including:
• Kitchen Professions:
- Head Chef: Oversees the kitchen and creates the dishes.
- Sous-Chef: Assists the head chef and supervises the team.
- Pastry Chef: Prepares desserts and pastries.
- Cook / Kitchen Assistant: Prepares ingredients and helps create dishes.
• Dining Room and Service Professions:
- Waiter / Waitress: Provides table service and ensures customer satisfaction.
- Maître d’hôtel: Supervises service and coordinates the team.
- Sommelier: Wine and beverage expert who advises customers.
• Hospitality Professions:
- Receptionist: Welcomes and informs guests.
- Concierge: Assists clients with specific requests (reservations, information).
- Housekeeper: Oversees the cleaning and upkeep of rooms.
- Hotel Manager: Manages all operations of the establishment.
• Management and Event Professions:
- Restaurant Manager: Supervises the restaurant's operations.
- Event Planner: Organizes and coordinates receptions and seminars.
- Cost Controller: Optimizes expenses and budgets.

3. Evaluate Your Skills and Aptitudes

• Interpersonal Skills: Essential for jobs involving customer contact.
• Rigor and Organization: Vital for kitchen roles or management positions.
• Stress Resistance: The industry can be demanding, with long hours and peak periods.
• Creativity: An asset for professions like cooking, pastry-making, or event planning.
• Language Skills: A significant advantage for working in establishments with international clients.

4. Learn About Training Programs

Many training options allow entry into the hospitality and catering industry:
• CAP Cuisine / CAP Pâtisserie: Ideal for starting a career in cooking or pastry-making.
• Bac Pro Hôtellerie-Restauration: A comprehensive program to enter the job market directly.
• BTS Hôtellerie-Restauration: Opens doors to supervisory or managerial roles.
• Specialized Schools: Offer high-level training for becoming chefs, hotel managers, or sommeliers.
• Continuing Education: Suitable for adults in professional retraining.

5. Gain Experience and Explore

• Internships and Apprenticeships: Allow you to test various jobs and environments.
• Tourist Seasons: Working during peak periods helps you understand the job demands.
• Job Shadowing: Follow a professional for a few days to observe their daily routine.

6. Consider Professional Opportunities

The hospitality and catering industry is a promising field with many opportunities:
• International Careers: Skills in this sector are in demand worldwide.
• Fast Progression: With experience, you can quickly access positions of responsibility.
• Entrepreneurship: Opening your own restaurant, hotel, or pastry shop is a possibility for ambitious individuals.

7. Match It to Your Lifestyle
• Work schedules can be unconventional (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Certain professions require good physical condition.
• High-end environments may demand great discipline and attention to detail.

Conclusion
To choose a career in hospitality and catering, consider your passions, skills, and long-term vision. Gain experience in different roles, get the appropriate training, and research the realities of the industry. Whether you enjoy cooking, leading a team, or delivering exceptional customer service, this field offers countless paths to thrive professionally