Hospitality myths busted: what students think about working in the industry (vs. the reality)

When you hear "hospitality," what comes to mind? Long shifts? No career growth? A fallback plan for those who "didn’t make it" elsewhere? Well, it’s time to rethink that! The hospitality industry isn’t just about waiting tables, it’s a global powerhouse of opportunity, creativity, leadership, and career growth. Let's bust some myths and uncover the truth behind a career in hospitality.

TABLE OF CONTENTS :

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Myth #1: “There’s no career path”

Reality: Hospitality careers are some of the most dynamic out there. From entry‑level roles to general management, brand leadership, event direction, marketing, HR, and entrepreneurship, the pathways are endless. Many people start out working on the floor, then grow to become managers overseeing multiple venues. Hospitality employers are renowned for fast‑tracking talent who show leadership, resilience, and passion.

Myth #2: “It’s just for people who didn’t go to uni”

Reality: Whether you have a degree in business, communications, culinary arts, engineering, or design, there’s a role for you. Many top hotel groups, event companies, and tourism brands actively recruit university graduates into leadership development programmes. Plus, soft skills like customer service, problem‑solving, and team management are increasingly valuable across industries, meaning hospitality experience sets you up for life.

Myth #3: “You’re stuck in one job forever”

Reality: Hospitality is all about movement—between roles, locations, and even industries. One employer, an executive at a major international hotel chain, shared how many of their senior leaders rotate between finance, marketing, operations, and global postings every few years. Flexibility and curiosity are highly rewarded, opening doors worldwide.

Myth #4: “The pay is terrible”

Reality: Starting salaries can be modest, but hospitality is one of the few industries where career advancement (and pay raises) happen quickly. Plus, bonuses, tips, relocation allowances, travel perks, and staff accommodation can seriously boost your overall package early on in your career.

The big picture

Hospitality is for the adventurous, the ambitious, the people‑centered. It offers so many global opportunities, fast‑track leadership paths, and plenty of room for creativity. If you’re looking for a career that’s dynamic and full of opportunity, it’s time to take a serious look at hospitality.

Your future could start here… in a place where no two days are ever the same. Interested in a career in hospitality? Check out current vacancies across the hospitality sector here.