Chef

Whether you’re the head chef in charge of the kitchen, or a commis chef working on a particular area of food prep, you’ll need creativity as well as teamwork and people skills. Kitchens are high pressure, so you’ll need to be able to stay calm.

Museum curator

Are you interested in art, history — or even art history? Curators work in museums, acquiring new pieces and deciding what to include in exhibitions. To excel, you’ll need to be methodical and well-organised, with great attention to detail.

Tour guide

Do you have the gift of the gab, enjoy meeting new people and like being on your feet? Maybe you’d make a great tour guide, telling people about the history behind the tourist destination. It offers opportunities for travel in the UK and overseas.

 

University… or apprenticeship?

University: Degrees such as ‘international tourism’ and ‘hospitality management’ are a great way to prepare for a career in a management role. University is also the traditional route into more academic roles such as curator or museum conservator – however, higher and degree apprenticeships are now available in these roles.

Apprenticeships are a great, hands-on route into roles in the hospitality sector if you’d like to qualify while working a paid job. Through a level 2, level 3 or level 4 programme, you could train in roles such as:

• Baker
• Chef
• Hospitality manager

 

What skills do I need?

• Communication is a must — You’ll need to understand and clearly communicate information to customers and colleagues, often in a bustling environment.

• Initiative is important, as you’ll often be dealing with fast-paced and unpredictable situations.

• Teamwork is vital, especially if you’re working in a busy front-of-house role – such as waiter or receptionist – where you need to work effectively with colleagues to deliver a good service to customers.

 

What should I study

Business studies

If you’re hoping to begin a career in hospitality, business studies will provide you with the commercial understanding to progress into a management position. Read more.

History

A good option if you want to work as a guide, helping you develop the research skills and historical background you need to prepare your tour material. Read more.

Languages

A wise choice if you want to work overseas. Not only will you develop the language skills you need to communicate easily, you’ll also develop your cultural understanding. Read more.