When working in the Hospitality/Tourism Sector:
A Quick Wit, not Education is the soup de jour!

One time I had lunch at a bistro in Vancouver and as we pleasantly sat down waiting to order, the waitress finally came to our table to ask us how we were doing and what we would like. I made an anecdotal comment that seemed funny, but the waitress did not seem to think so. Almost embarrassed, I kindly asked her what the “soup de jour” was and she politely answered, “The soup of the day”. After almost bursting out into laughter, it struck me that I don’t always necessarily eat at a restaurant for the food, but for the service. Up to that point, I did not realize the importance of a funny and quick-witted server. That experience led me to believe that the Hospitality and Tourism sectors are the perfect medium for youth trying to break into the labour market, without having to worry about an education. Now I am not saying that education lacks importance, having an education whether it is school-based or street based, allows the individual to form an opinion, thus feeling empowered. Being an Employment Counsellor in today’s recession provides a very practical and lucid knowledge of how hard people have been affected; especially the youth.

Reading job descriptions for the hospitality and tourism sectors almost on a daily basis, I have yet to see one that is dominated by education; in fact most of them omit any educational requirement. Now do not start thinking “would you like fries with that” because we are speaking in terms of those positions that could and will facilitate a career if so desired. Fast food or to be politically correct “good food quick” restaurants are the perfect place for someone to have their first ever job but will they really learn from it? I don’t think so, because having worked at one of these chain restaurants myself when I was 15, my work ethic was purely based on the amount of girls working that night, if they were cute and available I worked harder to show off, if the shift was all boys and no girls, you do not want to know! Trust Me!

My knowledge of these sectors tells me that there is an enormous amount of turnover, which means that people are always coming and going. If it was not the nature of the business, then I would question the quality of the employer. So if you are loyal, hard working, quick on your feet and a good communicator what an opportunity to shine. Because there are so many people coming and going, there is ample opportunity to be rewarded by the employer just for sticking around. You will find then that the natural evolution of learning will intervene and you will gain experience, knowledge, great people skills and an honest feeling of fulfillment that you go to a job everyday that you love. And all of the above mentioned attributes do not come from education they come from you. Why not pick a career that is conducive to your personality? If going to school is a difficult task for you….then don’t go! The great thing about post-secondary education is that it is optional. Not like elementary and high school where you do not have a choice, you will soon realize that learning is a life-long endeavor and if anyone tells you otherwise, they are wrong. And being the author of your own life, if you want to attend and graduate from the school of Hard Knox, then so be it.

A sense of humor seems to be the lubricant for all society. No matter what the occasion, no matter what the environment, people that can find time to laugh will always be liked, will always succeed and will always be able to meet new people, so why not do it while you are making a living. The essence of hospitality and tourism is to make people feel welcome, to leave people with a lasting impression. When I go to a restaurant or stay at a hotel, my experience is solely based upon the people I meet. I do not think that at anytime soon, I will be staying at a hotel or eating at a restaurant where the walls are made of gold and there is a Kandinsky hanging above my toilet, so what else would make me or any customer come back……I hope after reading this that the answer is obvious.

Posted by:Tyler McAuley