Finding the American Dram in the hospitality industry

 “Dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

--- James Truslow Adams

 
Do you believe in the American dream? Do you think people in the States can still climb up the ladder for a better life regardless of their social class or background? 
 
If you are hardworking, the hospitality industry might be the right place to start your American dream. Hospitality jobs are not easy, but rewards will come to those who work hard. Most of all, the hospitality industry is big enough and offers ample opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and talents. 
 
Entry-level Jobs 
 
The hospitality industry is a vast business sector that presents various career options, from helpers in the kitchen, servers, food stand workers, office clerks to any positions in-between. Most entry-level jobs do not even require formal education or previous work experience. Moreover, because many hospitality businesses open for long hours, some of which operate 24/7, people may also choose to work part-time only when their schedule becomes available. 
 
The hospitality industry provides terrific career opportunities for less-skilled workers or new immigrants who do not even speak English. According to the Center for Migration Studies of New York, immigrants comprise 31% of the total workforce in the state. When it comes to the industries that hire the highest number of naturalized citizens in New York State, the restaurant industry comes in 3^rd place, at 88,600. Plus, the restaurant industry employs the most undocumented immigrant workers in the state (74,700 workers).  
 
Mid-level Management Jobs
 
Many hospitality businesses embrace the promote-from-within philosophy in talent management. Using Chipotle as an example, 80% of the restaurant chain’s leaders started their careers as crew members in one of its restaurants. A typical restaurant manager at Chipotle makes about $80,000 a year. It is very common to see hardworking associates find their way up in the hospitality industry. 
 
Executive Positions 
 
Many hospitality workers also moved up to the C-suite. To name two examples, Jim Bitticks, who started in the restaurant industry in his teens as a busboy, was recently named Dave’s Hot Chicken’s COO and President. Alan Fuerstman, the founder and CEO of Montage International, a luxury hotel chain worth about $3 billion in 2019, also started his hospitality career as a part-time doorman at a Marriott Hotel. 
 
Now Is a Good Time to Pursue the American Dream in the Hospitality Industry
 
The hospitality industry is now facing the labor shortage issue. Companies are offering higher wages and better benefits to attract workers to join their labor force. People might get promoted faster too, if they help a business go through a crisis. Now, it is a great time to get into the hospitality industry if one still believes in the American dream. 

Do you know anyone who found their American Dream in the hospitality industry? How could they accomplish that? Would you mind sharing their experience with us? 

Note: This viewpoint was firstly published in Hospitality News in January 2022. The picture was downloaded from MetaWriting.DeannaMascle.com.