The expert panel
Our expert panel comprises representatives from the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC), MaydayExec, Bartlett Mitchell, Learnpurple, Conran, Admiral Group and Portfolio International.
The question
I'm studying for a degree in hospitality management and events, with a view to becoming a hotel manager. I would like to gain five-star conference and banqueting experience, but how do I line up work after graduation, and will it be useful?
First, let me say that all experience will help you towards your goal. It will not only give you useful skills and people experience, but will show that you are dedicated to succeeding and prepared to work hard. Try the following action plan.
Contact the general managers of five-star hotels explaining your aspirations and asking for their help. Offer to wait tables in your spare time or during your holidays. If this isn't a success, research temp agencies to find out which of them supplies staff to the five-stars, and join up as a banqueting temp. Once there, do everything you can to impress. When you have established credibility and built up relationships with managers, explain your aspirations - people in hospitality are usually very willing to help others out.
Remember that people are always on the lookout for talent so, if you have something to offer, you will be spotted.
Jane Sunley, managing director, Learnpurple
As you move towards graduation, it may be worth considering a place on a graduate development scheme. Most hotel groups have well-recognised schemes. They are well structured and will encompass practical and off-job learning in all areas of hotel operations.
Candidates who have undertaken such a scheme are attractive to employers. If, however, conference and banqueting (C&B) operations is an area you wish to specialise in for the immediate future, search out operations that have an excellent reputation in this area. Apply to human resources and specify that you are looking for a role in C&B that will give you the grounding to fulfil your ultimate goal of becoming a hotel manager.
This may be a more hands-on way of building a career, but you will need to take complete control of your career path in order to gain all-round hotel management knowledge.
David Goldfarb, director, MaydayExec
Each week our expert panel will answer your career questions. If you'd like to submit a question, send it to
chris.druce@rbi.co.uk.