Whether you want a graduate job with a hotel, sports centre or travel operator, the leisure, hospitality and tourism sector has a lot to offer.

Business is booming, graduates are in demand, and the sector offers early responsibility and lots of interaction with people. Degree subject is not always important, so this is a good area to consider for a general management role.

The leisure, hospitality and tourism sector already employs just under two million people (contributing about 4% of gross domestic product) and is continuing to expand. It’s estimated that about 15,000 new jobs will be created by 2012.

Sports

The sports sector is particularly strong: there are already 24,500 members of the Register of Exercise Professionals, for example. This sector, in particular, is set to grow, due to interest in sport as a result of London hosting the Olympics, and campaigns to persuade people to live healthier lifestyles.

Travel and tourism

The travel industry is also dynamic, with eco-holidays and, conversely, cheap air travel two of the big issues at present. Graduates may be employed by tour operators in sales or marketing roles.

Management careers

Working in the leisure and hospitality sector is a good way to launch a graduate career in management and develop a range of transferable skills. It is possible to train to become the manager of a hotel, museum or leisure centre, for example. Early responsibility is a benefit.

Another benefit of working in the leisure industry is that specific degrees are not usually required. Some hotels and leisure chains offer graduate training schemes, but graduates often start in low-paid jobs and achieve promotion quickly.

Getting a graduate job in leisure, hospitality and tourism

Postgraduate qualifications are also available, ranging from master’s to specialist studies in planning, the environment, museums, childcare and exercise science.

Work experience is also valuable; it is, in fact, almost impossible to gain employment in a museum or gallery without having done some (usually voluntary) relevant work experience.

Skills you will need

Graduate employers may not look for degrees in particular subjects, but they do want certain skills:

• interpersonal and teamwork skills
• business awareness
• cultural sensitivity
• problem-solving ability
• flexibility.

Of these, employers value people skills most highly. They’re looking for recruits with good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and leadership potential. Leisure companies can’t survive without staff with good customer service skills, as the industry is client-driven.

Working life

Working in the leisure and hospitality sector can be demanding. Evening and weekend work can be expected in some roles, particularly during peak season – after all, you will be working while other people are at leisure.

However, on the plus side, there are often other associated perks (particularly in travel) and the sector offers stimulating challenges and good social interaction.

Graduatte-job descriptions

• Catering manager
• Corporate hospitality co-ordinator
• Hotel manager
• Leisure / sports centre manager
• Museum / art gallery manager
• Sports coach / instructor
• Sports development officer
• Travel and tourism operator