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Less than a quarter of young Brits would consider a career in hospitality, with 26% admitting they didn’t see it as an industry to work in after obtaining a degree.
That is according to a survey of 1,000 Brits aged 16 to 21, conducted by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
One in five respondents (19%) admitted they weren’t aware a career in hospitality could lead to roles that span design, engineering, finance, HR, law and marketing and more than a quarter (26%) thought working in a hotel mainly entailed dealing with a difficult guest.
Some 42% also admitted their job choices reflected their parent’s perceptions of certain industries.
The research coincides with the launch of IHG’s National Hotel Takeover, whereby 1,000 hospitality students will assist in the running of 30 hotels across the country.
Elaine Grell, VP of human resources, Europe at IHG said; “These results highlight just how important it is that young people get real life, on-the-job experience so they can fully understand how varied and exciting a career in hospitality can be.
“A hotel is a complex business with responsibility for a large team and big budgets. Yet a lot of people make assumptions based on what they may see as they only see from a guest’s perspective.”
She added: “Initiatives such as the National Hotel Takeover are so important in giving young people a behind the scenes look at what’s involved in a business where the doors are open 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s also a great industry for career progression – our global CEO Keith Barr started in a restaurant kitchen!”
