Chapter 13


Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC by
Morgan Westcott, Editor, (c) Capilano University is used under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.
This chapter is by Micki McCartney and Lynda Robinson and is used under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.

 Identify and define the steps in career planning
 Identify aspects of labour market information
 Compare and describe types of work learning experiences
 Describe tools and strategies to successfully complete work experience
 Explore career management strategies for workplace success
 Review industry career profiles and professions for common themes

 “An ongoing process through which an individual sets career goals and identifies the means to achieve them”
(Shepard and Mani, 2013)
 Requires you to understand your values, interests, skills
 Is an ongoing process
Figure 13.1: Students from VIU hone their skills and network at a case competition

1.
Conduct a self-assessment
2.
Research the labour market
3.
Create your career search toolkit
4.
Put your career campaign into action
5.
Engage in networking

 Process where you gather information about yourself so you can make the right career decisions
 Values, interests, personalities, skills
 Think back to when you were a child – what hopes and dreams did you have then? What has changed?
 Create a personal value statement
 Ask a friend or family member how they see you (list
10 words)
 Choose the 2 tourism/hospitality sectors that appeal the most to you, and list the reasons why

 Visit tourism and hospitality job boards to identify demand
 www.go2hr.ca/jobboard
 www.hcareers.ca
 www.craigslist.org
 Follow companies and sectors in the media
 Figure out where the opportunities are – how big is your target?

1.
Personal attributes: what you are like as a person/employee
2.
Technical skills: specific skills and knowledge for certain types of work (e.g. Point-of-Sale proficiency)
3.
Transferable skills: skills you can use for a variety of tasks and jobs (e.g. how to read a balance sheet)

 Cover letter
 Resume
 Reference List
 Social media profiles:
LinkedIn, etc.
 E-portfolio or other current tools
Figure 13.2: A branded set of tools

 Make a list of companies to target, and approach them
 Remember most jobs are found through the hidden job market
 Don’t have connections? Make them!
 Search the web for the key people in HR departments
 Connect with alumni from your program (ask faculty)
 Contact the person working in your dream job
 Ask friends and family who they know in the industry

 Write a short script
 Reach out to your contacts
 Quick meeting (under 30 minutes)
 Ask in-depth questions (answers NOT on company website)
 Culture of company
 Growth pattern
 Training and career support
 Say thanks and follow up

 Conduct info interviews
 Maintain contact with classmates and faculty
 Attend conferences
 Participate in case competitions and academic contests
 Use social media
 Maintain contact with coworkers
Figure 13.3: Students at a networking event

 Experiential learning: action-oriented, learnercentred, geared towards process (not outcomes)
 Co-op education
 Internship
 Practicum
 Service learning
 Volunteering
 Much higher success rates for students and grads with experience in the field

 Research and understand the organization's culture and ensure you work within their norms
 Pick a placement or job where this fits you
 Show initiative on the job
 Ask to observe a meeting
 Ask to shadow a manager in another department
 Read through policies and plans, ask questions
 Offer up your skills (e.g. create a social media account or training manual)

 Tourism and hospitality = people industry
 Conflict management is an essential skill
 LISTEN
 REFLECT AND SUMMARIZE
 RESPOND
 Be friendly, positive, and direct

 Account Manager,
Booking.com
 Vancouver Community
College BHM
 “Have a passion for guest services and for helping people … think quickly and be a good problem solver”
Figure 11.4: Brock Martin

 Marketing Coordinator,
Parkside Hotel & Spa
 Vancouver Island University
Diploma of Hosp Man
 “Hospitality can be a career if you stick with it”
 “Keep up with new training and volunteering, most workplaces encourage it!”
Figure 13.5: Katie Clarke

 Project Coordinator, MCI
Group Canada
 Capilano U BTM
 “Both education and experience are important to being an event coordinator”
 “Long workdays are common
… commitment and the ability to be flexible are key”
Figure 13.6: Ana Rowinska





Senior Conference Services
Manager, Fairmont Chateau
Whistler
Douglas College Hotel and
Restaurant Mgmt
“I started at the hotel as a
SWEP (student work experience)”
“Takes passion and an understanding and appreciation for the guest experience”
Figure 13.7: Christine McCann

 Owner and Founder, Ridge Wilderness Adventures
 Capilano U Outdoor Recreation Management
 “This work is for those who don’t like to have a fixed routine”
 “This industry is all about the people that you know
– go to every event and course you can to meet people and get known”






Long-range Planner, City of
Vernon
Vancouver Island U BTM
“My first experience in community planning came during my third year co-op”
“Have mentors you respect and admire”
“Get experience before graduating through volunteer work, internships, or co-op”
Figure 13.8: Cleo Corbett

 Travel Designer Team Lead,
Discover Holidays Inc.
 Capilano U Tourism Diploma
 “Students wanting to get into the tour operator sector need to have a tourism education”
 “You also need skills in customer service, sales, cultural practices, marketing, and a real passion for the products”
Figure 13.9: Marie-Catherine Lapointe

Figure 13.10: Jody Young
 Industry and Community
Services Mgr, Tourism
Vancouver Island
 VIU BTM
 “Jump at an entry-level opportunity as it will be your door to advancing your career”
 “Take advantage of student rates at industry events to rub shoulders with folks at the top of the game”

 Tourism and hospitality careers depend on:
 Reaching out and meeting people (networking)
 Gaining practical experience
 Having a great attitude and work ethic
 Committing to ongoing learning about the world, the industry, and yourself
 Remember: career planning is an ongoing process, revisit these steps for future success

Shepard, B. & Mani, P. (2013).Career development practice in
Canada: Perspectives, principles and professionalism. Toronto, ON:
Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC).







Figure 13.1
VIU diploma winners by LinkBC is used under a CC-BY 2.0 license.
Figure 13.2
Green Resume CV & Business Card by buyalex is used under a CC-BY
2.0 license.
Figure 13.3
006 LinkBC Student-Industry Rendezvous 2013 by LinkBC is used under a CC BY
2.0 license.
Figure 13.4
West Coast Sightseeing’s booth by LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-SA
2.0 license.
Figure 13.5
Brock Martin by Melissa Phung for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND
2.0 license.
Figure 13.6
Katelyn Clarke by Vivian Kereki for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND
2.0 license.






Figure 13.7
Anna Rowinska by Karl Rowinski for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND
2.0 license.
Figure 13.8
Christine McCann by Beth Pink for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND
2.0 license.
Figure 13.9
Cleo Corbett by Digital Dean Photography for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-
ND 2.0 license.
Figure 13.10
Marie-Catherine Lapointe by Marie-Catherine Lapointe for LinkBC is used under a CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.
Figure 13.11
Jody Young by Landon Sveinson Photography for LinkBC is used under a CC-
BY-NC-ND 2.0 license..