Careers in Hospitality: Restaurant & Hotel Management

October 26th, 2016 by

A career devoted to hospitality can take you all over the world, literally. With lodging and food establishments being the pillar of communities and tourist locations all around the world, you will always be able to find a job. If you enjoy being a leader and want to spend your career helping people, then this might be the career path for you.

Education

A career in hospitality management starts with an associate’s degree, which typically takes about two years to complete. An associate’s degree provides a strong understanding of the business and managerial aspects of running a restaurant or a hotel. Over the course of this degree you will learn management, safety and sanitation, event planning and accounting.8230196669_bcc2216f9d_b

You may want to consider going for additional education and completing a bachelor’s degree to help you with future job growth, however this isn’t necessary to have a successful career in hospitality.

A certification is not required to become a hotel or restaurant manager, but employers look favorably upon those who complete one. The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) offers certifications in multiple fields of hospitality and completing a certification will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to service.

Career

Hospitality management comes in a spectrum of work environments. From restaurants and hotels, to bars, catering services, resorts, theme parks and more. Day-to-day tasks will vary based on the industry you choose to work in, but typically include accounting, hiring and managing staff, planning events and providing excellent customer service. Overall, your job is to provide a positive experience for guests and patrons to ensure they have the best time possible at your establishment.

Salary and Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary of hotel managers as $49,720 in 2015 and the average salary of food service managers as $48,690.

Growth in the hospitality field is average at 5 percent growth over the next decade. While the field isn’t growing rapidly there continues to be a high demand for professionals in the industry.

Want some more information on careers in hospitality? Take Next Step Academy’s “Careers in Hospitality: Restaurant & Hotel Management” course!

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Showing Gratitude in Business

October 24th, 2016 by

There will be many times over the course of your professional development where it is respectful and useful to send a thank you letter to show gratitude. This could be to a potential employer after an interview, at the completion of an internship, to a teacher who has been a significant role model or to someone who has agreed to write you a reference. There is no downside when it comes to taking the time to be thankful for opportunities and guidance.

thank-you-515514_960_720The value of saying thanks. Sending a thank you letter, first and foremost, will make you stand out. If you’re trying to gain employment, an interviewer will look more favorably upon the candidates that chose to reach out and say thanks over those who didn’t. Thank you notes can also help build and maintain strong connections. Upon leaving an internship, a thank note could ensure you are asked back as a permanent employee in the future. Regardless of the circumstances, people respond well to being thanked and are more likely to give you opportunities if they know you are grateful for their help.

Make it personal. This starts by addressing the letter appropriately, especially if you are writing a post-interview thank you note. Don’t just address the note “To whom it may concern,” learn the name of who interviewed you and address them specifically, “Dear Mr/Mrs last name.” You should also avoid generic phrases. Give specific details highlighting what you’re thankful for, why you are thankful and how their time will help you grow in the future.

Choose the right medium. A handwritten letter is more personal and shows that you put a lot of thought into the process of saying thank you. In most cases, this should be your first choice. However, there are exceptions. If you have exceptionally bad handwriting, a word processed letter may be a better option. Sometimes you may not have a physical address, especially with a professor, in which case email is an acceptable choice. Email is also acceptable if most of your prior communication has occurred via email.

Proofread. This cannot be stressed enough. Even if you are typing your thank you letter or emailing it, proofread it several times before you send your final draft. Autocorrect doesn’t catch everything and one small mistake could ruin the effect of the letter. It always helps to have a second pair of eyes, so consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread your letter as well.

Send a gift. While inappropriate in certain situations, such as a post-interview thank you, a gift can be a little something extra to show how much you appreciate the time someone spent helping you. It doesn’t have to be huge, just something small to show the person you value them. For example, a gift card to the campus coffee shop for a professor, or offering to take a business reference out to dinner. A small gesture to accompany your letter can show your genuine appreciation.

Need some help proofreading? Next Step Academy’s “Basic Grammar/Writing Toolkit” for useful tips and editing advice.

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In the News: Microsoft Boasts Smartest Business Apps

October 21st, 2016 by

This week, Microsoft launched a new suite of business applications called Dynamics 365, which will officially become available November 1.

Dynamics 365 takes elements from pre-existing Microsoft products such as Dynamics CRM and several enterprise resource planning (ERP) software applications. The functions fulfilled by Dynamics 365 handle the front and back end of office processes, managing inventory, manufacturing processes and finances.

microsoft_logo_2012_modifiedThe key to Dynamics 365 is the built in AI features. Microsoft is adding “smarter” technologies that it’s been working on for years and Dynamics 365 runs on Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform. The “smarter” apps are able to better predict what a user wants to do based on previous actions and make recommendations, similar to the way Amazon suggests items to customers based on previous searches.

Each user is charged 70 dollars per month for all of the sales, customer service and field services applications included in Dynamics 365. Comparatively, Salesforce (one of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 competitors) offers a low-end bundle starting at 70 dollars, with their most popular bundle costing users 150 dollars.

The new focus on business applications from Microsoft and strategically standard pricing means Microsoft will compete more rigorously with Salesforce and other companies offering business applications in the future. This is a great opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to access vital business applications without having to break the bank.

Take Next Step Academy’s “Entrepreneurship” course to learn how to be successful in your business ventures.

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Asking for References

October 19th, 2016 by

Whether you’re applying to a new school or a new job, at some point you may need a reference. This could be a written reference submitted with an application or a contact a potential employer will reach out to. In either case, there are guidelines to follow when asking someone for a reference.

Make sure you ask. If you’re asking someone to be reference that a potential employer is going to call, make sure you remember to actually ask! Otherwise, they may be totally unprepared for the phone call. This can reflect poorly on you on both ends and you may not get the shining reference you were hoping for.

Ask the right way. For a professor or past employer, an email is a sufficient way to ask for a written reference. However, make sure you ask the right way. Tell them about the school or the position you are applying for, how the opportunity will help you build your future and make sure you emphasize how grateful you are for their help. Sign the email with “Thank you for time and I look forward to your response” or something similar. If the reference is going to be called, you may want to consider asking them to be a reference with a phone call as well.

Give enough notice. Start asking for references before you start applying for jobs, internships or schools. Especially when you’re looking for jobs, the hiring process can be quick, so it’s good to nail down references ahead of time.

If you know you a need a written reference by a certain time, it’s good to give the person you ask a minimum of two weeks to write it but typically don’t give them longer than four. You want to give them enough time to write a good reference, but you don’t want to give them so much time they forget. It’s also a good idea to give them a deadline of a  week or two before you actually need it, giving you a little extra time just in case.

Follow up. After your written reference has been submitted or you’ve submitted your application, send a note or email thanking your reference once again for their help. Also make sure you tell them each time you use them as a reference so they can be prepared. When you land the job, are accepted to your dream school or receive an internship, make sure you follow up once again telling your reference the outcome. This is a great way to maintain a relationship and they’ll love to hear how they helped you achieve your goals.

Before you send an email asking for a reference, brush up on your professional writing skills with Next Step Academy’s “Business Writing” course!

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Five Careers That Require Two Years of Training or Less

October 12th, 2016 by

Post-secondary education is a requirement for most career paths, but not every career requires a four year degree. There are plenty of stable and well-paying jobs that only require a certification or an associate’s degree. These careers can be a great option if a four year degree isn’t something you are interested in or able to pursue.

Dental Assisting

Perform a range of tasks including record keeping, scheduling appointments, patient care and taking x-rays.

Average salary: $35,980

Education: Certificate

Registered Nurse

Provide patient care as well as medical advice and emotional support for patients. Nurses work in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

Average salary: $67,490

Education: Associate’s degree

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical systems for homes, businesses and factories.

Average salary: $51,880

Education: Certification and apprenticeship

HVAC

Install and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Average salary: $45,110

Education: Certificate or associate’s degree

Cosmetology

Provide hair cutting, styling, manicure and other beauty services.

Average salary: $23,710

Education: Certificate

Salary estimations were based on BLS.gov as of 2015.
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The Dos and Don’ts of Productivity

October 10th, 2016 by

You arrive at work coffee-buzzed and ready to get to business. Then sometime after lunch the caffeine wears off and the end of the work day seems further away than it did in the morning. Even if you love your job, it can tough to stay motivated and productive. Here are a couple of ways to stay on-task and focused during the day.

Do: Take regular short breaks

It may sound counterproductive to take breaks in order to be more productive. However, a quick walk around the office or chat at the water cooler helps break up the day and gives your mind a rest. No matter what, always take your lunch break to refuel for the afternoon.

images1Don’t: Reach for another cup of coffee

Drinking coffee in the afternoon can affect your quality of sleep, causing you to wake up feeling sluggish and drinking more and more coffee to compensate. This creates a vicious cycle of poor sleep and caffeine consumption. Studies show that the optimal time to consumer coffee is three to six hours after you wake up. If you wake up at 6:00 in the morning, drink coffee between 9 and 12, but cut yourself off in the afternoon.

Do: Create a to do list and stick to it

At the beginning of each work day, spend a few minutes creating a to do list. Assess how long each project will take and be realistic about how much time you have to complete your list. A checklist can help you remember all the little things you need to do and keep you on track throughout the day.

Don’t: Multitask

When you start a task, make sure you finish it. Do not go back and forth between different projects or try to do multiple things at once. Nobody can truly multitask and it will just leave you feeling burned out. You’ll most likely spend more time working trying to multitask than if you start and finish one item at a time.

Do: Avoid distractions

Keep your work area clear and don’t open up browsers unless you need them. You might say you’ll only check social media for five minutes, but that can easily turn into half an hour. If it helps, there are browser extensions such as Work Mode for Google Chrome that can block websites for a set amount of time. This way you won’t be tempted to check your feed or watch the most recent viral video.

Don’t: Stay late

Finishing up a project after normal work hours once in awhile is okay, but don’t make it a habit. You should have a set time where you pack up and leave everyday. You’ll be more productive and realistic about how much work you can get done in a day if you give yourself limits. If you work from home or have a flexible  schedule, make one for yourself and stick to it.

Need more help staying productive? Take Next Step Academy’s “Time Management” course!

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Careers in Coding

October 5th, 2016 by

We rely on computer technologies every day to manage our finances, to get ready for work or school, stay entertained and socialize with friends. Without computer programmers to supply the code, none of these functions would be possible.

Educationimages

An associate’s degree in computer science or a related field will allow you to obtain entry-level positions in the field. Over the course of an associate’s program you will learn about database management, networking and operating systems. Classes will also cover software design and programming languages.

Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. A bachelor’s will also give you the best edge for career advancement in the future. You may also want to consider a master’s degree if you want to pursue a management position in the future. A graduate program typically takes 2 years after undergraduate school.

Career

As a computer programmer or coder, you will work with coding languages such as C++, C# and Java to write computer software. Coders also maintain and upkeep these programs. This includes continuous testing and debugging of programs to make sure they are running correctly.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers earned a median salary of $74,280 or $35.71 per hour in 2015. Employment of computer programmers is expected to increase by 8 percent over the next decade.

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Networking 101

October 3rd, 2016 by

When it comes to building a business or finding new career opportunities, who you know can be the most important tool for growth.  Networking is a necessity for making connections and establishing relationships with people in your industry. There are different ways to network, each with their own set of benefits and uses.

Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network event - NYCTraditional networking events. With a simple internet search, you can find plenty of networking events — held as frequently as every week — in your area. These traditional networking events usually take the form of a speaker or presentation with a meet and greet afterwards. These types of events are best for meeting new people, especially if you’ve just graduated and don’t know anyone in the industry.

Hosting your own event. If you are already established in your industry and want to make a few new connections or acquire new clients, host your own smaller networking event. Invite clients, business partners or former coworkers and perhaps ask them to invite a few people of their own. Plan an activity that your guests will enjoy. This can be attending a musical, going to a sporting event or even a wine tasting. Even if you don’t gain a new connection from the event, it’s still a great way to strengthen the connections you already have.

Double “dating.” A double “date” (not an actual date) in the business world has the same effect as hosting your own networking event, but on a smaller scale. If you have extra tickets to a show, invite a current client, connection, or strategic partner to go along with you. Ask them to bring someone they think you should meet and you’ll do the same. This is a great opportunity to make an ideal connection you may not have met otherwise.

Reconnecting. This strategy is meant for following up with connections you haven’t spoken with in a while, whether it’s a former professor, classmate or coworker. You and your current connections likely run in the same circles. Meeting up with old connections can be a great way to break out and meet people outside of your current network.

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How to Turn an Internship into a Career

September 26th, 2016 by

Surveys show that employers hire more than a third of their interns as full-time employees. Give yourself an edge by following these proactive strategies for turning an internship into a career.

Choose the right internship. If you want an internship to turn into a full-time position, make sure you choose the right internship for you from the beginning. Internships can be a great way to gain experience in different fields, but not every opportunity is the right place for you to start your career. Choose an internship that relates closely to your dream job or can help you get there. If you wouldn’t be interested in a full-time position at the company, then don’t choose an internship there.16928125254_55e94fdb77_b

Be professional and bold. Throughout the course of your internship, it’s important that your employer sees you in a positive light. Remember, when you’re an intern your every move is being scrutinized. Always dress and act professionally while you’re in the office. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at meetings or to take on extra work. Show your employer that you are assertive, but not overbearing and willing to go the extra mile for the company.

Meet with your manager and set goals. At the start of your internship, ask to meet with your manager. Be honest about your interests and career goals. Let them know what you want to accomplish during your internship and what you want to accomplish throughout your professional life. This isn’t the time to flat out ask for a permanent position, but it is a great way to lay down the groundwork and show your dedication and interest in the company. Also consider meeting with your manager regularly and asking for feedback to see where you can improve.

Attend all intern activities and work events. Larger companies that hire many interns often hold events for interns, as well as general work events. Attend most, if not all of these events. In addition to showing interest in the company culture and getting to know your peers, these events can also be a great networking opportunity. Making a good impression on the people within the company — especially those who make the hiring decisions — can only help you when a position opens up.

Keep in touch after the internship. If the company doesn’t hire you after the internship ends or if it was a summer internship and you’re continuing school in the fall, make sure you leave on good terms and keep in touch. Don’t be afraid to be persistent. Contact the company periodically, letting them know you’re still interested in working for them and asking if there are any openings. If you’re looking for a position after graduation, ask if you can continue to put in 5-10 hours a week during the semester. That way you are still involved with the company even when you can’t direct your full attention to the work.

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Preparing for a Skype Interview

September 19th, 2016 by

Remote interviews are becoming more common and acceptable. From a business perspective, it makes sense: an interview over Skype can save valuable time and money. There’s a good chance a Skype interview could be in your future, so it’s important to know how to prepare.11075028576_6b76d4878c_b

Set Up. Make sure you have Skype set up a few days ahead of time and that everything is working properly. Troubleshoot your camera and microphone to make sure the picture and sound is clear. Also be sure that you will be centered on the screen and not off to the side. Lastly, make sure wherever you plan to interview that you have a strong Wi-Fi connection or you can plug into the Ethernet to ensure a good connection throughout the whole interview.

Lighting. When setting up your camera, consider the time of day and the amount of light that will be available. If your interview is at a time with no natural light or if you’re in a room without windows, you may want to consider setting up a lamp so the image isn’t so dark. However, you also don’t want so much light that your face becomes washed out or uneven light where half your face is in shadow.

Background. Keep your surroundings and the background of what will be in view of the camera clear of clutter.  Sit in front of a plain wall and make sure your desk or table is clean. Remove posters and knick-knacks from view.

Attire. Even though you aren’t meeting in person for the interview, proper attire is still important. Read our blog about dressing for the interview for more tips on proper attire. It’s also important to note that even though the interviewer most likely won’t see your bottom half, doesn’t mean you can wear sweatpants. Putting on a complete and professional outfit will put you in the right mindset for the interview.

Body Language. It can be easy to lose focus when you aren’t being interviewed in-person, so be mindful of distractions. Keep pets locked up and ask roommates or family to stay quiet during the interview. The interviewer can only see you from the chest up, so sit up straight and be aware of tapping and fidgeting in your seat.

For more ways to prepare for your career, take one of the professional courses at HR.nextstepacademy.com

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