Career Choices – Hospitality and Tourism Industry | Bài thảo luận tiếng anh thương mại

THUONGMAI UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF HOTEL AND TOURISM GROUP DISCUSSION BUSINESS ENGLISH 1 Topic:
Career Choices – Hospitality and Tourism Industry Group: 01 Class: 251_ENTI3311_01 Teacher: Ms Phan Tu Lan TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1: INTRODUCTION......................................................................................... 3
PART 2: BODY............................................................................................................4
I. Current Context of Career Choices......................................................................... 4
II. Overview of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.............................................4
III. Advantages and Challenges of Hospitality Careers...........................................5
1. Advantages.........................................................................................................5
2. Challenges..........................................................................................................6
IV. Solutions and Career Development Strategies...................................................6
1. For individuals...................................................................................................6
2. For the industry................................................................................................. 7
PART 3: CONCLUSION..............................................................................................9 2 PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions that students must
make, as it directly shapes their future development and quality of life. A career choice
should not only be guided by personal passion or financial expectations but also by a
comprehensive understanding of labor market trends and long-term opportunities. In
today’s globalized context, hospitality and tourism have emerged as one of the most
dynamic and rapidly expanding industries worldwide. Often referred to as the
“smokeless industry,” this sector contributes nearly 10% of global GDP and generates millions of jobs each year.
In Vietnam, hospitality and tourism are considered key pillars of economic
growth. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and abundant natural
landscapes, Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for both
international and domestic travelers. The continuous expansion of this sector not only
creates a wide range of job opportunities but also demands a workforce that is
professional, adaptable, and equipped with both technical knowledge and soft skills.
For students, this means that career decisions in hospitality and tourism require
careful consideration of both opportunities and challenges. It is therefore essential to
examine the broader context of career choices, understand the current state of the
industry, and develop effective strategies for sustainable career growth. In this
presentation, we will analyze the current context of career decisions, provide an
overview of the hospitality and tourism industry, highlight its advantages and
challenges, and propose strategies for professional development in this promising field. 3 PART 2: BODY
I. Current Context of Career Choices
Nowadays, many students encounter difficulties when deciding on a suitable
career path. The reasons behind these challenges vary. Some young people tend to
follow social trends or the expectations of their families rather than their own interests.
Others base their decisions solely on the salary or financial benefits a job might bring,
without considering their personal strengths or passion. There are also students who
simply lack adequate information about different industries, which makes their choice uncertain and risky.
Therefore, in order to make the right decision, it is essential to look beyond
temporary influences and focus on the broader development trends of the job market.
Among these opportunities, the hospitality and tourism industry stands out as one of
the fastest-growing fields. This sector not only offers a wide range of career options
but also provides an international environment, cultural diversity, and long-term
growth potential for those who pursue it.
II. Overview of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
First of all, hospitality and tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing
sectors in the world. Often called the “smokeless industry,” it creates great economic
value without causing pollution. Globally, it contributes around 10% of GDP and
generates millions of jobs each year.
In Vietnam, this field is considered a key economic sector. The country is well-
known in Asia for its rich culture, natural landscapes, long coastline, and diverse
cuisine. After the pandemic, both international and domestic tourism have recovered
strongly, creating a rising demand for skilled workers in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and travel agencies.
Career opportunities are highly diverse, from traditional roles such as hotel
management, food and beverage, or tour guiding to new areas like event organization,
tourism marketing, and digital tourism. Today, technologies such as virtual reality and
artificial intelligence are increasingly applied to enhance customer experiences.
Beyond business, hospitality and tourism also promote cultural exchange.
Professionals act as cultural ambassadors, helping visitors appreciate local traditions
and strengthening Vietnam’s image worldwide
III. Advantages and Challenges of Hospitality Careers 1. Advantages
The hospitality industry brings abundant job opportunities thanks to its rapid
growth and the importance of tourism. In Vietnam, where tourism is a key economic 4
sector, new hotels and resorts are constantly being developed, creating steady demand
for both fresh graduates and experienced workers. Many positions are also transferable
abroad, opening doors to international careers. A major benefit is the dynamic and
multicultural environment. Employees interact daily with people from different
countries, which broadens their worldview, improves adaptability, and helps them
build valuable professional networks . This field also enhances personal skill
development. Besides technical knowledge, employees gain essential soft skills such
as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Frequent interaction
with guests strengthens foreign language abilities and interpersonal confidence skills
that are useful in any career. In terms of income, hospitality can be rewarding. While
entry-level jobs may offer modest pay, benefits such as tips, service charges, and
bonuses increase overall earnings. Senior roles like managers or executives in
international corporations often come with highly competitive salaries and clear career
advancement pathways. Finally, hospitality offers opportunities to travel and gain
unique experiences. Jobs in airlines, cruises, tour guiding, or hotel chains often allow
staff to explore new destinations and cultures beyond the typical office environment. 2. Challenges
Alongside its advantages, hospitality also poses challenges. High work pressure
is common, especially during peak seasons like holidays or Tet, when workloads
increase and professionalism must be maintained at all times. Irregular working hours
are another difficulty. Unlike office jobs, hospitality staff often work nights,
weekends, and holidays, which can affect health and work-life balance. The industry
also requires strong expertise and language skills. English is mandatory, while other
languages like Chinese, Japanese, or Korean are increasingly valued. Without proper
training, career progression can be limited. Moreover, hospitality is sensitive to
external shocks. Economic downturns, natural disasters, or pandemics such as
COVID-19 can severely impact the industry, requiring workers to be adaptable and
resilient. Lastly, patience and a service-oriented attitude are essential. Employees must
remain calm, friendly, and professional even when dealing with stressful situations or
demanding customers. These qualities are key to long-term success in the industry.
IV. Solutions and Career Development Strategies
1. For individuals
Clearly identify passion, interests, and strengths: Understanding one’s passion,
interests, and core strengths is fundamental to building a rewarding career. Individuals
should engage in self-assessment exercises and career counseling to explore which
areas of hospitality and tourism resonate most with their values and aspirations. For 5
example, some may be passionate about cultural experiences and heritage tourism,
while others may thrive in fast-paced hotel management or sustainable tourism.
Identifying strengths—whether interpersonal skills, organizational ability, or creativity
—helps align career choices with natural talents. This alignment leads to increased
motivation, job satisfaction, and successful career progression. Improve foreign language and
soft skills: Since hospitality and tourism are
internationally oriented industries, mastering foreign languages is a critical asset.
Individuals should consider enrolling in formal language classes, pursuing language
certifications, and practicing
regularly through conversation clubs or language
exchange programs. Beyond language, improving soft skills—such as active listening,
empathy, conflict resolution, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity—is vital. These skills
can be developed through workshops, role-playing exercises, and participation in
customer service training programs. Strong communication skills allow professionals
to interact effectively with diverse clients, enhancing guest satisfaction.
Gain experience through internships and part-time jobs: Gaining real-world
experience is indispensable for career advancement. Applying for internships or part-
time jobs within hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, or restaurants provides
firsthand exposure to industry operations and customer interactions. Many hospitality
programs have partnerships with businesses offering structured internship placements
that provide mentoring and workplace learning. These experiences not only improve
practical skills such as event coordination and service delivery but also build valuable
networks. Additionally, volunteering for community tourism initiatives or local
cultural events can supplement experience and demonstrate a candidate’s engagement and initiative.
Keep up with new industry trends such as digital marketing or eco-tourism: The
hospitality and tourism industry is dynamic and heavily influenced by technological
advancements and shifting consumer preferences. Keeping abreast of current trends
such as digital marketing, influencer collaborations, use of social media platforms,
virtual reality tours, and online booking systems is crucial in staying competitive.
Another growing trend is eco-tourism and sustainable travel, which focuses on
minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities. Professionals
who understand these trends can contribute innovative ideas and practices that meet
evolving customer expectations. Continuous learning through courses, industry
publications, webinars, and professional associations ensures that individuals remain knowledgeable and adaptive.
To succeed in hospitality and tourism, individuals need a clear understanding of 6
their career passions and strengths, enhanced language and interpersonal skills, hands-
on experience, and awareness of emerging industry trends. This holistic approach
prepares them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a highly competitive
and globalized industry, ultimately leading to fulfilling and sustainable career growth.
2. For the industry
Invest in high-quality human resource training: Tourism businesses should
collaborate with universities and vocational institutions to design specialized training
programs, ensuring that employees are not only equipped with technical expertise but
also cultural awareness and problem-solving skills. Continuous professional
development programs can help maintain service quality and competitiveness in the
global market. Moreover, training should emphasize adaptability, as the industry is
highly vulnerable to unexpected changes such as pandemics or global economic shifts.
This will enable employees to handle crises more effectively and ensure business resilience.
Promote sustainable and green tourism practices: The industry should integrate
eco-friendly policies into daily operations, such as reducing plastic use, encouraging
local sourcing, and adopting renewable energy solutions. At the same time, raising
tourists’ awareness of responsible travel behaviors will contribute to long-term
environmental protection and community development. In addition, governments and
businesses can offer incentives for eco-friendly projects, making sustainability not
only an ethical choice but also a profitable strategy. This creates a strong brand image
and attracts environmentally conscious travelers.
Apply new technologies: Digital transformation can enhance efficiency, improve
customer experience, and optimize business operations. AI can be applied in areas
such as automated check-ins, 24/7 chatbots for customer support, and data analysis to
predict traveler preferences. Smart hotel management systems contribute to energy
saving, effective room allocation, and seamless service delivery. At the same time,
online booking platforms expand market access, simplify reservations, and provide
travelers with greater flexibility.
Together, these innovations not only improve
competitiveness but also elevate service quality and customer satisfaction.
Strengthen international cooperation and partnerships: Collaborating with global
tourism organizations, airlines, and online travel platforms will expand market access
and create opportunities for knowledge exchange. This approach not only promotes
destinations but also ensures alignment with international standards. Furthermore,
cross-border partnerships can support cultural exchange, joint research initiatives, and
the adoption of best practices worldwide. Such collaborations also reduce market risks 7
by diversifying tourism sources.
Enhance cultural and community engagement: Developing tourism products that
highlight local traditions, cuisine, and heritage can create unique experiences and foster cultural preservation.
At the same time, empowering local communities to
actively participate in tourism activities generates shared economic benefits and
sustainable growth. This bottom-up approach builds trust between tourists and locals,
encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. Ultimately, it ensures that
tourism development is inclusive, equitable, and long-lasting. 8 PART 3: CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the hospitality and tourism industry presents an incredibly
diverse, dynamic, and rewarding career landscape for individuals who are passionate
about service excellence, effective communication, and meaningful cultural exchange.
It encompasses a wide array of career paths, including but not limited to hotel and
resort management, event coordination, travel consultancy, food and beverage
services, cruise line operations, and tourism marketing. Each of these roles plays a
significant part in shaping unforgettable experiences for travelers and guests, while
also contributing to the social and economic development of communities around the world.
As globalization continues to bridge distances and cultures, the demand for
skilled professionals in hospitality and tourism continues to grow. Careers in this field
offer more than just job opportunities—they provide a gateway to personal
development, international exposure, and the chance to build a truly global career.
Professionals in this industry are often at the forefront of promoting cross-cultural
understanding, environmental sustainability, and customer satisfaction, making their
work both impactful and fulfilling.
Moreover, success in hospitality and tourism requires a blend of soft and hard
skills—such as adaptability, creativity, empathy, leadership, and a commitment to
continuous learning. It is an industry that values human interaction and innovation,
where no two days are the same and each experience brings new challenges and rewards.
Choosing a career in hospitality and tourism means stepping into a world of
opportunity, where your passion for people and culture can lead to a lifelong journey
of growth, adventure, and meaningful contributions to society. 9 LIST OF STUDENTS NO NAME MISSION MARK . 1 Đỗ Ngọc Anh Word, Introduction 2 Lê Thị Huyền Anh Part 3 3 Nguyễn Phương Anh Leader, Sửa Word và Powerpoint, Conclusion 4 Trần Thị Phương Anh Part 2 5 Vũ Hoài Anh Powerpoint, Part 4.2 6 Lê Á Châu Part 1 7 Hoàng Thị Kim Chi Powerpoint, Part 4.1 10