Author: Tad Wilkes – Wilkes Works
In recent times, it may seem that certain types of professions and careers—thanks to automation—are becoming extinct. At least for now, the outlook is still strong for jobs requiring the personal touch of hospitality. And one way for hospitality career aspirants to broaden their horizons and opportunities is to learn a little bit about a lot of things.
A report in April 2024 by The AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), found that the hotel industry currently employs 1.8 million workers in the United States. The report projects job growth of 12% in the hotel industry over the next five years, compared to 8.0% for the nation overall. Of particular note is the report’s finding that a significant share of this demand is at the entry level or in roles that don’t require college degrees.
And the National Restaurant Association’s research revealed in December 2024 that, though the restaurant industry and its segments experienced ups and downs in recent months, the overall trend for job growth remains positive.
Whether you are a green newbie in the hospitality world or a veteran looking to pivot, cross-training and lateral career moves can help build and shore up a robust skill set—and open opportunities.
For newcomers, learning different roles not only makes an individual more useful to the team and can strengthen job security, it can help them learn a lot about what they want and don’t want out of a career. For example, a back-of-house worker taking a turn greeting at the front of the house may realize a public-facing role isn’t for them. Or someone in middle-management who isn’t satisfied in administration may decide to pivot to focus on developing those pastry skills they learned assisting in the pastry kitchen once, that sparked inspiration.
And for those progressing into management, cross-training engenders a more understanding and appreciation of what each team member does, thereby improving management ability.
For professionals farther along in their career trajectories, getting experience in different work can help set them up for a desired career pivot.
While laser-sharp focus on one niche or role has its own career benefits, a number of reasons make the argument for cross-training or making lateral moves.
Skill Diversification
A broader skill set has never hurt anyone’s career.
Learning multiple roles (e.g., server, cook, host, bartender) equips employees with a wide range of skills, making them more versatile and valuable. It also develops a more holistic knowledge base to call on when solving problems and adapting to tackle challenges.
Increased Career Opportunities
Managers often seek well-rounded employees for leadership roles. Cross-training demonstrates initiative and readiness to take on diverse challenges. And an employee with a dynamic skill set who can cover various roles is less likely to be laid off during slow periods or organizational changes.
Leadership and Relationship Development
Cross-training can be the the oil for smoother operations by fostering empathy among staff, as employees gain first-hand experience of each other’s responsibilities. It helps them understand how different parts of the business interact, a key asset for anyone aspiring to management or ownership.
For people newer to the industry, learning multiple roles turns the mentee into the mentor—preparing a team member to train others, a crucial leadership ability. Additionally, being knowledgeable in multiple areas supports more informed and effective decision-making. For instance, a hotel catering manager who has spent time helping in the kitchen can understand more easily and more quickly how a convection oven outage will impact the flow of service for an event, and, thus, act on it appropriately.
Working across teams also helps team members build connections within the restaurant or hotel, fostering collaboration. And a versatile worker is often more noticeable and appreciated, expanding their professional network.
Lateral moves develop an individual’s reputation as a team player, demonstrating that they are open to learning and willing to contribute wherever needed, which improves trust and respect among colleagues and employers.
Enhanced Job Satisfaction
Many aspiring hospitality industry pros are creative at heart and can get burned out doing the same thing over and over. Lateral moves or trading roles periodically can break monotony and keep work engaging. Plus, it fosters a feeling of being valued and empowered when entrusted with diverse responsibilities.
Opportunities for Creativity
Exposure to different areas of the operation can spark innovative ideas, whether for improving processes, enhancing customer experiences, or menu development.
By embracing lateral moves, you’re not only building a strong foundation for your career but also enriching your personal and professional journey. These transitions can be stepping stones to discovering untapped talents and opportunities in the restaurant and hotel spaces.