AIM Career Guide

Front of house workers can earn promotions into management roles. Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants, ensuring customer satisfaction, and making sure the restaurant is profitable. Jobs for food service managers are expected to grow locally by 33 percent in the next 10 years, according to Northwest Arkansas Workforce Connection. Those managers earn an average of $53,000 per year. The hospitality industry also includes careers that cater to travelers. Hotel, motel and resort desk clerks and lodging managers account for a large number of jobs in the Some high school students The back of house staff hospitality sector. Jobs for may work a part-time job at a includes the chef, sous chef hotel desk clerks are expected fast food restaurant and not and line cooks who prepare to increase by 55 percent in think much of it. But a job like your food. Northwest Arkansas, according that could get you started on a to NWA Workforce career in the hospitality The number of jobs for chefs Connection. industry. and head cooks is expected to grow by nine percent Employees in this entry-level The hospitality industry nationally, according to the position earn an average of includes careers in food U.S. Bureau of Labor $18,300 per year but could service, tourism, lodging, Statistics. Across the country, move up to higher-paying gaming, and event planning. the median pay is $41,500 per positions. Lodging Jobs in the hospitality sector year. managers can earn much are a major part of Northwest more, with experienced Arkansas’ tourism economy. Most chefs learn through managers making more than on-the-job training or $60,000 each year. The Everyone enjoys a meal out, attending a culinary program, number of lodging manager but running a successful like Northwest Arkansas jobs is expected to rise eight restaurant takes a lot of work. Community College’s percent nationally by 2024. Each restaurant has a front of Brightwater Center which house and back of house staff. teaches culinary arts as well Travelers also often rely on The front of house staff as hospitality and restaurant another type of hospitality includes the host or hostess management. worker to find their way around and servers we are used to a new city: drivers. seeing when we dine out. 100

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In addition to taxi companies and car services, apps like Uber and Lyft have created more opportunities for drivers to earn a living. Demand for drivers is expected to grow 13 percent nationally, with full-time drivers earning about $23,500 a year. Travel agents help people plan and book transportation, hotels and activities for trips. While overall demand for travel agents has dropped due to online Event planners may also travel sites, some job work outside of usual growth in this area is business hours expected locally over depending on the type the next ten years. of events they are Average entry-level pay organizing. for this career is about $33,000 a year. Demand for event planners is expected to Meeting and event increase by 10 percent planning also plays a nationally in the next large role in the decade. Event hospitality industry and planners earn an average is a good career choice of $46,840 per year, for organized, according to the U.S. detail-oriented people. Bureau of Labor Event planners Statistics, and some are coordinate meetings, required to have a conventions, galas, bachelor’s degree. weddings and other events, arranging all Recreation workers are details from location to also needed in the transportation to hospitality industry. This decorations. career involves planning and leading activities Some event planners in a variety of different work at hotels or settings including convention centers attractions such as the while others may work Naturals, Crystal Bridges, independently and camps, volunteer travel to event sites. centers, and assisted 102 102 living facilities.

Demand is projected to rise 10 percent by 2024. Those interested in these careers should have excellent communication and customer service This job is a good fit for people who like to be skills, since jobs in hospitality requiring outside, are physically active and enjoy variety in interacting with people. A professional their work. However, positions for recreation appearance would also be an advantage for workers may only be part-time which accounts for workers in the sector. the average wage of $23,320 nationally. Most of the skills needed for a career in All of these careers should grow as the population hospitality can be learned on the job. There are of Northwest Arkansas increases. The Metropolitan also educational opportunities in the area, Statistical Area, a grouping used by the United including culinary arts and hospitality and State Census Bureau, shows our area is the 23rd tourism classes offered in high schools as well fastest growing in the country. as NWACC’s Brightwater program. The increase in attractions in the area, such as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and the Bikes, Blues and BBQ motorcycle rally and other festivals should also lead to growth in jobs related to hospitality. 103 103