Most hospitality professionals understand the value of on-going education and the importance of certifications in propelling their career forward. Learning the trade and the craft of hospitality enhances your stature and professional expertise.
In difficult economic times, it's critically important to let your employer know that you excel in your field. Certification rewards you with a personal sense of accomplishment, but it can also help you reach your current and future career goals. Certifications set you apart from the competition in terms of your competence, industry knowledge and professionalism.
Some of the more common certifications that will help your ascendancy into the upper ranks of hospitality include:
FMP (Foodservice Management Professional) from the National Restaurant Association
CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association
CHO (Certified Hotel Owner) from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association
CHSE (Certified Hospitality Sales Executive) from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
CMC (Certified Master Chef) from the American Culinary Federation
REH (Registered Executive Housekeeper) from the International Executive Housekeepers Association
One up-and-coming certification you might want to look into is the Computer Certification. Many of these are recognized worldwide and establish you as a technology professional. They let employers know that you can perform the computer related tasks with a minimum of training. Some companies hesitate to even consider employing those without these IT certifications. Key certifications in these areas include:
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer--Proves expertise in solutions based on Microsoft Windows platform and Windows Server System.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer--Indicates comprehensive skills required to build interactive, data-driven Web applications.
While there are other certifications in the hospitality industry, the aforementioned are widely recognized. There are also brand specific certifications and supplier certifications for those who support the hotels and restaurants. One example would be the Master Hotel Supplier certification.
For an added perspective, check out the video, Cindy Novotny on Why Certify, and the new HSMAI CHSE Certification
For more information on hospitality jobs, check out:
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.
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