1) Follow your passion

George Dfouni, a leading expert in the hospitality industry, is a firm believer that the first step to a successful career in hospitality is to follow your passion. It’s essential to choose a career that you feel passionate about so that you have the motivation and drive to succeed. When you feel passionate about something, it’s easy to focus on the end goal and push yourself further than you thought you could go. That is why George Dfouni believes that starting with something you’re passionate about will give you an edge over the competition.

A successful career in hospitality also requires hard work and dedication. To make sure you don’t burn out, take some time to do things that make you happy and enjoy your time off. This way, you can come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. It’s important to remember that following your passion can be difficult but it will ultimately be worth it. With hard work and dedication, you can create a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding.

2) Get a degree in hospitality

Having a degree in hospitality is a great way to start a career in the industry. According to George Dfouni, “A degree in hospitality can provide you with the education and qualifications you need to become an expert in the field.” Having a degree can help open doors that may otherwise be closed to those without formal education. A degree in hospitality will help you understand the ins and outs of the industry and give you the skills necessary to excel. You'll learn about topics such as management, marketing, accounting, customer service, and more. Plus, it will provide you with a foundation of knowledge that can be used throughout your career. When looking for a degree program, George Dfouni recommends researching different colleges and programs to find one that meets your needs. Look for a college that is well-respected in the industry and offers courses and specializations relevant to the field. It's also important to choose a program with experienced instructors who can provide you with valuable insights and advice.

3) Start at the bottom and work your way up

This is a great piece of advice from George Dfouni. Starting at the bottom and working your way up is one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of the hospitality industry. It may not be glamorous, but it will help you develop essential skills and build relationships. Starting from the ground up can also give you an understanding of what it takes to succeed in this business. George Dfouni stresses the importance of starting at the bottom and learning all aspects of the hospitality industry. This can include taking on menial jobs, such as cleaning or food preparation, and working your way up to higher positions. Doing this allows you to gain valuable experience in different aspects of the industry, which can make you more marketable when it comes time to find a job. Working from the bottom up can also provide a unique perspective on the hospitality industry. You can understand why certain things are done and why certain rules are in place. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes time to move up the ladder in the industry.

4) Network

Networking is an essential component of starting a career in hospitality according to George Dfouni. Hospitality is a people-oriented industry, and having relationships with the right people can help you land your dream job or get promoted. To network effectively, you should attend relevant events and conferences, join networking groups, and keep in touch with former colleagues. Don’t forget to use social media such as LinkedIn to make connections. When networking, it’s important to stay professional but friendly, be open to opportunities, and always be willing to offer help when you can.

5) Get experience in different aspects of hospitality

George Dfouni stresses the importance of getting experience in different aspects of the hospitality industry. This means not just focusing on one specific area, but getting a taste of what it’s like to work in all the different facets of hospitality. This could mean working in the front of house, kitchen, or even in the back of house operations. Working in multiple areas will give you a better understanding of how each area contributes to the overall success of a hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality facility. It will also give your insight into how to effectively manage different departments and help you develop the skills needed to be successful in your career.