Last updated on Jul 13, 2024

Here's how you can turn your hospitality experience into a consulting career.

Embarking on a consulting career can be a thrilling pivot for those with a background in hospitality. The skills you've honed in this vibrant industry—problem-solving, customer service, and operational management—are highly transferable and sought after in the consulting world. Whether you've been a hotel manager, event coordinator, or a customer service maestro, the expertise you've built can be your ticket to a new professional adventure. Your journey from hospitality to consulting will require strategy, networking, and a fresh perspective on your skill set.

1 Identify Strengths

Your journey begins by taking stock of your core competencies. In hospitality, you've likely excelled in customer relations, crisis management, and multitasking—all of which are invaluable in consulting. You must articulate these strengths in a way that resonates with potential clients or employers. Consider the most challenging scenarios you've handled, the innovative solutions you've implemented, and the positive outcomes you've achieved. These experiences are the bedrock of your consulting potential and will help you stand out in the competitive consulting landscape.

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Nicholas Scavone

Managing Director at Brilliance Belize
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First you have to have some equity in your career in hospitality. Attained some level of expertise in some aspect of the industry to show people that you have the knowledge to be be of value to them. Once you have this you then have to put yourself out there. Write for industry magazines, contribute comments in industry forums and if you can, give talks and seminars to get known. Have a website of course that showcases your accomplishments, allows people to see your articles, etc. Go to trade shows. Exposure is key. Finally, solicit business from new developments, industry contacts that you know that may need your help. Start small and leverage any jobs you are successful in to get other jobs.

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2 Build Credibility

Transitioning to consulting requires you to establish credibility. Achieving certifications or degrees related to consulting can enhance your profile. However, leveraging your real-world hospitality experience is just as crucial. Sharing insights through blogs, speaking at industry events, or participating in webinars can showcase your expertise. Networking with professionals in both hospitality and consulting sectors can also open doors. Remember, your unique perspective as a hospitality professional provides you with a distinctive approach to problem-solving that can be highly advantageous in consulting.

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3 Market Yourself

Marketing yourself effectively is key to a successful transition. Create a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile that highlight your hospitality achievements in a way that's relevant to consulting. Use language that speaks to the results-driven nature of consulting—think about terms like 'efficiency optimization' or 'customer satisfaction metrics'. Consider how your experience with diverse teams and high-pressure environments translates into a consulting context, where adaptability and leadership are paramount.

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4 Expand Network

Your network is a treasure trove of opportunities. Connect with former colleagues, attend industry conferences, and join professional associations related to consulting. Engage in meaningful conversations about your aspirations and listen to the experiences of others who have made similar transitions. These connections can provide invaluable advice, introduce you to potential clients, or alert you to job openings. Your hospitality background has likely equipped you with excellent people skills—use them to build relationships that support your new career path.

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5 Offer Solutions

As a consultant, your role is to offer solutions to clients' problems. Use your hospitality experience to identify common pain points in the industry and develop strategies to address them. Think about how you have improved operations, enhanced customer experiences, or boosted revenues in your previous roles. These successes can form the basis of case studies and proposals that demonstrate your ability to deliver tangible results as a consultant.

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6 Stay Informed

Staying informed about both the hospitality and consulting industries is crucial. Keep abreast of trends, best practices, and emerging technologies that can impact your clients. Understanding the latest developments will not only make you a more effective consultant but will also help you to anticipate the needs of your clients before they even arise. Continuous learning and professional development will ensure that you remain a valuable asset in the ever-evolving world of consulting.

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Dan Barnett

Director of biodynamic Living Space at Kimpton Hotels
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find out what other consultants do. How much time does they spend watching over the development? What are the common shortcomings consultants run up against? It's a big country that needs a lot of consulting and a professional consultant who has an established business may talk to you if you spend some time with them.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can turn your hospitality experience into a consulting career.

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1 Identify Strengths

2 Build Credibility

3 Market Yourself

4 Expand Network

5 Offer Solutions

6 Stay Informed

7 Here’s what else to consider

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