The hospitality industry is one of the most unique job markets available to citizens of the United States. It is one of few industries where it is still possible to break into the business with little or no education, ply your trade as a bellhop or doorman, and eventually end up in a management position. Even though a degree isn’t necessary, earning a degree has proven to help increase the pace at which individuals advance up the ladder in hospitality.

Los Angeles is the second largest metro area in the United States, and as a result it boasts the second largest hospitality industry in terms of the number of people employed. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of February 2012 there were 563,300 individuals employed by the hospitality industry in LA. As impressive as this sounds, the report points out that this is still 3,000 shy of the number of people that were employed in hospitality in February 2008 before the recession hit full swing.

Although there are a large number of positions available in hospitality related fields in LA, there are also a lot of people hoping to fill one of those positions. The national unemployment rate is currently hovering around 8.2%, but California’s unemployment rate is hovering at a much higher 10.9%.

All this adds further importance to earning a hospitality degree. Combining entry level experience with a related degree, even one as simple as an Associate’s degree, will help set you apart from the competition when interviewing for possible positions. Completing a degree doesn’t necessarily require leaving the industry all together to attend school full time. While four-year Bachelor’s degrees are an option, those already working can increase their chances for advancement without leaving the workplace. Two-year Associate’s degree programs are available with flexible schedules and online courses, and there are also online diploma programs that can be completed in a weekend.

One of the best reasons for earning a degree is the boost in can provide to your pocketbook. According to the U.S. BLS, a degree not only increases your attractiveness to potential employers but also increases salary. Hotel managers, for example, earn a median annual salary of $45,800 with the top 10% earning upwards of $84,270.

The hospitality industry is one of the most unique job markets in the U.S. employing individuals such as lawyers, chefs, marketing directors, wait staff, accountants, and golf pros. This means there are also a variety of degree programs available that will boost employment chances and advancement in the hospitality industry. Examples of different programs include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Business

-Food service

-Marketing

-Hospitality

-Tourism

Getting into the industry can be easy, but advancing is easier with the right degree in hand. Remember, your degree doesn’t have to mean being a full-time student. With programs available from the diploma and certificate level all the way up to doctorate, there is a program out there that is right for you and your career.

Gail Wise is a regular article contributor to Hospitality Jobs LA an online hospitality job site. Find hospitality jobs in Los Angeles

Gail Wise is a regular article contributor to Hospitality Jobs LA an online hospitality job site. http://www.hospitalityjobsla.com Find Hospitality Jobs in Los Angeles

Author Bio: Gail Wise is a regular article contributor to Hospitality Jobs LA an online hospitality job site. Find hospitality jobs in Los Angeles

Category: Career
Keywords: Los Angeles hospitality jobs, hospitality job, hospitality jobs