Did you know that 62% of the U.S. workforce doesn’t have a degree? The days of needing a college diploma to land a job are long gone. If you didn’t attend college but want to build a successful career, there are many industries with rich opportunities—especially the hospitality industry.
The hospitality and tourism sectors are some of the most vibrant fields, filled with a plethora of job openings. Not only can you find a job quickly, but you can also grow into a career that leads to managerial or executive roles. If you’re looking for a job that doe sn’t require a degree, you’ve come to the right place!
Today, we’re highlighting 10 jobs in the hospitality industry that you can land without needing a college degree.
Bartender 🍸
Bartending is an excellent way to build relationships, develop valuable skills, and earn great money. This role offers flexibility to work anywhere, and all it takes is a bit of training, some memorization, and solid customer service skills.
Housekeeper 🧼
No hotel room would ever be spotless without the hard work of a talented housekeeping staff. Starting as a housekeeper helps you build important skills and can unlock career opportunities down the line. LGC employs many amazing housekeepers who started in this position but have worked their way up to management by developing their leadership skills and investing in their professional growth.
Receptionist 📞
If you’re organized and a natural problem-solver, you’ll shine as a receptionist. Front desk receptionists and hosts keep restaurants and hotels running smoothly by managing reservations and bookings. This role builds invaluable customer service skills, such as conflict management, quick decision-making, phone etiquette, and computer literacy.
Event Planner 📅
Do you have an eye for design or love putting together intricate festivities? Event planning might be the perfect fit for you. While a certification is often helpful, gaining experience by assisting a seasoned planner is a great way to learn the ropes. Event planners are the creative masterminds behind memorable weddings, banquets, and special occasions.
Restaurant Manager 🍴
Although management roles aren’t entry-level, many positions in the restaurant industry can lead to a managerial career. As a restaurant manager, you’ll need leadership, budgeting, inventory management, conflict resolution, and hiring skills. Once you’ve gained the necessary experience and honed your abilities, you’ll be ready to run a restaurant successfully.
Executive Chef 🧑🍳
Even as the most specialized job on this list, an executive chef doesn’t require a degree to succeed. Most executive chefs start as line cooks, work their way up to sous chef, and eventually lead the kitchen. Executive chefs aren’t just cooks; they’re artists—crafting menus, preparing meals, and experimenting with diverse cuisines. While a degree isn’t required, it does take years of experience to master this craft.
Travel Agent ✈️
Interested in the tourism industry and have a knack for making sales? A career as a travel agent could be your next adventure. This role demands business savvy, networking, negotiating, and customer service skills, plus an understanding of the travel industry. While college isn’t essential, a certification can be helpful, and learning from an experienced agent will set you on the path to success.
Entertainer 🎤
Often overlooked, the performing arts side of hospitality and tourism offers exciting careers. Do you love singing, dancing, or captivating an audience? Entertainers get the chance to showcase their talents on stage for guests in hotels, restaurants, or on cruise ships. Specialized training and experience in your craft may be required, but no formal education is necessary—and the job often comes with opportunities to travel.
Sommelier 🍷
If you want to become a sommelier, you’ll need to be an expert in all things wine. Sommeliers curate wine selections for vineyards, restaurants, and hotels. While you don’t need a degree, becoming a sommelier requires a deep understanding of wine pairings, which can involve traveling, working in fine dining, and completing optional certification courses.
Concierge 🧳
Lastly, if you love working with people, know your local scene inside and out, and enjoy enhancing guests’ experiences, consider becoming a concierge. Often the first point of contact for guests at a hotel, concierges provide local entertainment and dining recommendations, manage incoming and outgoing mail, and coordinate with bellhops. This role requires excellent customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a knack for solving any problems that come up.
The hospitality industry is brimming with opportunities, whether you’re starting your career or aiming for a C-suite position. The common thread across all hospitality roles? People. Each of these jobs revolves around making someone’s experience unforgettable. So, if you’re passionate about working with people, degree or not—you’ll do just fine!
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About LGC
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions includes temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) for a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.