Preparing students for a global industry in recovery

As the hospitality and events sector begins a long road to recovery after one of the most challenging times in its history, it’s never been more important for employers in the industry to be recruiting passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated young professionals to plug the industry’s widening skills gap. 

In recent months, much has been made of the critical recruitment shortages many employers in the sector are facing as economies re-open and customers flocks to their favourite venues. Hospitality charity Springboard found that in a recent survey amongst 15 of the UK’s largest hospitality employers (totaling 103,500 staff), 33% said there was a lack of supply of critical senior management positions. Whilst these figures are concerning for many in the sector, for those interested in launching a career within hospitality and events – it could represent a significant opportunity.

In launching an exciting new MSc for October 2021, the Edge Hotel School intends to provide further opportunities for young learners to kick-start their careers, but with a global twist. The MSc International Hospitality Management has been developed and launched to showcase the global nature of the hospitality and events sector, and open the door for students to develop their careers anywhere in the world.

Andrew Boer, Principal of the Edge Hotel School, has shared his excitement in launching the Masters.  “The Hospitality industry is a truly global industry and post-COVID markets are likely to encounter very high levels of international demand. 

Our postgraduate students are likely to be completing their studies at a time when organisations in the industry are both thriving again and in real need of ambitious, well qualified professionals to play an important role in responding to this pent up demand. 

Our course is designed to equip our students with the capacity to understand and analyse the industry as well as to be able to contribute to their new employers from a very early point. This is supported by our industry engaged approach to the education and the opportunity to use our commercial hotel, the Wivenhoe House, as a live case study of the industry.”

Delivered in collaboration with the Essex Business School, this new Masters course will showcase the exciting opportunities available around the world with a career in hospitality and events. For students new to Essex, or alumni interested in returning to the University of Essex for postgraduate study, this course could be the next step in developing a burgeoning and rewarding career in a dynamic and international sector.