Singapore Hospitality industry - jobs and salary

[koopikoo]

Anyone in the Singapore hospitality industry or has friends in it knows roughly whats the starting pay for fresh graduates who studied hospitality managment/ business as a degree?

Also how are the career prospects in the industry like and how does the salary progress?

I heard that due to the nature of the industry there is alot of shift work on weekend which contributes to poor work life balance...anyone working or has worked in this industry can share about their experience? Can share too if you heard from your friends

Do many hospitality professionals switch industry due to the low salary?

Cause im considering whether to study Hospitality business in SIT

Thank you very much!

Not sure if you are still looking for an answer. But here's my experience. Things may have changed over the last few years but it is still about the same.

Degree graduates get an additional advantage to join the Management Trainee programs that most hotels have, you get to experience different departments and after about 18 months of training you get at least a Assistant Manager post. Some hotels offer this programs inhouse only, others do advertise so do your homework. But it is not easy to get in, i.e. Hilton etc.

Front Desk/ Front Office
Expect from $1.6k - $2.2, but of course if you are on the lower end mostly you have an opportunity for additional incentives, e.g commisson from upselling, midnight allowance etc. (Fyi, $1.6k is quoted from the 7 star SR.) Most positions offer $1.8k on rotating shifts, medical benefits etc. If you interest in committing your life to the hotel. Butlers usually will be $2k and above, not counting the tips you may get But expect to be on standby or on very long shifts.

Casino usually is $1.8k - $2.4, but be prepared for shift work and mind numbing number crunching. But you do get paid training.

Entry level for theme park $1.6k - $2.2 But good opportunities for promotion if you have good performance and are dedicated.

At my previous hotel, my colleague got $1.8k for the same position as I was, I got $2.2k for a private degree. But some places do not give such a huge increment for education. My perspective is to get some work experience as well. Then you will be offer better remuneration. And it also gives you an opportunity to see whether you really want to stay in this industry in the long run. I studied hospitality both at diploma and degree level, I did not regret it as it gives you a better perspective and understanding of the trends and mindsets of consumers. My personal advice however is to diversify in a minor to give yourself an advantage, marketing or events work well in your favour.

Good luck in your decision making and I wish you all the best.

Also how are the career prospects in the industry like and how does the salary progress?

After 3 years or so, if you haven't moved up, usually you can opt to move to the back end or switch locations. There will always be year on year increment but it differs widely. From $30 monthly to hundreds. Of course with promotions, it should be at least $200-$500 increase. But bear in mind that some companies don't provide promotion opportunities unless the position is vacated.

I heard that due to the nature of the industry there is alot of shift work on weekend which contributes to poor work life balance...anyone working or has worked in this industry can share about their experience? Can share too if you heard from your friends

Work life balance is extremely hard, especially if your position requires shift. If you have overnight shifts and appreciate sleep, sometimes your off day is spent sleeping after the night shift, worse if your offs are split. Spme companies do provide provisions for better off days if you have children or school but I have seen someone going to school morning right after her midnight shift. If you have to deal with shitty customer AND shitty colleagues, you will start to feel work is a drag.

Do many hospitality professionals switch industry due to the low salary?

It is usually a combination of factors, the working hours, or sick of facing guests (happens in alot in frontline, especially luxury locations), sometimes the environment is very hostile or the management is not taking care of welfare etc. Most leave due to people, most stay also due to people.

3/4 of my class in poly is not in the hospitality industry, just a heads up. Your drive will always have to be your passion.

Personally I left for a corporate job for office hours, but I'm missing the industry and am currently looking for marketing in a hotel. Hope that helps!

Personally I would like to know how the actual salary progression is like. I notice most people who work in the hospitality industry seems to be either a manager or director as long as they stay in the industry. Does anyone know in terms of salary how is the progression from AM > M > SM > AD > D > GM etc. like?