Careers in Hotels & Accommodation

Ask anyone in this sector what work is like and you will hear incredible stories. Concierges, housekeepers, guest relations executives, front desk clerks and bell hops - all of them have interesting tales to tell.

Perhaps you may have heard of some of these stories. Like the waiter who could not figure out that the guest from the Middle East meant "No, I do not want pepper in my soup" when he tilted his head back sharply. Or the Brazilian guest who thanked the concierge by pinching his own earlobe. Or the Greek who was offended when the taxi driver signalled "OK" with his fingers.
Learning and understanding the cultures and customs of other nationalities is part and parcel of working life in this sector. Guests and colleagues from abroad bring their own blend of beliefs, values, customs, and practices, all of which guarantee that not only will there be something new everyday for workers in this sector, but they will also be further enriched by these experiences.

In this melting pot of cultures, you represent Singapore. Visitors form impressions about Singapore within hours of arrival and chances are they will base these impressions on the experiences they have with front desk clerks, bell hops, concierges, and other frontline service staff.

The sector also offers a wide range of career options. You can start at the front desk and work your way up to management positions in marketing or guest relations. Or you could choose to switch from housekeeping to operations and end up managing a hotel in Thailand. There are no hard and fast rules - you can try various occupations within the sector before deciding on your pathway to the top.

Those working at international hotel chains may be sent overseas for training, attachments, and to fill career positions - all dream career opportunities if you want to see the world.

Hotels are attractive options for more mature workers as they are often described as close-knit environments where employees embody a strong team spirit and are supportive of one another. Companies in this sector often have established mentoring and "buddy" systems in place to help guide new employees on the job.

Your Future in Hotels and Accommodation Services

As the number of visitors to Singapore increases, so will the demands from visitors. They will need different types of accommodations - family-friendly, boutique, luxurious, budget, etc.
New hotels are opening to meet this demand, for example; the St Regis Hotel, Amara Sanctuary, Resort Sentosa, and Link Hotel. Existing hotels, on the other hand, are dolling themselves up to meet the growing demand. The Carlton Hotel, Marriott, Royal Plaza on Scotts, and Pan Pacific have all recently refurbished their rooms and suites.

The variety of hotels means that you can find work at the place that best suits your personality and character. Resort hotels usually have a more relaxed atmosphere, while business and luxury hotels tend to more formal. While budget and backpacker hotels will, of course, have a much more casual air about them.

Skills, Attributes and Qualifications

Industry Skills

The Hotels and Accommodation Services sector is looking for people who are able to, or are keen to learn the following skills:
Interact with people from different countries and cultures
Handle and adapt to different situations, including emergencies and crises
Think decisively and quickly on their feet

General Skills

To do well in this sector, you need to have or develop the following on the job skills:
Interpersonal communication skills
Customer service skills
Problem-solving skills
Decision-making ability
Personal Attributes

Working in this sector will require you to be:
Polite and pleasant to guests at all times
Open-minded about different nationalities and their cultures and customs
Willing to work shifts

Perks/Benefits
Medical and dental benefits
Training development opportunities
Insurance coverage
Uniform
Duty meal
Special staff room rate at sister hotels within the same hotel chain
Staff rate at F&B outlets under the hotel

Salary

Here are some examples of the monthly gross salary for some of the hot jobs in the Hotel and Accommodation sectors.

Job / Position / Average Monthly Salary
Concierge $1,400 - $2,000
Corporate Communications Officer $2,200 & above
Doorman $900 - $1,300
Duty Manager $2,700 - $3,964
Executive Housekeeper/Head of Housekeeping $2,500 & above
Finance Administrator $2000 - $3000
Front Office Agent $1,339 - $1,700
Housekeeping Attendant $1,071 - $1,496
Housekeeping Supervisor $1,973 - $3,219
Human Resource Manager $4,000 - $6,000
MIS Executive $2,300 & above
Reservations Manager $3, 000 & above
Revenue Manager $5,000 to $7,000
Sales Administrator $2, 000 & above
Sales Manager, Travel Trade $3,000 & above
Section Head, Engineering $1,700 & above
Training Manager $2,500 - $4,000

Potential Job Opportunities

The Integrated Resorts

A dramatic new dimension will be added to Singapore's tourism profile when the two integrated resorts come to life in 2009 and 2010.

Together, the Marina Bay SandsTM and Resorts World at Sentosa are expected to attract an additional two and three million visitors in 2010.

With their eye-catching architecture, celebrity-chef restaurants, extensive shopping arcades, casinos, exciting shows, and other entertainment options, the resorts are set to dazzle and entertain visitors as well as ensure that they not only return - but tell others about Singapore's attractions.

Marina Bay SandsTM With an investment of over $5 billion, Marina Bay SandsTM comes with close to 2,500 rooms housed in three 50-storey hotel towers. Located in Marina Bay, Singapore's new downtown and near the new business and financial centre, the Marina Bay SandsTM will have a strong focus on Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions.
The Marina Bay SandsTM will add about 110,000 square metres of MICE space, including a column-free grand ballroom that can accommodate 8,000 people. It will also have a host of leisure offerings, such as the ArtScience Museum, the Marina Bay Shoppers, nightly light and water shows, Sky Park, celebrity chef restaurants and unique floating pavilions that are accessible via submerged tunnels.

Will There Be Jobs for You?The two Integrated Resorts are expected to create some 50,000 to 60,000 additional jobs throughout the economy when both are fully operational. About 20,000 workers are expected to be directly employed by the integrated resorts.
Tourism careers include customer service, guest relations, games and attraction hosts, catering and banquet staff, public relations and marketing executives, branding and communications managers, events management coordinators and executives, and more.

If you enjoy the thrills, excitement, and energy of theme parks and casinos, or the buzz of world-class events and entertainment, then a job at the integrated resorts is for you.
Besides the many jobs that will be available in 5-star hotels, the integrated resorts will create new and exciting positions not available in Singapore before. You may want to consider being a dealer, pit manager, butler, VIP agent, or a surveillance manager.

The Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer will become Asia's most visible iconic visitor attraction when it is completed. The giant observation wheel will give visitors breathtaking, unobstructed, panoramic views of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Situated at Marina Bay, alongside upcoming developments, such as the Marina Bay SandsTM integrated resort, Asia's largest business and financial centre, and Gardens by The Bay, the Singapore Flyer is set to draw an endless flow of visitors from all over the world.

Unique Venue for EventsThe 165-metre-high observation wheel, an engineering feat in itself, will also be marketed as a unique venue for hosting events such as corporate meetings, networking nights or teas, and private parties. Each of the exclusive capsules can hold up to 30 people. The possibilities are endless; all that is needed is your innovative imagination!

Besides private and corporate functions, there will also be specially tailored educational excursions for primary, secondary, and tertiary students on subjects such as history, geography, design, and technology.

Furthermore, the Singapore Flyer will have its very own 16-metre-high, 2-storey retail and entertainment centre, an alfresco waterfront dining area, a lush Asian rainforest, and an open air Greek-style concert "bowl" for 'live' performances.

With so much happening at the Singapore Flyer, you can be sure that employment opportunities will abound in this iconic world-class attraction.

Will There Be Jobs for You?With its strong appeal to pull in visitors, the opportunities for employment are plentiful in ensuring seamless operations and to make the experience at this attraction a truly memorable one for its guests. There will be jobs in sales, marketing, branding, and public relations that need to be filled to ensure the Singapore Flyer will fly high in the minds of visitors and potential business partners.

You could find a job and possibly build a career at the Singapore Flyer if you enjoy working in a dynamic environment interacting with people from all over the world, including corporate clients, tourists, students, and children.
Some of the possible job openings include attraction planners, guides or hosts, event coordinators, hospitality coordinator, catering sales and marketing officers, public relations executives, and retail and merchandising staff.

Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

Singapore hosts its very first Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix on 28 September 2008. The street race will run along a 5km-long street circuit around parts of the civic district and Marina Bay area. It will attract thousands of visitors to Singapore and this means more jobs will be created to meet that demand.

Will There Be Jobs for You?The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix will be more than a race. It will be a week filled with events by sponsors, multi-nationals, and companies hosting special events for their business partners, and countless more inviting special overseas clients to Singapore for this Formula 1 experience. All these will translate into spin-offs for the other tourist attractions and event management businesses.

Singapore is expected to continue hosting this world-class race on our shores until at least 2012. With such a strong following around the world, without doubt, many hands will be needed on-deck to keep it going. Count on careers to abound within the tourism, hospitality and event management sectors to keep the momentum going for this world-class event.

Look out for a wide variety of careers that will result from the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Such careers include event management executives and managers, hospitality executives, and many more.

Gardens By The Bay

Three waterfront gardens, each with its own distinctive character and design, is set to further transform the fast-changing Marina Bay area when they are ready for operation in 2010.
The public gardens will be a sure-win with tourists and city dwellers seeking to be closer to nature while amidst the hive of activities at the upcoming Marina Bay SandsTM, the business and financial centre, and the iconic Singapore Flyer.
Beyond its scenic setting, the gardens will be full of life with a diversity of activities, recreational options, and entertainment.

The 54-hectare Gardens at Marina South will feature a conservatory complex for cooler climate plants like lavender and tulips. In fact, it will be the biggest cool house in the tropics. There will also be mass floral displays that showcase horticulture and floriculture at its best, areas for garden festivals, and an outdoor open space for concerts and performances.
The Gardens at Marina East, which spans 30 hectares, will be the hotbed for water-based activities within the Marina Channel. It will include facilities such as boathouses and amenities for spectators.

The 10-hectare Gardens at Marina Central will be a beachfront garden and promenade set against the future developments along the Nicoll Highway.
Will There Be Jobs for You?Gardens by the Bay looks set to be a genuine crowd pleaser. But to keep the gardens in impeccable condition and to keep tourists and locals coming back for more with events and activities, much work needs to be done.

If you love the outdoors, plants and greenery, you can be sure of finding a career here. Some of the possible employment openings include landscape technicians, park rangers, horticulturists, outreach programme officers, events coordinators, and visitor services officers.

The Sports Hub

The 35-hectare Sports Hub will be dedicated to world-class land and water sports facilities. Located next to the Marina Bay area, it is also poised to be a premier place for entertainment and lifestyle activities. With plans to attract huge crowd-drawing international events to this exciting new development, Singapore is set to be Asia's city for the business of sports.

The Sports hub, when ready in 2011, will be home to:

A 55,000-seat National Stadium with a retractable roof.
A 6,000-set indoor aquatic centre that meets world tournament standards.
A 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena that will be flexible in layout and size.
41,000 sq m of commercial space.

A water sports centre.

The Sports Hub will also, of course, include the existing 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Will There Be Jobs for You?The Asia Pacific sports market is booming and is estimated to be worth some $17 billion by 2009. Singapore will have a big bite of this very lucrative sports market when it becomes a base for more sports-related businesses, federations, organisations, and events.

Rewarding careers will be created in the areas of sports training, sports medicine and therapy, sponsorship sales, events management, logistics, public relations, marketing, and hospitality.

National Art Gallery

Located in the heart of the Civic District and adjacent to the new Downtown at Marina Bay, the National Art Gallery will boost Singapore's growing arts and cultural landscape.

Scheduled for completion in 2012, it is poised to help Singapore achieve its vision of becoming a global city for the arts - drawing and engaging Singaporeans and visitors from all over the world.
Housed at two historically significant 20th century buildings - the City Hall and the former Supreme Court Building - it will be a new visual arts institution, with space to host the best international art exhibitions.

Plans are also being drawn up to make the National Art Gallery a place to engage visitors with a cultural and museum-going experience like no other.

Will There Be Jobs for You?Much work is already underway to adapt the buildings for use as the National Art Gallery - but what is certain is that many jobs will be created to ensure this gallery lives up to its promise as a place to engage visitors in the world of visual arts.

Besides architects, engineers, and designers working to make the National Art Gallery a reality, other careers available include event coordinators and executives, public relations executives and managers, curators, community engagement and outreach programme officers, sales executives, marketing, and branding executives.

New Tourism Developments

In order to keep attracting millions of visitors to Singapore, the Government is investing even more into the tourism industry. We are seeing many exciting developments transforming the cityscape. These include:

Two integrated resorts - Marina Bay SandsTM and Resorts World at Sentosa which will usher in a whole new world of entertainment and attractions never seen in Singapore

The iconic Singapore Flyer, an iconic visitor attraction, that will be the world's largest observation wheel

Gardens by the Bay will attract nature lovers into a majestic and unique lush, green development within the city

The Sports Hub will kick in by 2011 with world-class land and sea sports facilities that can also host large-scale international sporting events
The National Art Gallery, to be launched in 2012, will add refinement, culture, and history to Singapore's existing host of world-class attractions

The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

Youth Olympics Games (YOG) in 2010

Top 5 Myths about working in the Tourism Industry

There are only jobs - no careers - in the tourism industry.

The difference between a job and a career is a job is a static form of employment while a career is a job that also offers movement and promotions. The truth is there are both jobs and careers in the tourism industry. Anyone with determination and training can carve out a rewarding career. Cooks and guest service assistants, for example, can climb the career ladder to become executive chefs and general managers of hotels, earning up to S$14,000 a month. And there are many other examples - be they event organisers or animal trainers or deckhands - all can rise to management positions.

A tourism job means working in a hotel, airline, or travel agency.

Yes! However, you could be working at an integrated resort, events company, exhibitions company, tourism consultancy, the zoo, destination management companies, or at Sentosa. There is a wide variety of companies in tourism and equally diverse careers available. You could be developing marketing strategies, organising corporate training events, planning conferences, and inventing new tourism products.

All tourism jobs are customer-facing jobs.

True, many tourism jobs, such as tour consultants, concierges and bartenders, do require you to interact with tourists and customers. However, if this is not for you, there are also many behind-the-scenes careers in production, marketing, IT, and operations. You could be directing food and beverage production, carrying out market research, managing IT systems, or purchasing supplies.

Tourism jobs require you to work shifts.

Yes, entry-level jobs in hotels and F&B establishments - such as waiters, cooks, bell hops and housekeepers - require you to work shifts. But as you move up the ladder into managerial positions, you work more regular hours. Jobs in other tourism companies - tour agents, travel consultants, event organisers and exhibition co-ordinators - tend to have regular work schedules.

You do not need qualifications to work in tourism.

On the contrary, skilled labour is what makes our tourism industry thrive. When you first join the industry, secondary education may be adequate. However, to grow and move up the ladder, you will need at least a diploma and training within your job competencies. Those who take on management positions may eventually need degrees.

Great Reasons to Join the Tourism Industry!!!

Tourism is important.

Tourism is a key pillar of Singapore's economy. When you join Singapore's vibrant tourism industry, you join one of the most important sectors of the economy - a sector that has employed about 150,000 workers in 2004. Tourism will become even more vital in the years to come with Singapore Tourism Board's target of bringing in 17 million visitors and generate S$30 billion in tourism spending by 2015.

Tourism is growing.

Singaporeans have noticed that the tourism industry is growing very quickly. More people from around the world are visiting Singapore every year for business, conventions, exhibitions, leisure, education, and medical services. In 2006, some 9.7 million visitors arrived in Singapore and spent S$12.4 billion. Every visitor contributes to the creation of new jobs and with visitor arrivals projected to reach 17 million by 2015, and an ever-growing number of tourism developments being completed, the future of the tourism industry continues to be bright.

Tourism is vibrant and exciting.

There are many new and exciting developments being planned for the sector. These include the Singapore Flyer, an annual Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, a grand sports infrastructure for international and regional sporting events, new theme parks at the integrated resorts, marinas for yachts, and much more. All these developments create not just more jobs - but also competitively paid jobs and new career opportunities in tourism.

Tourism is diverse.

There is a vast and diverse range of jobs in the tourism industry. It needs housekeepers, concierges, waiters, butlers, travel consultants, guest relations officers, event planners, concert organisers, marketing executives, fitness instructors, technicians, and countless other types of skilled people. In the tourism industry, you can easily find a job that suits you. And there will be plenty of opportunities to learn new skills or switch jobs within the tourism industry, e.g. from hotel marketing executive to event organiser.

Tourism is global.

Tourism is a global industry. By joining Singapore's tourism industry, you will have the opportunity to work for famous international brands like the St Regis and Raffles International. You may also have the chance to travel the world to promote Singapore, attend training programmes or conferences abroad, or be sent on overseas attachments. You may even find yourself in the middle of the ocean on a cruise ship serving hors d'oeuvres to celebrities, ambassadors, world leaders, and CEOs of large multinationals.

You are part of what is "Uniquely Singapore".

When you meet, greet, chat and mingle with visitors from all over the world, you represent Singapore and everything that is unique about our country. Working in the tourism sector gives you the distinct opportunity to create exceptional and memorable experiences for visitors.

You will pick up, learn and develop new skills.

With more emphasis placed upon training the tourism workforce and actively encouraging employers to train and upgrade the skills of their employees, you will find that you have rewarding opportunities to attend subsidised training courses and obtain nationally-recognised certificates. This, in turn, will help you move on to better paying jobs and advance your career.

How Much Does It Cost An International Student To Live in Singapore?

Below is a guide on the cost of living in Singapore. Some typical fees in Singapore Dollars per month are:

Accommodation
$200 - $300 (rental varies with geographical area, type of accommodation, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing)

Public transport
$50

Telecommunications
$30 (varies with usage)

Personal expenses
$200- $300 (varies with individuals)

Estimated
$480-$680

SINGAPORE - A VIBRANT CITY LIFESTYLE

Singapore may seem like a small dot on the world map, but the island state bustles all over with attractions and activities. Dining and shopping are two of the top-rated activities of locals. Needless to say, this is reflected in the staggering range of foods and cuisine, as well as the proliferation of shops in the city and suburban centres. Add on to this a thriving arts and cultural scene, especially with the opening of Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, featuring top artistes from all over the world. Ethnic districts such as Little India, Chinatown, Malay Village give a flavour of the culture and history of Singapore. Lots of fun and funky events such as the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Arts Festival, festive light-ups and many others make Singapore a most "happening" place to be in. Singapore is also strategically located at the heart of Asia and can be a hub to explore the Southeast Asian region.

A MULTICULTURAL NATION WITH A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE

The nation's rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) living together harmoniously who have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans whilst still maintaining each race's traditional practices, customs and festivals. In addition, with more than 90,000 professional expatriates living and working in Singapore, they too bring their unique cultures and perspectives, adding colour and vibrancy to cosmopolitan Singapore. Singapore's high standards of living is also something that students can be assured of. In a survey reported in The Economist in March 2002, Singapore's quality of life surpassed that of London or New York. Thirty-nine factors were considered, including political stability, personal freedom, air pollution and the quality of healthcare, schools, restaurants and theatres.

SINGAPORE'S INFRASTRUCTURE & ACCESSIBILITY

Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. Singapore Changi Airport serves more than 60 airlines which fly to over 145 cities and has for many consecutive years been nominated as the best airport in the world. Singapore is also probably the most wired country in Asia, with an Internet penetration rate of 42%. Housing ownership is encouraged by the government to give citizens an asset in the country. About 85% of Singaporeans are living in government-built housing. Seamless accessibility to all parts of the island is available in this country, often recognised for its quality and efficient land transport system. The introduction of an EZ-link card - a contactless stored value card where consumers need only flash the card in front of a card reader that automatically deducts the required travel fare, is an example of the continuous commitment by the government to make travel faster and easier.

SINGAPORE'S STABLE ECONOMY

With a GDP of S$161 billion in 2003, the island state though small in size and population (4 million people) has become a reputable financial centre, a key regional trading centre, the world's busiest port, and a top location for investment. Often cited as a model for transparency, efficiency and political stability, Singapore has earned recognition from around the world. Singapore has been rated third among 145 countries in terms of ease of doing business, in World Bank's Doing Business 2005 report. The Swiss-based World Economic Forum (WEF) also rated Singapore as the most competitive economy possessing great innovative ability and a solid macro economy in the world. Even in the recent global battle against SARS, Singapore's diligent and hands-on approach has won recognition from the World Health Organisation.

Doing Medical Exam in Home Country

After students received In-Principle Approval (IPA), they can go to a Qualified Doctor to do a Medical Exam. Doctor's handwriting must be legible, student must bring the ORIGINAL Blood Test Report and X-Ray Report when they come to Singapore. Failing to do so, students need to re-do the medical examination in Singapore between a fee of S$40 to S$47. IPA letter from Immigration is only valid for 2 months. Hence do ensure that your students come ONE WEEK BEFORE the expiry date of the letter.

Check out our Programmes and Students in our Nanyang Video!

UK Internship

Total fees: $6640
1) Agent Fee : S$6,000
2) UK Visa in Singapore $640
3) Must pay in full once acceptance by UK employer
4) Pre-Departure Responsibility: Nanyang Institute of Management will assist the students in the following:

a. The pre-departure travel advice and assistance with traveling arrangements
b. Keeping current the student’s records while on the 12 months attachment
c. The maintenance and assessment of the log book during the attachment
d. The final assessment of completion and awarding of the diploma
e. The dispatch of the diploma to the student’s required domicile

Please note that once the student takes up the 12-month UK attachment, the student is no longer entitled to the Singapore 8-month attachment offer, which is then deemed to have been superceded. Upon accepting the UK attachment, the student will be under the charge of the Service Provider while in the UK.

1. If the student is unsuccessful at the TWES visa stage the service provider’s immigration advisor will identify the reason and liaise with the UK Work Visa Office to resolve the issues. If it cannot be resolved then the service provider will inform the school and student and refund 1000 pounds. If the visa was rejected due to student’s fraudulent or misleading application information then no fees will be returned to the applicant

2. Students shall be responsible for their own valid passport whose expiry is at least one year from the end of attachment, pre-departure medical checkup and their internal travel expenses to and from their city of departure and work location in the UK and air ticket to the United Kingdom.

3. The UK Service Provider shall provide the following settlement services to the students upon their arrival in the UK:

a. Airport meet and greet
b. Accommodation arrangement as in clauses 4 d and clause 34
c. Bringing them to their host employer/host employer
d. Orientation guidance

4. The Service Provider shall assist with accommodation arrangements to the students:
Either by arranging accommodation with the hotels or helping find suitable accommodation.

Pictures of Our Students On Internship

Peiris' Video - Before He goes to Aust For Internship

Here's video of Peiris. We catch up with him before he went to Queensland, Australia to complete his internship.