
Career Connections: January 2025
January 14th, 2025

Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation Systems Pathways
Are you adventurous? Do you love exploring new places or creating memorable experiences for others? Careers in Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation Systems might lead you to an exciting future!
This month, we’re diving into one of the world’s largest industries—hospitality and tourism—which employs millions of people globally. These careers offer opportunities to connect with people, solve problems, and create experiences that leave lasting memories. Whether you’ve dreamed of managing a hotel, becoming a travel expert, or piloting an airplane, there’s something in this pathway to spark your imagination!
What Jobs Are in This Pathway?
The Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation Systems pathway includes careers such as:
- Travel and Tourism: Travel agents, tour guides, event planners, and travel coordinators.
- Transportation: Airline pilots, flight attendants, truck drivers, and logistics coordinators.
- Hospitality: Hotel managers, chefs, restaurant owners, and cruise directors.
- Recreation and Entertainment: Amusement park managers, travel vloggers, and adventure guides.
These careers are essential for connecting people, moving goods, and creating unforgettable experiences.
Career Spotlight: Airline Pilot 🛫
Background Information
Airline pilots transport passengers and cargo safely across cities, states, and countries. This role combines technical skill, critical thinking, and teamwork. Pilots navigate advanced aircraft, ensuring smooth flights while keeping safety a top priority.
Salary Range: $80,000 - $250,000 per year (depending on experience and airline).
Certifications Needed:
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification
A Day in the Life:
Conducting pre-flight checks and planning flight routes.
Communicating with air traffic control for safe navigation.
Monitoring weather conditions and adjusting plans as needed.
Why It’s Cool: Airline pilots get to travel the world while building skills in leadership and teamwork. It’s a career for those who love adventure and responsibility!
Career Spotlight: Event Planner 🎟️
Background Information
Event planners design, coordinate, and execute everything from weddings to corporate conferences. They manage venues, budgets, and schedules to ensure every event is a success.
Salary Range: $40,000 - $80,000 per year.
Certifications Helpful:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Hospitality Management Certification
A Day in the Life:
Meeting with clients to discuss event goals and budgets.
Coordinating with vendors (caterers, decorators, venues).
Troubleshooting issues to make events run smoothly.
Why It’s Cool: Event planners turn ideas into reality. You’re constantly creating unique experiences and making special moments memorable.
Tips for Exploring These Careers While in School🏫
Join Clubs: Participate in clubs like DECA, Key Club, or Student Council to develop leadership and organizational skills.
Volunteer: Help with school events, fundraisers, or community festivals to gain experience in event planning and hospitality.
Job Shadow: Spend a day with a professional in one of these fields to learn about their daily responsibilities.
Summer Jobs: Work part-time at hotels, airports, or restaurants to get firsthand experience.
Certifications: Start small with certifications like ServSafe Food Handler or Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) from local programs.
Training and Education After High School 🍎
A career in Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation Systems may require additional training after high school. Here are some popular pathways:
Community College Programs: Many offer certificates in Hospitality Management or Tourism.
Specialized Certifications: Look for programs like ServSafe, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or FAA training for aviation careers.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Pursue degrees in Business Administration, Event Management, or Aviation Science for advanced roles.
To Learn More About Careers in Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation Systems
Visit OhioMeansJobs for local job openings.
Explore CareerOneStop for training programs and certifications.
Check out the American Hotel and Lodging Association for career paths in hospitality.
Learn about aviation careers at FAA Careers.
Let’s take off into the world of possibilities with this month’s pathway! Which career will you explore first?
For Parents: How to Support Your Student’s Career Interests ✍🏻
As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your student explore and prepare for careers in Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation Systems. Here are some tips to guide and support them:
Encourage Exploration: Support your student in researching different career options in this pathway. Help them find videos, books, or articles that provide insight into roles that interest them.
Promote Real-World Experience: Encourage part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities in hotels, restaurants, or transportation hubs to build skills and confidence.
Celebrate Certifications: Help your student find and pursue certifications like ServSafe or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) that can enhance their resume and open doors to new opportunities.
Attend Events Together: Explore career fairs, open houses, or industry events as a family to gain firsthand knowledge about these fields.
Connect with Mentors: Help your student identify professionals in the industry who can offer advice, job shadowing, or mentorship.
Discuss Long-Term Goals: Have conversations about what they envision for their future and explore how education and training align with those goals.
By being an active part of your student’s career journey, you can help them take meaningful steps toward a fulfilling future.