Deciding whether it's better to learn hospitality in a school or on the job can be challenging. In this industry, success is often built through hands-on experience, working your way up, earning trust and learning by doing.
So is formal education from a hospitality management school really worth it?
This article examines both paths. We’ll explore what hospitality schools actually teach, who benefits the most and where real experience still shines.
Whether you're just starting out or considering a career change, this guide will help you decide which path makes the most sense for your future.
What hospitality schools actually teach
As well as teaching students how to dress sharply and greet guests professionally, hospitality schools focus on helping them understand how the entire business operates: from front of house to back office and everything in between.
While experience is important, formal education helps fill in the gaps that on-the-job training may miss.
Most top hospitality management schools focus on the following five key areas that form the foundation for a successful career in the industry.
Business management
Running a hospitality business means thinking like an entrepreneur. Students learn how to plan operations, design service concepts, manage teams and build customer loyalty.
The emphasis is less on memorizing theory and more on solving real-world business problems in the hospitality sector.
Leadership and service culture
You can’t manage people with technical skills alone. Schools help students build soft skills such as communication, adaptability and team leadership.
They also explore what makes a service culture strong, how to keep teams motivated and how to handle guest challenges under pressure.
Financial literacy
No business can survive without a solid grasp of the numbers. Students learn how to read financial reports, build budgets, control costs and understand profitability.
These skills enable managers to make informed decisions based on data rather than relying on gut instinct.
Technology and tools
Modern tech is part of everyday life in hospitality and includes everything from mobile check-ins to back-end booking systems.
Hospitality programs expose students to industry-standard platforms so they don’t have to learn from scratch when they enter the workforce.
Why Glion stands out as a top hospitality school
Some institutions exist to bridge the gap between learning and doing and Glion is one of them.
Through its bachelor's degree in hospitality management and other specialized hospitality degrees, it takes students through real-life scenarios, such as handling guest requests or managing team workflows, using simulations that mirror the pace and pressure of the industry.
These exercises help students build confidence before they ever set foot in a real workplace.
As well as doing academic coursework, students complete two professional internships with global brands, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building a strong network of industry contacts.
With campuses in Switzerland and the UK, Glion also provides international exposure, giving students first-hand insight into how hospitality operates across different cultures and regions.
For those already working in the industry or looking to move into senior roles, Glion’s graduate programs offer advanced training in areas such as hotel development, real estate investment and luxury brand strategy.
These programs are designed to sharpen strategic thinking while remaining firmly grounded in the real-world demands of hospitality leadership.
Can you succeed in hospitality without a degree?
Many people start working in the hospitality industry with no formal training, just a willingness to work hard and learn fast. They build experience on the floor, move into leadership roles over time and often develop an intuitive feel for excellent service.
However, without a structured education, career progression can sometimes take longer. Advancement may stall at a certain level, especially when international employers require recognized qualifications. While on-the-job learning is valuable, it doesn’t always provide exposure to critical areas such as:
- Business strategy and planning
- Leadership development
- Financial management
- Global industry standards and practices
Networking can also be more challenging without access to alumni networks or industry mentors. Still, starting without a degree doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. In fact, lifelong learning often becomes even more critical. Many professionals return to education later in their careers when they’re ready to take on more responsibility or pivot into new roles.
Take Simon Joseph, a Glion alumnus who began his career in consumer goods before moving into the luxury hospitality sector. He enrolled in Glion’s Executive Master’s in Luxury Management and Guest Experience to strengthen his leadership skills and gain a broader industry perspective. As he put it:
“I’ve always been a firm believer that people should never stop learning, whether through formal education, on the job or by being receptive to life experiences.”
So yes, you can build a career in hospitality without a degree. But adding structure, strategic knowledge and expert guidance — even later on — can unlock opportunities that might otherwise take years to reach.
How hospitality business schools support career goals
This is a dynamic industry characterized by constantly evolving customer preferences. That’s where hospitality business schools make a real difference.
They maintain strong connections with industry leaders to stay on top of emerging trends, open up new opportunities and connect students with the right people at the right time.
The people you meet can change everything
Learning side-by-side with others has value, but the real impact comes from where those connections can take you later. Hospitality schools bring together students from all over the world and the friendships formed often turn into future partnerships, job referrals or just honest advice when needed.
A strong global network can quietly shape your career in ways you might not immediately realize.
Internships give you a head start
Internships offer genuine work experience and a real edge in the job market. According to a study by NACE, more than two-thirds of 2024 graduating seniors participated in internships during their college careers, the highest rate in six years.
Students who completed paid internships received more job offers and commanded higher starting salaries compared to their peers who had unpaid or no internship experience.
This trend shows the value of practical experience. Many hospitality schools maintain strong ties with industry leaders, which opens up opportunities for internships that often lead to full-time roles. Institutions such as Glion offer hospitality internships with top-tier companies, giving students the chance to prove themselves long before graduation.
You stay close to where the industry is going
Business schools frequently bring in guest speakers, industry leaders and tech innovators to discuss current trends and future directions. Beyond textbooks, students gain first-hand insights from people shaping the hospitality business world.
That exposure helps students think ahead and adapt quickly once they enter the workforce.
You figure out what fits you best
Not everyone knows exactly which sector of the industry suits them best. Some fall in love with branding, others with service operations or guest experience. Hospitality schools help students explore different roles, understand their strengths and find a path that truly fits them.
That clarity often makes stepping into a full-time role smoother and more intentional. For many, it’s how their hospitality careers really begin.
Two students from Glion shared how this kind of structure made a lasting impact. Polina Brolt described how gaining hands-on experience during her studies opened valuable opportunities for her career and personal development. “We finish our Bachelor's having one year of industry experience, which is highly valuable for our CVs and personal growth,” she said.
For Alanoud Alourfi, her first internship pushed her beyond her comfort zone in the best way. As the first intern ever accepted by The Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah, she said: “They had really high expectations and I was glad I was able to meet them.”
Their stories show what happens when education meets opportunity. Students earn a degree while developing the right mindset, gaining real-world experience and building the confidence to take their next step with purpose.
Who should consider a hospitality management school?
There are many paths into hospitality. For some, it starts right after school; for others, it comes later, after exploring different careers or trying business ideas they want to bring to life.
The good news? Hospitality management programs are designed for all kinds of students.
First-time students
If you’re just out of high school and seeking a clear and structured entry into the industry, hospitality management schools offer exactly that.
You’ll learn the theory, gain real-world experience, receive mentorship and develop a solid understanding of what it takes to succeed in the tourism and service industries.
Career switchers
If you’re considering a new direction, hospitality can be an exciting option. Hospitality management schools help you build confidence, understand operations and translate your existing experience into a new context.
Many graduate students enter this field hoping to shift from unrelated industries into something more people-focused and dynamic.
Hospitality programs often create opportunities to explore various career paths and specialties, from hotel operations and guest services to food and beverage management.
Aspiring entrepreneurs
If you're a self-starter aiming to open a boutique hotel, wellness retreat or restaurant, you’ll need a strong foundation in business management and service design. A structured program helps you understand how to launch, sustain and scale your vision.
Some schools even offer specialized courses for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to start a food and beverage venture or launch a tech-enabled hospitality startup.
Glion offers graduate programs that allow students to specialize in areas such as luxury hospitality, real estate or brand strategy.
This flexibility makes it easier to personalize your educational experience based on your career goals, whether you aim to lead an established hospitality company or build one from scratch.
Making the right choice for your future
There’s no one-size-fits-all path into hospitality. Some people learn best through hands-on experience, working their way up and learning as they go.
Others prefer the structure, guidance and clear plan education gives. Both approaches can lead to success, but the journey looks different for everyone.
Hospitality management schools offer significant advantages: hands-on experience, global exposure, strong professional networks and a thorough understanding of how the hospitality business model operates.
However, they also require time, commitment and a willingness to learn in a formal setting. It’s worth asking yourself: what kind of learner are you? Do you thrive with structure? Are you ready to invest in your long-term goals?
