From Tourism School to My First Job

Finished tourism school? First of all: Congratulations! You’ve had some intense years—and now you have an industry full of opportunities ahead of you! Whether it’s the hotel, restaurant, or travel sector: After tourism school, a wide variety of doors are open to you. This article shows you typical paths to your first full-time job.

• After graduating from tourism school, you can start working right away, join a trainee program, or continue your studies.
• Your mandatory internship is often the most direct path to your first job.
• The shortage of skilled workers works in your favor: companies are actively looking for new talent.
• Well-known tourism schools in Austria and Bavaria enjoy a good reputation among employers.

A tourism school prepares you well for the working world. Generally speaking, you’ll have three options afterward:

• start your career right away
• complete a trainee program
• pursue further training

The traditional path is to enter the workforce directly. Typical entry-level positions include roles at the front desk, in service, or as an assistant in marketing or event management.

HOGAST Job Tip: A seasonal job can be exciting if you want to learn a lot quickly. In typical winter or summer destinations, you’ll gain insight into many processes in a short amount of time.

An internship is often not just a required part of your training—it’s also your first step toward opening doors. If you were a reliable employee and enjoyed your time there, it’s worth getting back in touch after you graduate.

Be proactive and ask if there are any open positions! Many companies are happy to hear from applicants they already know. A good job reference is also important.

Would you like to continue your education? That’s also a great option after graduating from tourism school—for example, with one of these training programs:

• Tourism College (e.g., MODUL Vienna): 4 semesters without a degree, with industry-specific training
• Dual Degree Program in Hotel Management (e.g., Carinthia University of Applied Sciences): alternating 12-week cycles of theory and paid practical training
• Bachelor’s in Tourism Management ( e.g., MODUL University): a traditional business administration track with a focus on tourism

In Austria, tourism is a major employer in many regions. You’ll find particularly good opportunities in areas where the hotel and restaurant industries are well-established, such as spa regions or Alpine vacation destinations like Salzburg, or Tyrol.

Also in Bavaria, the hospitality industry is well-established. The areas around Munich, the Allgäu, the Bavarian Forest, and the Berchtesgadener Land offer many entry-level opportunities.

The path into the industry differs in both countries:

• Austria: After graduating from a tourism school, you can enter the workforce directly, start a trainee program, or pursue a degree.
• Bavaria: The typical path involves an apprenticeship, vocational school, and initial hands-on experience. This can be followed by a hotel management school, for example, leading to a degree as a state-certified hotel manager. At some schools, admission is also open to high school graduates without traditional vocational training.

The current shortage of skilled workers works in your favor: In Bavaria alone, estimates suggest that thousands of positions are unfilled. For those just starting their careers, this means great opportunities and fast career advancement.

• Make the most of your internship: After you finish, actively ask about open positions.
• Reach out to your school contacts: Many tourism schools collaborate with partner companies or career centers that offer entry-level jobs.
• Search by industry: On platforms like HOGAST Job, you’ll find jobs tailored to the hotel, restaurant, and tourism industries.
• Gain international experience: An internship abroad can set you apart in your applications, especially with larger companies.

In the end, what matters most is persistence. With a tourism school under your belt, you have a strong foundation. Now it’s up to you to figure out where your journey will take you!