ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to bring to our attention the subject of careers, and by doing so offer a more holistic view on the topic of HRM. This chapter begins with an explanation as to why the subject of careers has become so prominent in recent years, especially in the hospitality industry, including a discussion on the current state of hospitality careers. A more recent professionalization of this industry is also thought to have impacted on the social perception of careers in hospitality. The chapter continues with a section on career definitions, emphasizing the lack of a universal definition and the need to understand careers as subjective. Established career theories are also outlined, with a focus on career development, which is relevant to HRM, the management of organizations and individuals. This leads on to questioning differences between the terms ‘job’ and ‘career’, emphasizing self-fulfillment as one of the key differentiators. After that the chapter focuses on an original concept, ‘the leaving process’ with its three types that are based on different interactions between career commitment, career inheritance and self-efficacy. This leads on to characteristics of a hospitality career manager, and practical tips on how to become successful in your career.
