Creating and Experiencing

The Creating and Experiencing sector, encompassing arts, entertainment, design, hospitality, and events, is a dynamic and essential part of the U.S. economy. As these industries evolve, they offer significant opportunities, especially for the emerging workforce and offer flexible pathways that often are not dependent upon traditional four-year degrees. Many roles within these industries emphasize skills and experience over formal education, providing viable career paths for high school graduates. This trend is also evident in the arts and design sector, where practical skills and creative portfolios can significantly outweigh the necessity for formal education. For instance, careers in culinary arts, event planning, and various roles within the hospitality industry often require vocational training or certifications rather than a four-year degree.

Additionally, this sector is characterized by its rapid and flexible growth and wide dispersion among most communities in the United States. The arts are a varied and distributed cluster involving  673,656 businesses in the creation or distribution of the arts, and employing 3.48 million people. In hospitality and dining, the workforce is projected to grow by 200,000 jobs, for a total industry employment of 15.7M by the end of 2024. Still struggling after the pandemic, 45% of operators need more employees to meet customer demand. Of course, the pandemic dramatically affected projections and growth rates for all sectors, especially hospitality, and as such any predictions based on the most recent data are liable to shift in the coming years. Bearing that in mind, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), shows that employment in the leisure and hospitality sector occupies four of the top ten fastest-growing industries, more than any other sector. This growth is driven by increased consumer spending on travel, dining, and entertainment, along with a rise in global tourism. 

Despite the opportunities for growth and placement with or without more formally recognized academic credentials, challenges persist in developing a robust talent pipeline. One major issue is the need for continuous upskilling to keep pace with technological advancements and emerging job opportunities. Few people are able to name lucrative careers in arts and design despite them being all around us (video game designers, experience design in VR/AR, data visualization, etc.). Additionally, disparities in access to quality and specialized training programs can create a talent gap, where particular regions and populations struggle to meet the demand for skilled professionals. 

To address these challenges, it is essential to focus on K-12 education and create pathways that prepare students for careers in the Creating and Experiencing sector. Schools can play a pivotal role by integrating arts and design into their curricula by offering hands-on learning experiences, industry certifications, and partnerships with local businesses. Additionally, they can widen students’ visions of what’s possible by exposing them to the myriad jobs in hospitality and events and get them involved in what the future of these fields might look like. From concerts in fortnite, to commissary kitchens, to agile restaurants that pivot from fine dining to late-night food, the possibilities are endless. 

Why There is a Demand for These Jobs

• Growing Industry: The hospitality and events industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors globally. This growth is driven by increased consumer spending on travel, dining, and entertainment, along with a rise in global tourism.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: While these careers features a wide swath of technical skills, more transferable skills like creativity, collaboration, leadership and critical thinking dominate these industries resulting in nimble career pathways that encourage experimentation and interdisciplinary workplaces. 
• Technological Advancements and Governance Models: Advancements in technology have expanded the scope of who can be a professional in these sectors, increasing access and creating new career opportunities in areas such as digital media, virtual reality, and interactive design. Additionally they have brought ownership further into question, potentially resulting in new royalty structures and ownership models that are better able to disperse and sustain payments. 
• Cultural and Social Impact: The Creating and Experiencing sector plays a crucial role in shaping cultural and social landscapes as well as driving economic development in metropolitan areas. 

Future Trends Shaping This Sector

• Personalized Experiences: Customers are seeking more personalized and unique experiences. The ability to tailor services, products, messaging and events will be a valuable skill for future professionals in this sector. This shift towards personalization will require deep creativity and knowledge of emerging technology, cultural trends and the ability to know and understand the communities you serve. 
• Remote and Freelance Work: The rise of remote work and the gig economy is significantly impact these sectors, albeit differently. In the arts and design industry, many professionals in these fields already work as freelancers, and this trend is expected to grow. These gig workers benefit from strong digital skills, self-discipline and entrepreneurship, and the ability to market oneself effectively. Because of the rise in remote workers, there is a transient population that acts more like tourists on a regular basis, thus stimulating local economies through travel and looking for cultural experiences.
• Advances in Copyright and IP: Technologies like AI are pushing the copyright conversation at a rapid rate. Additionally, technologies like blockchain make it possible to have lossless records of created goods. Companies like Adobe continue to push the envelope of giving credit where credit is due. 
• Quality Jobs: Increased pushes in minimum wages, reconsidering tip structures, hospitality jobs providing healthcare, etc. are all critical parts of making these industries more enticing and long-term.

The Hospitality & Events Career Cluster encompasses a broad range of services and experiences related to food and beverage, lodging, travel, events, and conferences. This cluster focuses on delivering quality customer service, memorable experiences, and seamless logistics to cater to the needs and preferences of guests, travelers, and event participants. This sector is characterized by its diversity, including everything from luxury hotels and international travel to local dining, cultural events, and business conferences, aiming to enhance the overall experience of visitors and attendees.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Future Roles

• Ghost Kitchen Manager or Chef: Manages delivery-only kitchens, overseeing food prep, staff, and logistics for multiple online food brands without a physical dining space.
• Drone Delivery Specialist: Operates and maintains drones for food or package delivery, ensuring efficient and safe service.
• Immersive Dining Experience Designer: Creates unique dining environments using technology, storytelling, and sensory elements to enhance the eating experience.
• Virtual Tourism Tour Guide: Leads virtual tours of global destinations, providing interactive experiences through digital platforms for remote travelers.
• Third Space Manager: Manages hybrid spaces that serve as social and work environments, blending community, co-working, and leisure in one venue.
• Plant-Based Chef: Specializes in creating innovative and nutritious dishes using plant-based ingredients, catering to growing dietary preferences for sustainable food.
• Food Scientist: Develops new food products, enhances food safety, and improves flavor, texture, and nutritional content using scientific research and innovation.
• Wellness Travel Advisor: Curates personalized travel experiences focused on health, relaxation, and well-being, such as spa retreats or fitness-centered vacations.

Credentials

• ServSafe Certification: This is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association. It is essential for students interested in food service management and culinary arts.
• Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP): Offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), this certification focuses on guest service excellence in the hospitality industry.
• Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP): Also provided by AHLEI, this certification prepares students for supervisory roles in hospitality and tourism.
• Event Planning Certification: Various organizations, such as the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Event Planning Institute, offer certifications that provide foundational knowledge and skills in event planning and management.
• Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR): Another credential from AHLEI, this certification is designed for individuals who work or aspire to work in front desk operations in the hospitality industry.
• Certified Restaurant Server (CRS): Also offered by AHLEI, this certification is for students who want to excel in food and beverage service.
• ProStart Certificate of Achievement: Administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, ProStart is a two-year program that teaches culinary techniques and management skills, culminating in a certificate that is recognized by industry leaders.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP): This program, available through AHLEI, provides high school students with industry-validated competencies in hospitality management.
• First Aid and CPR Certification: These certifications, offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, are often required for many hospitality roles and demonstrate a commitment to safety and preparedness.
• OSHA Certification: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers certifications that focus on safety practices in the workplace, which are valuable for any hospitality and events role.