Resort Workers

You can get work-related experience right now—without even leaving your hometown. Get a job at a nearby golf course, hotel, or restaurant. These types of jobs offer a great introduction to the industry, help you hone your people skills, and give your resume substance.

If you're thinking of becoming a swimming instructor, join your school's swim club, or start one yourself. This suggestion goes for whatever activity interests you—skiing, horseback riding, surfing, sailing, etc. Excelling in and enjoying a particular activity is a good stepping-stone for a career in the resort industry.

Check the Internet for resort-related Web sites and employment opportunities, or subscribe to a travel magazine to learn more about travel destinations.

Ask your school counselor to help arrange an information interview with a resort worker or a local hotel worker. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of your job? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a resort worker to learn even more about the field.