Helping Hospitality Leaders Step Up Their Careers
By: The Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan
Success in the hospitality industry requires a passion for people, a spirit of hospitality, and a solid understanding of business operations. For many, the first two come naturally. The Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) is here to help with the rest.
HTIM is a trade and career school approved by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity that offers a 12-week comprehensive training program designed to quickly advance careers and grow Michigan’s hospitality industry leaders.
The 12-week hybrid course teaches students how to understand key financial reports and statements, how to lead and motivate a team, how to handle conflict, and much more. Through our courses, hospitality employees gain nationally recognized certifications that can propel their careers forward, no matter where they work in the industry.
HTIM is a trade and career school approved by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity that offers a 12-week comprehensive training program designed to quickly advance careers and grow Michigan’s hospitality industry leaders.
The 12-week hybrid course teaches students how to understand key financial reports and statements, how to lead and motivate a team, how to handle conflict, and much more. Through our courses, hospitality employees gain nationally recognized certifications that can propel their careers forward, no matter where they work in the industry.
Jill Small is the chef and manager of Aunt Belle’s Kitchen in Rockford, MI, and completed the Grand Rapids HTIM course in March 2024. “At the end of the course, I felt like I could lead my staff better by having a greater understanding of how everyone's personalities play into how they do their job and how best to help them be their best selves,” she said.
When asked what advice she’d give to women looking to pursue a career in hospitality, Jill said “Don't be afraid to speak up. Don't feel like you don't have a voice – you do. Don't beat yourself up if you're new and learning new skills because everyone was new at some point in their career. It takes time and practice to get where you want to go. I joined the hospitality industry in a place where it felt like an old boy’s club, and there has been a shift over the last 20 that is for the better.”
When asked what advice she’d give to women looking to pursue a career in hospitality, Jill said “Don't be afraid to speak up. Don't feel like you don't have a voice – you do. Don't beat yourself up if you're new and learning new skills because everyone was new at some point in their career. It takes time and practice to get where you want to go. I joined the hospitality industry in a place where it felt like an old boy’s club, and there has been a shift over the last 20 that is for the better.”
Candice Smith is the founder of Tours Around Michigan, and completed the Grand Rapids HTIM course in March 2024. “My favorite part of the HTIM course was talking through potential situations and hearing different solutions from peers. The material shared in the course is extremely helpful, but the conversations helped me consider different approaches to real life situations that occur while working in the hospitality industry,” she said.
Her advice to young hospitality leaders is to “make the extra effort to acknowledge the work and wins of other women. Unfortunately, there are people who feel defensive and competitive about working with others, but you can take the lead on showing you love to support others and work as a team so everyone can succeed. Becoming a trusted member of the team pays off for you and others in the long run.”
Her advice to young hospitality leaders is to “make the extra effort to acknowledge the work and wins of other women. Unfortunately, there are people who feel defensive and competitive about working with others, but you can take the lead on showing you love to support others and work as a team so everyone can succeed. Becoming a trusted member of the team pays off for you and others in the long run.”
Learn more about the employer and employee HTIM benefits and sign up today at www.HTIM.com/stepup.
The HTIM Hospitality Business Management course, valued at $2,500, is currently being offering at no cost to Michigan residents, plus graduates receive a $500 stipend upon completion. October 2024 HTIM courses are currently available in Benton Harbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Midland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Livonia, Traverse City, Troy, and Houghton. Courses will pick back up in January 2024 in various locations around Michigan.
