Why a career in hospitality tech is different but tasty

Having spent years immersed in both hospitality and technology, I can confidently say that a career in hospitality tech is exciting and rewarding. The buzz of hospitality is real, and its magnetic pull means that once you’re in, you’re hooked.

Why?  There are many reasons I could cite, but primarily it’s the variety and that tangible connection with our everyday lives – whether going to the pub for a pint, eating out at a restaurant, grabbing a quick bite from a fast food outlet, going bowling or clubbing, grabbing a coffee at your local café or garden centre, even taking time out at holiday park – all these connect back to the world of hospitality tech.

How?  Every time someone books a table online, orders food through an app, or pays at a digital till, they’re interacting with solutions that tech providers like Zonal create. Our job is to make operators’ lives easier with our solutions, so they can focus on running their businesses more efficiently in order to deliver a best in class customer experience.  It’s incredibly satisfying, therefore, to walk into a venue and see your work making a real difference.

And thanks to this diversity, the career opportunities within hospitality tech are as incredible and far reaching.  You’re not just behind the scenes; you’re actively shaping how millions of people interact with venues across the UK.

Based on success stories from the industry, here are my top 6 tips for thriving in hospitality tech:

1

Look beyond the obvious.

The sector offers diverse roles – from software development to customer success. Don’t limit yourself to traditional hospitality roles.

2

Find where you can make an impact.

Choose companies that value innovation and fresh perspectives. Your hospitality experience combined with tech skills is a powerful combination.

3

Embrace the tangible results.

There’s nothing quite like seeing customers and staff using technology you helped develop or implement.

4

Seek autonomy.

The best hospitality tech companies trust their teams to deliver and offer flexible working arrangements.

5

Stay curious.

The industry evolves rapidly – asking questions and continuous learning are key to success.

6

Relationship Building.

The world of hospitality is all about people and working in hospitality tech is no difference. It’s a great place to build relationships and confidence.

Want the most rewarding part? When diverse teams collaborate in hospitality tech, we create solutions that transform the industry. Just ensure you bring your authentic self and willingness to innovate.

Remember, if you have a hospitality background, your industry knowledge is invaluable in tech. And vice versa – if you have tech skills, they could transform the way we socialise. 

Considered applying for a role at Zonal?  You can find our latest job roles here.

And if you liked this blog then you might also like to read our top tips on what to consider when applying for a job.