Planning out your career path can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are just starting out in the career world and not sure where you see yourself in a day, much less 5 or 10 years.

It helps to break down your trajectory into stages based on the general skills and salaries for each stage. This gives you an idea of what you will need to master to move into each stage and also the types of job titles associated with those stages but leaves room to change departments or goals as you grow.

Stage 1: 

This stage is for entry-level jobs, or the job you have when you are first starting your career path. A few jobs that would fall into this stage can be:

• Front desk agent
• Server
• Bartender/Barista
• Housekeeper
• Marketing associate 

Depending on what title and career path you choose, the salary range in this stage is generally $40,000 and lower. Some positions may also get tips. 

At this stage of your career, your success is defined by your ability to follow directions and form relationships and connections with guests. This includes cleaning the rooms according to the company’s standards, maintaining the proper attitude towards guests, and learning the right programs and software. 

In order to move into stage 2 of your career, you define and accomplish your tasks without being told to by a manager – demonstrating your observation and autonomy skills. For example, if you are a front desk agent and a long-time guest of the hotel is planning to arrive that day, can you pre-plan room service based on their previous stays? As a server, if you see the salt and pepper shakers are low, fill them before being told to. 

Stage 2:

Stage 2 is your ability to see and solve problems. Continuing that practice of observation and autonomy. This is where you start to create steps and plans in place to get you and your team to a goal. 

Jobs in stage 2 include: 

• Assistant manager 
• Front desk supervisor 
• Sales coordinator 
• Food & beverage supervisor

Generally, salaries in this stage are between $45,000 – $60,000

Stage 3:

Stage 3 is a bit of a change from the previous 2 because this stage is when you must learn to rely on others again. This stage is about asking other department leaders for their input and expertise to make well-educated decisions. 

Jobs in this stage include:

• General manager
• Events and catering manager
• Kitchen manager
• Marketing and sales manager
• Sous chef

Salaries in this stage typically range from $65,000 – $100,000

In order to get to stage 4, you have to be able to surround yourself with a team and not be afraid to ask questions or more information if you are unsure. 

Stage 4: 

Stage 4 is normally the director level where you will be managing a larger team or individually contributing at a higher level. To be successful at this level, you have to be comfortable with resolving conflict. 

You don’t put off difficult conversations, or pass along the responsibility. You will interact with a lot of people who think differently than you do and you need to be able to keep those conversations on track to reach a resolution or goal. 

Jobs in this stage include: 

• Director of sales
• Director of finance 
• Operations manager
• Executive chef

A typical salary range for jobs in this stage is $105,000 – $200,000

Stage 5:

The final career stage is jobs in the executive suites and leadership teams. Usually vice presidents and higher. This stage is all about getting buy-in and creating champions for your ideas. 

Jobs in this stage include: 

• Chief executive officer 
• Director of human resources 
• Chief engineer
• Senior vice presidents
• Chief financial officer 

Salaries in this stage typically range from $205,000 and higher. 

This stage also requires a lot of future thinking. You manage budgets and a vision for where the company is or needs to be heading.