The Millennial Generation or Generation Y. Whatever you choose to call it, it’s comprised of 80 million individuals born roughly between 1980 and 1995. And by 2020, it’s expected to account for 46 percent of the American workforce. That’s a lot of needy, entitled, and obnoxious professionals—if you believe the labels some of the older generations have imparted on these otherwise promising up-and-comers.  Regardless, they represent the future of our nation as well as the hospitality industry, a career track for which they are rather uniquely suited. In fact, many are drawn to hospitality jobs for a variety of reasons.

Millennials want to be engaged in their work and are motivated by more than money

Though they have a reputation for preferring electronic communication, they actually thrive on interaction and are rarely happy in positions that require isolation. Multiple surveys have found that they value meaningful work and a sense of accomplishment as much as or more than what they earn. This makes hospitality a natural career choice as almost every job includes the opportunity to interact with others and work as a team towards a common goal.

Millennials want to work in an industry with advancement potential

In a PwC survey, 52 percent reported that the opportunity for career progression is the main factor that attracts them to an employer, even more so than a competitive salary. Thirty-five percent put a high-value training and development programs as well. Fortunately, few industries offer the advancement opportunities of hospitality, where dishwashers can eventually become star chefs and porters work their way up to hotel general managers.

Interacting with technology is second nature for millennials

They grew up with the Internet and mobile phones, and they learn to use new software and devices quickly.  As consumers have increasingly embraced technological tools, so have the hospitality organizations that serve them. This has created a number of tech-related jobs that are attracting millennials to the hospitality industry—from social media marketing to software design and systems analysis.

Millennials want the opportunity to work abroad

The PwC survey mentioned earlier found 71 percent of millennials expect and want an overseas assignment at some point in their careers. While the top five countries in which they reported a desire to work were the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and Germany, 53 percent said they’d work in a less developed country if it would further their career. Thanks to global hotel chains, resorts, and cruise ships, working abroad is a possibility for many of the millennials who choose positions in hospitality.