In today’s competitive job market, your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression, especially in the hospitality industry, where networking and professionalism are key. Whether you're just starting your internship or planning your next step, a strong LinkedIn presence can open doors to exciting career opportunities, both locally and internationally.

Why LinkedIn Matters in Hospitality

The hospitality industry is built on human connection. LinkedIn allows you to:

• Showcase your experience beyond your resume.

• Connect with professionals in hotels, restaurants, travel, and tourism around the world.

• Be found by recruiters looking for interns or future employees.

• Follow industry trends, hotel brands, and tourism organisations.

A polished profile can help you stay visible and create valuable opportunities, even after your internship ends.

7 Tips to Create a Powerful LinkedIn Profile

1. Use a Professional Photo

Choose a clear, friendly headshot with a simple background. In hospitality, appearance and approachability matter. Dress professionally — think of how you'd look at the front desk or in a client-facing role.

2. Write a Catchy Headline

Your headline doesn’t have to be your current job title. Try something like:

“Hospitality Intern | Passionate About Guest Experience & International Travel”

This shows both what you do and what you care about.

3. Craft a Compelling ‘About’ Section

This is your chance to tell your story. Use a few short paragraphs to explain:

• What you're studying or what experience you have

• What you enjoy most about hospitality

• What kind of roles or environments you’re excited to work in

—> Be genuine, positive, and specific.

4. List Your Internship Experience Clearly

Include:

• Your title and the name of the hotel or company

• The dates of your internship

• 3–5 bullet points explaining what you did and learned (e.g., “Assisted with guest check-ins using Opera”, “Provided high-level customer service in a fast-paced environment”, etc.)

Use action verbs and focus on achievements.

5. Add Skills Relevant to Hospitality

LinkedIn lets you list skills. Choose impactful ones that reflect your strengths, such as:

• Customer Service

• Conflict Resolution

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Multitasking

• Opera PMS (or any software you've used)

These help recruiters understand your strengths at a glance.

6. Ask for a Recommendation

After your internship, ask your manager or supervisor to leave you a recommendation. A short message from them about your professionalism or positive attitude goes a long way.

7. Start Building Your Network

Connect with your:

• Managers and colleagues

• Classmates

• Teachers or trainers

• People you meet at career fairs or networking events

Add a short note when connecting, especially if you don’t know the person well. For example:

“Hi, I’m currently doing a hospitality internship and would love to connect with professionals in the industry.”

Final Thought

You don’t need years of experience to build a strong LinkedIn profile. With the right approach, your personality, motivation, and potential can shine through. Hospitality is all about people, so let yours come across in your online presence.

Investing just a bit of time into your profile now can help you grow your career faster, find job opportunities, and stay inspired in the world of hospitality.