From dishwasher to executive

Have you been working in the hospitality industry for years—in restaurants, hotels, or cafés? After countless night shifts and physically demanding days, are you finally looking for real prospects?
You have a lot of experience, but you lack the official qualification for the next step in your career?

This is exactly where the IHK Fachwirt im Gastgewerbe comes in—especially for migrants with practical experience. This advanced training course is recognized nationwide, is at DQR level 6, and is therefore equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

It also provides in-depth knowledge of human resources management, business administration, quality management, and event organization—tailored specifically to the requirements of the hospitality industry.

1. Utilize your professional experience—and have it recognized
Anyone who has already worked in restaurants, hotels, or cafés brings valuable experience to the table. This prior knowledge is an advantage in the course, as it helps students to better understand the subject matter and grasp practical contexts more quickly. Furthermore, they demonstrate that you have already established yourself in the industry.

2. Funding & financial support
Another advantage is that many participants receive government funding, e.g., through the Aufstiegs-BAföG (Upgrading Training Assistance Act). This covers a large part of the course costs—often up to 75%. For many migrants, this is a decisive step toward professional security.

3. Hybrid teaching: Flexible learning, targeted completion
Teaching takes place in a hybrid format—partly on-site in cities such as Berlin, Essen, or Nuremberg, and partly online.
This makes it easier to balance work, family, and continuing education. In addition, participants benefit from modern teaching methods and experienced lecturers with industry expertise.

4. Better working hours & career advancement opportunities
Unlike traditional jobs in the hospitality industry, a degree in hospitality management IHK opens the door to management positions. This means more responsibility, better predictability, higher salaries—and often no more night shifts. That is why many participants consciously decide to take this step.

5. Future opportunities
The qualification is recognized nationwide and classified at DQR level 6 – equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Those who wish to do so can later begin a degree program or switch to other areas of business administration. In short: becoming a business administrator is not an end point, but a career springboard.

Start your career with the IHK Fachwirt Gastro (IHK Certified Specialist in Hospitality Management) from September 2025 at one of our modern locations: