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A
hospitality career is a valuable opportunity for students
interested in obtaining upper management and tourism positions
in the hospitality industry. The field is diverse and can
encompass a variety of businesses including casinos, resorts,
hotels, and restaurants. A hospitality degree can provide
fundamental training required for entering the
industry, and management training helps develop
professional skills and knowledge. Students
can choose from a variety of job options at locations around the
world.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Hospitality Degree Holders
Graduates can choose a position in the areas of travel, leisure, tourism, and
management. Almost all positions focus on the high levels of customer service,
along with adhering to company or corporate guidelines. Hospitality management
enables students to learn how to manage and lead teams of employees.
Responsibilities often require:
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Working with the general
public
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Establishing clientele
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Marketing and sales
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High levels of customer
interaction
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Accommodating guests
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Understanding basic
accounting
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Following company protocols
and procedures
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Leading a team of employees,
including managers and staff
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Strong problem-solving skills
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Learning about budgets,
revenue, and other financial fundamentals
Leisure and hospitality
management degree programs can focus on three key areas, including arts and
entertainment, food service, and hotels or resorts. Those who work in the arts
and entertainment industry may be seasonal employees until a certificate is obtained. These businesses may include historical
exhibits, fitness centers, or event venues. Those who work in food service may
choose to work at full-service restaurants, bars, pubs, or nightclubs. The hotel
industry attracts many graduates, and is the largest
occupational group in the service industry. General responsibilities of managers
include office and administrative functions, leading and training staff members,
and meeting company and business goals.
Hospitality Career Options After Training
Hospitality management training offers many career options for students. A
career may entail working as a:
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Food
and Beverage Manager
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Hotel
or Resort General Manager
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Front
Office Manager
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Reservations Supervisor
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Convention Service Manager
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Resident Manager
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Assistant Hotel or Restaurant Manager
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Computer Manager
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Marketing and Sales Director
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Accounting Supervisor
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Event
Planner
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Lodging Manager
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Travel Agent
Hospitality Degree
Courses, Certification, and Training Programs
A hospitality education can
provide ongoing career options for students and graduates. Although a
certificate is not required, obtaining one can help
increase a student's skills and is an attractive asset for potential employers.
Training
can be completed at a hospitality school. While a comprehensive education can be obtained through a 4-year degree program, many
prospective students choose an associate degree program instead. MBA programs
are also available.
Associate degree programs are available in specialized branches of hospitality
management, including travel and tourism, airlines, and resorts. These programs
can offer basic training and lay the foundation for a long-term career in the
industry, or as a precursor to a hospitality management certificate.
A Bachelor of Science in
Hospitality Management and Tourism is the most common bachelor's degree program
available. Bachelor degree programs in tourism, travel, and hospitality
management can provide training in a variety of areas, including:
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Recreation
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Travel and tourism
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Convention and meeting
planning
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Food and beverage service
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Destination services and
travel
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Leadership
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Global trends
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Marketing and sales
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Revenue and forecasting
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Technical applications
Certificate programs offer specialized opportunities for students. These can be obtained through a tech school or community
college, and are commonly offered in food and beverage management, lodging,
hotel business management, and travel. The shorter program and online options
make hospitality management certification a valuable opportunity for many
students. For students interested in travel, registration and
certification is required to sell travel services. Although there are no Federal
licensing requirements for this, nine states do require it. These States are:
California, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. The Institute of
Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) offers certification for those interested in
pursuing a career for specific tours.
Hospitality School Accreditation
The Accreditation Commission
for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) is the accrediting body for
most programs. Six regional bodies also accredit hospitality
programs as part of the Association of Schools and Colleges.
Hospitality Management School Graduates Earning
Potential and Employment Prospects
As the travel, leisure, and tourism industry continues to grow, the
demand for professional managers and service workers is also expected to rise.
Job opportunities in hotel management require at least an Associate degree in
hospitality management, and a four year degree program can further enhance an
employees skills and professional development. Resorts and hotels in particular
offer many options. Jobs in this field can
be stressful and fast-paced; they require quick problem-solving skills and a
strong background in customer service.
Median annual earnings for hotel managers were $34,000 in 2002,
while restaurant managers and supervisors made an average of $11.73 per hour.
Travel agents earned an average of $26,630 in 2002.
Related occupations include:
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Gaming service occupations
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Security guards
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Lodging supervisors
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Motel operations supervisors
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Franchise operators
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Chefs, cooks, and other food preparation supervisors
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