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Hotel management school prepares students interested in a
hospitality career. By providing the skills, knowledge, and
hands-on training for professional development, hotel management
training is a valuable opportunity to get ahead in the resort
and hospitality industry. Degree programs can
be obtained at a college or online. Hotel
managers may work as convention and event planners, front desk
managers, or general managers where they oversee all operations.
Each school can offer specialized training for
different managerial positions in this highly competitive
industry.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Hotel Management School Graduates
By attending hotel management
college, graduates can obtain a
rewarding position in the hospitality field. Common responsibilities for hotel
managers include:
-
Working with the general
public
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Training staff members
-
Hiring and recruiting
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Following company protocols
and procedures
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Having strong problem-solving
skills
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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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Coordinating budgets and
meeting revenue goals
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Understanding company
objectives
Hotel management education categories fall under two main segments: food
service and banquet services, or resort, hotel, and motel management. Food
service and banquet services often involve catering director opportunities.
Resort, hotel, and motel management positions require hotel managers to work
with a variety of staff members including reservationists, event planners, and
culinary departments. Training can provide the skills and
professional development needed for leadership, training, and general
administrative functions in operations. Hours can be long to include weekends,
and are especially stressful during peak vacation seasons.
Career Options After Hotel Management Training
Training enables prospective hotel managers to receive a well-rounded
and balanced education. A degree can lead to a
career as a:
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Food
and Beverage Manager
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Catering Manager
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Reservations Supervisor
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Convention Service Manager
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Hotel
or Resort General Manager
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Front
Office Manager
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Assistant Hotel or Restaurant Manager
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Resident Manager
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Shift
Supervisor
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Lodging Manager
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Event
Coordinator or Specialist
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Meetings Consultant
Hotel Management Degree:
Courses, Certification, and Training Programs
A hotel management degree can
offer specialized training in the competitive resort and hotel industry. Since
increased responsibility requires special skills, course
programs can concentrate on specific areas. Community colleges and some
universities offer certification in hotel, restaurant, and hospitality
management. An Associate degree program may be pursued from a vocational or
technical school and can serve as the starting point.
A hotel management degree
program often includes subjects of study in the areas of:
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Accounting
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Service Management
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Catering
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Economics
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Business Relations
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Business Finance
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Marketing and Sales
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Banquet Coordination
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Communications
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Employee Relations
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Human Resources
Computer training is an
important component of hotel management training, and may be offered as a formal
course for billing, reservations, and housekeeping management
procedures.
College
offers the benefits of working with other students, and collaborating on various
projects and scenarios. Since customer service and employee relations are a
critical component of hotel management, many students can learn key
communication schools by attending college. Still, online
training programs are available for students who wish to pursue
their hotel management education from a distance. Courses are designed to train students in
operations, tourism planning, strategic management, financial analysis,
environmental management, and developing skills in organizational management.
Certificate programs in hotel
management also offer students a specialized focus of study. More than 450 high
schools offer a Lodging Management Program to achieve certification as a
'Certified Rooms Division Specialist.' This can be a valuable addition to any
program, and is offered by the Educational Institute of
the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
Hotel Management School Accreditation
The Accreditation Commission
for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) is the accrediting body for
most hospitality degree programs. Six regional bodies also accredit as part of the Commission of Higher Education.
Hotel Management School Graduates Earning
Potential and Employment Prospects
The travel, resort, leisure, and tourism industry is expected to
grow as more people enjoy trips with increases in their disposable income. Hotel
and resort businesses are in a competitive industry, and setting higher
standards creates a demand for skilled professionals with formal hotel
management training. College can offer the key skills and
knowledge base needed for a rewarding career. Jobs in this field are generally
fast-paced and require a strong background in customer service. Large hotel and
motel chains offer the most opportunities for advancement, and may also have
their own formal training programs. Employment in this field is
expected to grow faster than average.
Median annual earnings for hotel managers were $37,660 in 2004.
Related occupations include:
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