Do you dream of managing your own hotel or resort someday?
Qualifications
Hotel managers have a combination of education and experience in the hospitality industry. They may begin earning experience waiting tables in a restaurant or working at a hotel reception desk before going to college. However, it is also possible to gain experience in the field after earning a related college degree.
The most common degrees are either a two-year Associate’s or four-year Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. Many degree programs have opportunities for students to specialize in a specific area such as hotel administration. These programs will train students in general business skills such as finance, human resources, and management, but will also include industry-specific courses on hotel operations. Most programs also include a practicum requirement that allows students to gain experience in the field through an internship.
For those looking to earn a higher position in hotel management, there are also Master’s degrees available with some programs. It is important to note that admission to these programs usually requires a significant amount of experience in the field. Graduate courses in hotel management are often similar to those of a business management degree, with classes in business strategies and leadership.
After graduation, aspiring hotel managers may immediately find management positions in hotels, but they might also have to work as a manager of one area, like the front desk, and report to a general manager. Others may start in a branch of a hotel chain and work their way up to a branch in a larger city or even a corporate position.
Job Duties
Hotel managers have a wide variety of duties and skills. Many hotels have a fast-paced environment that includes interaction with guests, hotel staff, other managers, and corporate heads. They deal with all of the hotel’s daily operations, from hiring staff to making sure guests are happy. Since hotels are open all the time, hotel managers often work long hours with shifts on weekends on holidays. They must also be prepared to respond to emergency situations or guests’ needs at any time. In a large hotel, a hotel manager may be in charge of a specific department, such as housekeeping, food services, or sales. Large hotels also have general managers that oversee all departments and earn higher salaries.
The skills needed to be a hotel manager range from business skills to personal skills. They must be highly organized, good at management, cool-headed, skilled with finances, and have strong leadership skills. They must also work well with a variety of personalities and have a sophisticated understanding of various hotel operations. This variety of responsibilities can be stressful at times, but also highly rewarding. While the hotel manager is the main person responsible for any liabilities or financial difficulties, he/she also gets the most credit when the hotel is successful and guests are happy.
This article was written by Jenna Winkler, who has worked in hotel management for over 20 years. She also owns the site Hospitality Management Degree for students interested in getting a degree in hospitality management.