Did you know that within the next decade, there could be 80,000 lodging managers working in the U.S.? With hundreds of new hotels opening every year, job opportunities in the hotel management field should remain excellent. On top of that, hotels commonly hire first-time workers and young employees.
Hotel Management Certificate Degrees
A certificate in hotel management, offered both online and at community colleges, typically includes courses in:
- Computers
- Economics
- Food service management and catering
- Hotel administration, maintenance, and engineering
- Housekeeping and maintenance
Without a bachelor's degree, your opportunities may be limited at the larger, more luxurious hotel chains. Often, however, individuals earn certificates and then start with entry-level jobs that allow them to advance to hotel management once they've proven their skills and abilities. For instance, you might get promoted from front desk reservations to rooms manager, and supervise reservations and occupancy levels and authorize discounts or promotions. Some hotels even provide formal education programs and additional on-the-job training to their employees.
Career Outlook
- Average annual salary of lodging managers in 2010: $54,570
- Projected hotel management job growth, 2008-2018: 5 percent
- Common hotel management courses: hospitality accounting and finance, housekeeping operations, hotel law
- Best potential perks: Comped hotel rooms
Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/
http://hyatt.jobs/