How To Become A Hospitality Manager
Hospitality managers act as supervisors and administrators in hotels, restaurants, and other similar industries. Their objective is to effectively manage hospitality functions within a business. Responsibilities include bookkeeping, monitoring business transactions, improving customer service, and managing employee actions, which may include hiring, firing, and direct supervision.
Why Become A Hospitality Manager
A hospitality manager must have a number of interpersonal skills to effectively manage staff and customer service to ensure the best hospitality experience possible. In addition, hospitality managers must be able to maintain and improve daily business operations. Individuals should inhabit specific skills that will add to the functionality and quality of any business:
- Problem-solving
- Innovative and visionary
- Analytical
- Organized
- Ability to create and implement plans
- Culturally sensitive
- Liaison of community resources
- Networker
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
Hospitality Manager Work Environment
Hospitality managers work in various environments and industries. The most common places of employment include hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Tourism is an excellent field to work in for hospitality services and can include work on cruise ships, casinos, theme parks, and rental locations for entertaining (for large family and business events).
Managers in these locations typically work fulltime, although hours may vary. Because entertainment and lodging needs exist at all hours, hospitality managers are needed around the clock. Hospitality managers may work day, evening, or night shifts, and most should expect to work during weekends and holidays. While their work includes customer and employee interaction, much of their job occurs in an office, where they can maintain any legal and financial business.
Hospitality Manager Salary
The salary for hospitality managers varies, depending on industry, credentials, and experience. The median annual salary for this occupation is about $44,000 per year. Geographic locations that draw tourism may offer better options for those seeking employment in this field.
Those in lodging and restaurant services may earn more, especially with a college degree. The median annual salary for a hotel manager is approximately $46,000, and salaries range from $32,000 to $100,000, which are dependent upon experience.
Hospitality Manager Career Outlook
The job growth for hospitality management is projected to grow by only 1 percent over the next decade. Financial constraints may make consumers spend less on this type of entertainment. The food and lodging industries will most likely continue to require consistent employment as many in business and recreation will seek quality facilities for travel accommodations.
Hospitality Manager Degree
A variety of educational requirements exist in this occupation, depending upon industry and place of employment.
Step 1: Research educational requirements for desired job. For entry-level jobs, which include fast-food and other restaurant management positions, on-the-job experience and a high school diploma may be all that is required. More positions require that their managers have at least an associate degree to pursue a managerial position.
For managers seeking employment in a full-service industry, especially for larger companies, at least a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or a similar program is required. The hospitality industry, in general, invests many resources into providing an excellent experience for their guests. They must entrust their business operations and customer satisfaction to well-qualified candidates, of which many will seek long-term career opportunities.
Step 2: Obtain relevant education. Hospitality experience will help all candidates gain insight into the industry. Obtaining an associate, bachelor’s, or even master’s degree in a related program is often a requirement for employment and advancement. Programs, such as hospitality management, tourism management, and hospitality and restaurant management, will prepare individuals for this occupation. Students should expect to take courses in management skills, labor supervision, conflict management, accounting, hospitality leadership, marketing, beverage and food management, hospitality law, and other relevant information. Each level of degree will offer more courses and experiences for aspiring managers.
