Hospitality, tourism, and dining make up a large sector of the local, national, and international economy. Professionals who know how to provide world-class hospitality to customers and how to direct a staff dedicated to delivering the same high-levels of service are in demand. Hospitality managers, food managers, beverage administrators, event planners, and hotel administrators make up a large part of the hospitality management field. You may find yourself employed by a resort, hotel chain, restaurant, spa, or cruise ship company.
How to Prepare For a Career in Hospitality Management
Many hospitality management professionals learn the business from the ground up, taking jobs in hotels, restaurants, and spas with food service, customer service, event planning, or beverage service departments. It's a great way to develop the excellent customer-staff relationship skills that make for a talented manager. Hospitality management classes in marketing, management, business administration, information technology, and food management can provide you with a solid foundation in the field.
Hospitality Management Education Requirements
Colleges, universities, and trade schools offer online hospitality management programs at the certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Coursework in tourism, travel, culinary management, or business management are all part of a comprehensive education in the field.
Salary Ranges for Hospitality Management Professionals and Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that median annual wages in 2008 for food service managers was $46,320, with top wages at $76,940. Lodging managers earned a median annual wage of $45,800, with top-level salaries at $84,270. The BLS reports that employment in hotels and other accommodations is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018.