How to Start a Career in Hospitality Management – Forbes Advisors

Hospitality management is a diverse field encompassing multiple functions such as food service management, front desk operations, hotel management and event planning. Hospitality management professionals need excellent communication skills, quick problem-solving skills, and a passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

A career in hospitality management is a strong option for those who enjoy working in teams to provide excellent customer service. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about a career in hospitality management.

What is hospitality management?

Hospitality management involves overseeing the operation of hospitality-oriented businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bars, resorts and spas. An expert in this field manages various aspects of hospitality his business, including guest services, employee training, food and beverage services, housekeeping, maintenance, marketing and financial management.

The goal of hospitality management is to provide a positive guest experience while maximizing efficiency and profitability.

Hospitality managers can oversee a single business or multiple properties. They may be responsible for managing a team of employees, creating budgets and financial plans, developing marketing strategies, and ensuring that the business complies with all applicable laws and regulations. . For example, food service managers need to ensure that their organizations comply with local health and safety regulations.

Hospitality management is a diverse field that requires a wide range of specialized skills and knowledge, including leadership, customer service, communications, accounting, management and industry trends.

Career in Hospitality Management

All salary information in this section is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.

accommodation manager

Median Annual Income: $59,430
Required education: At least a high school diploma, but usually an associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality management
job description: Accommodation managers oversee the operation of facilities such as hotels and resorts. They handle special requests and complaints to ensure guests have a positive experience.

It is the lodging manager’s job to ensure that the guest rooms, public areas and grounds meet the company’s standards. These professionals recruit, train and evaluate the performance of her members of staff. Accommodation managers track budgets and spending to ensure their facilities remain profitable.

food service manager

Median Annual Income: $59,440
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
job description: A foodservice manager ensures that a restaurant, bar, or other foodservice establishment runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition to managing employees and operations, food service managers go to great lengths to ensure that customers are satisfied with their experience.

Food service managers recruit and train staff. They also oversee food preparation and kitchen operations, including ordering ingredients, inspecting work areas, and ensuring employees and facilities follow strict health and food safety protocols.

When a customer complains about food quality or service, the food service manager is called to resolve the issue. Food service managers also oversee budgets and payroll records and establish standards of customer service.

public relations specialist

Median Annual Income: $62,800
Required education: Bachelor’s degree or above
job description: Hospitality management public relations specialists shape the public perception of hospitality brands. This includes writing her press releases, generating demand, and responding to requests for information from media members. The publicist also uses her social media to shape and maintain public perception of her customers.

In some cases, spokespersons draft speeches and arrange meetings with client executives. A good public relations specialist is proficient in written and oral communication, has a deep understanding of social media and advertising, and is able to work with clients to achieve their communication goals.

Meeting, Convention and Event Planner

Median Annual Income: $47,470 per year
Required education: Bachelor’s degree or above
job description: Meetings, conventions and event planners organize social and professional events such as conventions, conferences and weddings.

Regardless of the nature of the event, event planners must determine and coordinate its scope, location and budget. In the hospitality industry, these professionals may be responsible for organizing events, activities, and conferences at hotels, resorts, or other recreational lodging facilities. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that the event runs smoothly and meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved.

Travel agency

Median Annual Income: $43,810
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
job description: Travel agents help their customers book and manage vacations and business trips. Part of my job involves understanding my clients’ schedules, budgets and travel preferences in order to plan their itineraries. This may include arranging tour her packages, excursions and day trips.

Travel agents also look up fare and schedule information to calculate total travel costs. We book travel, hotels, car rentals and tours on behalf of our clients.

Many travel agents not only advise their clients on local customs and attractions, but also make sure they have all the necessary documents, such as passports and visas. Educate clients on compliance with cross-border immigration requirements, including protocols. Also, in the event of unforeseen circumstances during the client’s trip, the travel agent must arrange alternative travel, lodging or other services.

hotel manager

Average Annual Income: about $62,700
Required education: At least a high school diploma, but usually an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
job description: A hotel manager oversees the operation of a hotel, motel, or inn. They hire, train, and schedule staff to ensure guests are welcomed upon arrival and checked in properly. Hotel managers need to monitor hotel budgets to maximize profitability and efficiency. This includes managing room rates, negotiating contracts with vendors, and forecasting revenue.

Hotel managers can also manage inventory, oversee maintenance and repairs, and ensure that the hotel complies with all relevant regulations and laws. Hotel managers are responsible for promoting the hotel to potential guests through advertising, marketing and public relations activities.

General Manager or Operations Manager

Median Annual Income: $97,970
Required education: Bachelor’s degree
job description: General Managers and Operations Managers oversee multiple departments and locations in an organization. In the hospitality sector, the General Manager or Operations Manager may be tasked with ensuring that a hotel, resort or similar facility operates smoothly and efficiently. General Managers and Operations Managers also need to maintain high levels of facility quality and productivity on a daily basis.

This role requires excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to make tough decisions and manage competing priorities. Ultimately, the success of a hospitality-oriented establishment depends on the ability of the General Manager or Operations Manager to set clear goals and objectives, motivate and engage the team, and adapt to changing and market conditions. .

Hospitality Management Career Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)