Hotel management schools

Looking for a career that combines administrative, financial, interpersonal and aesthetic skills? You might be an excellent candidate for hotel manager jobs. While the challenges are great, those who can keep a hotel profitable and interact well with others, providing pleasant experiences for guests and excellent leadership for hotel staff, may find a rewarding career.

Which types of jobs are available for those interested in hotel management careers

Hotel managers act as a type of liaison between hotel owners, hotel staff and guests. A typical hotel manager's day will depend on the size and type of hotel at which they work, but many hotel management jobs involve a variety of tasks, such as the following:

• Negotiating contracts with different vendors
• Coordinating the efforts of housekeeping and other personnel
• Reviewing financial records and determining profitability
• Interacting with hotel guests
• Interviewing and hiring potential employees
• Overseeing interior decorating

It's challenging work, but successful hotel managers often enjoy creating the most pleasant experience possible for travelers and integrating their own personal touches into the business. At the same time, hotel management jobs are not without their challenges; many managers work more than 40 hours per week, and schedules may include evening and weekend work.

Formal training required to work in a career related to hotel management

If you're serious about success in the hotel management world, hotel management degrees are definitely worth considering. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that those who have a bachelor's or master's degree in hotel management, business, or hospitality management should have the best job prospects when it comes to working at upscale hotels or full-service hotel chains. If you are interested in working at a smaller hotel or one with fewer services, typically you will need at least an associate's degree in hotel or hospitality management, though it is also possible to get hired with a degree in liberal arts with experience working in a hotel.

Hotel management degrees can help you hone your communication and leadership skills, as well your business savvy. Typical hotel management degree programs includes courses, such as the following:

• Hotel administration
• Hotel maintenance
• Marketing
• Food service management
• Hospitality computer software
• Housekeeping

If you're willing to work from the bottom up, it's possible to get an entry-level job at a hotel with little or no training. However, this career path is becoming less and less common. To start higher up, advance more quickly, and qualify for more positions, it's a good idea to complete at least a two-year or four-year degree in hospitality or hotel management.

The typical career path of someone interested in hotel management careers

Hotel management research can probably give you a good idea of whether you're suited for this career or not. If you're interested in climbing the career ladder, you might start out as assistant manager at a large hotel and work your way up to general manager. Often, it is possible to advance in a large hotel chain by moving often and taking a variety of managerial positions at locations around the country.

Many hotel associations offer certification, which typically involves course work, experience and exams and can lead to faster career advancement. Or, if you're interested in earning slightly more in this career, consider using your hospitality or hotel management degree in a different industry. The BLS reports that two of the top five highest-paying industries in lodging management in May 2009 were general medical and surgical hospitals and colleges, universities, and professional schools.

Job outlook and salary information for those interested in hotel management jobs

The BLS reports that the employment of lodging managers is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is slower than the average. Aspiring managers can expect keen competition for jobs at the most upscale hotels, meaning that hotel management degrees are a good idea for anyone determined to advance in this career. The BLS reports that lodging managers earned a mean annual wage of $53,500 as of May 2009. However, averages for this career vary widely, since the 10th percentile earned a mean salary of $28,450, while the 90th percentile earned a mean salary of $85,600.

If you have excellent people skills, enjoy solving problems quickly, are good with finances, communicate well and have leadership skills, hotel management may be for you.