Do you enjoy meeting new people and providing a warm welcome to your guests? Chances are, you'd enjoy a career in the hospitality industry. Hotels, motels, and inns are an indispensable part of the life of travelers and a big part of our nation's economy. The U.S. hotel and motel industry includes about 30,000 companies that operate 50,000 individual locations, with combined annual revenue over $90 billion.*

 

Lodging establishments can vary significantly in size and in the number of services they provide, and can range from a cozy bed-and-breakfast in the woods to a glitzy Las Vegas hotel-casino. Many lodging managers work in traditional hotels and motels, but some work in other lodging establishments, such as recreational camps and RV parks, inns, boardinghouses, and youth hostels.

 

Within the hospitality industry there are many good career opportunities. Lodging managers make travelers feel comfortable, and ensure that their establishments are run efficiently and profitably. The one person who oversees all lodging operations at a property may also be called a general manager. At larger hotels with several departments and multiple layers of management, one general manager and multiple assistant managers oversee the activities of separate departments.

 

A successful lodging manager has to be a "jack of all trades"! Lodging managers have wide-ranging responsibilities for the operation and profitability of the hotel. Depending on the hotel and the size of its staff, lodging managers may either perform or oversee functions of office administration, housekeeping, purchasing, security, personnel, marketing and sales, maintenance, and oversight of recreation facilities. They may hire and train staff, and set schedules.

 

In large hotels, front office managers may coordinate reservations and room assignments and train and direct the hotel's front desk staff. Convention services managers coordinate the activities of various departments to accommodate meetings, conventions, and special events. Marketing directors and public relations directors manage and coordinate the advertising and promotion of the hotel. Managers may work with information technology specialists to ensure that the hotel's computer systems, Internet, and communications networks function properly. Food and beverage managers supervise the hotel’s restaurant and catering activities.

 

Earnings of lodging managers vary according to their location, responsibilities, and the segment of the hotel industry in which they work. According to the U.S. government, in May 2006 median annual earnings of lodging managers were $42,320. The middle fifty percent earned between $31,870 and $58,380. The lowest ten percent earned less than $25,120 and the highest ten percent earned more than $82,510.** Very impressive!

 

While prior experience working at a hotel always helps, management trainees for larger hotels may need a bachelor's or master's degree, preferably in hospitality or hotel management. Most large, full-service hotel chains usually look for people who have a bachelor's degree in hotel, business, or hospitality management. At smaller hotels, especially those with fewer services, employers consider applicants with an associate degree or certificate in hotel, restaurant, or hospitality management. You can find colleges and career schools with hospitality programs right here on EdicationForCareers.com!

 

According to the U.S. government, "steady growth in travel will provide average job growth and very good job opportunities for lodging managers....Employment of lodging managers is expected to grow twelve percent from 2006 to 2016, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Steady business travel and increased domestic and foreign tourism will drive job growth."***

 

Ready to move into an exciting new career in hospitality? With the right education you could have a bright future!