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Degrees and Schools
Certificate programs and associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs are available in the subjects of hospitality and hotel management. Many of the hospitality, hotel management degree programs include work-study opportunities. Programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, colleges and universities. A large number of hospitality management programs have been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.
Over 450 high schools in 45 states provide the two-year Lodging Management Program developed by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Numerous colleges and universities give participants in the program credits towards a postsecondary degree in hotel management.
Classes
Useful subjects to study include:
- Hotel administration
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Food service management and catering
- Economics
- Human resource management
- Food and beverage management
Computer training is also an important part of hotel management training since computers and hospitality specific software are prevalent in the industry.
Online Classes and Programs
Online degree and certificate programs are available in hotel management and hospitality management. Online students should make sure the program includes an externship at a hotel, resort or related setting.
Students should look for online programs provided by schools which have been accredited by an agency approved by the Council for Higher Education or the United States Department of Education.
Employment Requirements
For management trainee positions, most large upscale hotel chains usually hire individuals who have a bachelor's or a master's degree in hospitality, hotel management or business. However, some employers may hire people that have a liberal arts degree and have experience in the hospitality field. At hotels that provide fewer services, an associate degree or a certificate in hotel, hospitality or restaurant management along with experience may suffice.
Hotel employees who do not have a college degree or hospitality training but show leadership potential and have experience may be able to participate in a management training program sponsored by a hotel or a hotel chain.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
While evaluating schools, prospective students should consider getting answers to the following questions:
- Training - Does the program include externships at hotels, inns, resorts and related settings? How long are the externships?
- School's Reputation - What is the school's reputation in the hospitality sector?
- Job Placement - Does the school offer job placement services? How does the school's job placement rate for graduates of hospitality and hotel management programs compare to other schools? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Curriculum - Does the program allow students to specialize in their area of interest?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education? Has the hospitality management program been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration?
Lodging Managers Job Description
Lodging managers ensure hotels, inns, motels and resorts are run efficiently and profitably. Some lodging managers are employed at ranches, recreational camps, boardinghouses and other settings. Meeting the needs of guests is a major responsibility of hotel managers and other lodging managers. A lodging manager also oversees the finances of the establishment.
At small hotels they may oversee everything personally, however in large hotels and resorts general managers oversee department managers and the establishments have a large support staff.
The following are some lodging management positions: General managers, resident managers, executive housekeepers, front office managers, convention services managers and assistant managers.
Some of their responsibilities are shown below:
- Hire and train staff
- Set schedules for staff
- Allocate funds to departments
- Ensure standards are met
- Greet and register guests
- Evaluate staff performance to ensure efficient operations and adherence to procedures and policies
- Collect payments and record data pertaining to funds and expenditures
- Answer inquiries regarding hotel policies and services
Resources
- American Hotel and Lodging Association
- Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
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