Graduates wishing to pursue a HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT CAREER are likely to find rewarding opportunities within several industries catering to public needs, from luxury resorts to professional catering services.Hospitality management remains an in-demand field, especially considering how important it is for any business interacting with the public to ensure customer satisfaction. If graduates are aware of what’s typically required of a specific hospitality management position ahead of time, they’re more likely to find a satisfying career.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts remain among the largest employers within the hospitality management industry. Larger hotels and resorts tend to expect some level of experience to even be considered a viable candidate for an available position. Smaller hotels, however, may only require a high school degree and minimal experience. Salaries vary, with upper management positions ranking higher on the pay scale. Common hospitality management positions available at most hotels and resorts include:

  • Guest services
  • Housekeeping
  • Human resources
  • Sales management

Relaxation Industry

“Relaxation” is a rapidly growing sector of the hospitality management industry due to the increased popularity of day spas, weekend retreats, bed and breakfasts and any other business offering some form of relaxation or relief to guests for a specific period of time. These types of hospitality businesses offer challenging management opportunities, including:

  • Operations management
  • General spa management
  • Positions involving some type of oversight (supervisor of housekeeping staff, etc.)

Food and Beverage Industries

The food and beverage industry provides many career opportunities within the hospitality management field, statistically it’s on par with the hotel industry. Businesses within this category can include everything from 4-star restaurants and catering services to neighborhood bars and food and beverage providers for hotels and casinos. Positions within the food and beverage industry include:

  • Restaurant managers
  • Kitchen managers
  • Bar managers
  • Catering supervisors
  • Lead chefs

Travel

In terms of hospitality management, the travel field can encompass individual airlines, rental car companies, companies that offer guided tours, and passenger ships. Duties can range from organizing activities to supervising support staff. Positions within this hospitality field include:

  • Tour managers
  • Recreation management
  • Cruise directors

Special Events

The event field typically includes companies that provide planning for some type of special event, whether it be a wedding or a catered lunch. Management opportunities within this field include:

  • Event managers/coordinators
  • Production managers
  • Venue/theater managers

Education

Education requirements for a career in hospitality management are similar to those associated with a business degree. Several large corporations, hotels, resorts, and cruise lines offer internships with the opportunity to transition into a permanent position. Some larger resorts and hotels offer training programs with the promise of direct placement. Core subject areas for individuals looking to get into hospitality management generally include:

  • Accounting and finance
  • Administration and human resource management
  • Information systems
  • Marketing
  • Public relations
  • Quantitative methods and strategy

Graduates looking for a “marketable” career should look for careers that tend to be evergreen, meaning resilient to economic factors. Fortunately, hospitality management careers fit within that category thanks to an effective rebranding following the 2008 recession. With salaries ranging from $30,000 to just over $200,000 annually, a HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT CAREER can be challenging and rewarding for individuals looking to meet the demands of guests expecting more than just a friendly smile.