Your hospitality program should offer a combination of classroom and on-the-job training, whether you go through an internship or co-op. You’ll take classes in accounting, management skills, labor supervision, marketing, and so much more.
As with most programs, hospitality varies considerably in price depending on the school, years of your study, and the degree sought. Tuition for students choosing to enroll in an associate degree programs may be close to $3,000 a year on average. The cost of a bachelor’s degree will depend on the college you attend and the costs associated with it. Public universities tend to be more affordable to students who are in state as opposed to students attending from out of state.
Financial aid could also help alleviate tuition for those who qualify.
HOTEL MANAGEMENT
Main Article: Hotel Management
When it comes to the hotel guests’ comfort and satisfaction, it’s up to you, the hotel manager to tackle the job. You make sure your guests are having the best experience possible at your establishment. Beyond the guests, you will also be directing the rest of the hotel staff, managing the day-to-day operations, and overseeing the health and wellness of the hotel itself.
What They Do
Hotel or lodging managers oversee many types of lodging establishments. You may work for a large hotel chain, an independently owned motel, or even a campground. You will be responsible for:
- Facility operations
- Grounds maintenance
- Economic health
- Customer satisfaction
- Staff hiring and firing
- Staff relations
- Marketing
- Operating budget approval
- Room rates
- Sales
- Decor updates
You may also be expected to work long, irregular hours, and/or be on-call. Hotel managers should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. If you are someone who is dedicated to your employer, doesn't mind the hours, and has a passion for guests and decorating alike, you may be a great hotel manager.
Education
You can decide to get an associate degree or certificate in hotel, restaurant, or hospitality management. Some also opt for bachelor's degrees too.
- Associate degrees take two years to complete, and can usually qualify you to manage smaller hotels.
- Bachelor’s degrees in hospitality can qualify you to manage larger scale and/or boutique hotels.
- Many large chains may require master's degrees.
- There are certifications available, and many hiring managers recommend them. The Certified Hotel Administrator designation is offered through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. You must have at least an associate degree along with two years of experience to be eligible to sit for this certification exam.
Your degree program will include courses in business, accounting, economics, marketing, and human resource management. You’ll learn hotel administration, food service management, catering, and hotel maintenance. Your program will include either an internship or field study with a participating hotel, casino, or resort.
Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary of a lodging/hotel manager in 2023 was $76,790, with the top 10 percent making $127,090 or more. The BLS also states that industry demand is expected to increase 7 percent by 2032, which is slightly faster than the national average of all occupations.
RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT
Main article: Restaurant Manager
Hot food, well-made drinks, excellent service, and an all-around memorable dinner. You, the restaurant manager, transform this customer expectation into reality. You’re going to be pulled in many different directions, which is par for the course of restaurant management.
You’re responsible for overseeing the dining area, organizing and directing staff, and helping wherever help may be needed. A restaurant manager is responsible for keeping the customer happy and the business in full swing.
What They Do
You’ll find yourself working in fine dining, fast food, or franchises. Or maybe in a hotel, catering, cafeteria, or hospital. Responsibilities you’ll face are:
- Doing the hiring, firing, training, and overseeing of employees
- Taking care of the ordering of food and supplies to run the restaurant
- Watch over the food prep and portion size
- Make sure health and safety protocol is being kept for both employees and diners
- Take care of scheduling
- Manage the payroll and the budget
Essentially, you’re in charge of all aspects of the restaurant from the staff to the products. Soft skills you’ll need to succeed in this sometimes stressful career are: strong organizational skills, leadership skills, business skills, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Education
Many restaurant managers got their start through being trained right on the job. But, there are degree programs available if you’d prefer going through a management program.
- Get your high school diploma or GED
- Apply to a community college, trade school, culinary school, or four-year college
- To work in an upscale restaurant, you may need a bachelor’s degree. But, more often than not, your experience might speak more volumes than your degree
- Certification is generally voluntary and preferred — The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation gives the Foodservice Management Professional designation
Enroll in a local restaurant management program.
Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for restaurant managers in 2023 was $69,580, with the top 10 percent making $101,240 or more. The BLS also states that the demand for restaurant managers is expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease in demand by 2032.
HOSPITALITY DEGREE ONLINE
You want to get a degree, but so many factors are keeping you from applying to college. Online hospitality management degree programs might be a really good idea for you to consider. You’ll be trained for administrative and management roles in hotels, restaurants, casinos, and other hospitality-oriented settings. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online. You can go at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home.
It’s important to make sure that no matter which program you attend, it is endorsed by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). This ensures the quality of the program and that it is meeting certain educational standards.