	home \| contact us \| disclaimer
trade and vocational schools \| community colleges colleges and universities \| graduate schools \| resources

Hospitality Degree: Hospitality Management Certificate, Hospitality Career, Hospitality Management Training School, Education

A hospitality career is a valuable opportunity for students interested in obtaining upper management and tourism positions in the hospitality industry. The field is diverse and can encompass a variety of businesses including casinos, resorts, hotels, and restaurants. A hospitality degree can provide fundamental hospitality training required for entering the industry, and hospitality management training helps develop professional skills and knowledge. Hospitality degree students can choose from a variety of job options at locations around the world.

Job Description and Responsibilities of Hospitality Degree Holders

Hospitality Degree Programs

Graduates of a hospitality school can choose a position in the areas of travel, leisure, tourism, and management. Almost all positions focus on the high levels of customer service, along with adhering to company or corporate guidelines. Hospitality management enables students to learn how to manage and lead teams of employees. Responsibilities of hospitality school graduates often require:

Working with the general public
Establishing clientele
Marketing and sales
High levels of customer interaction
Accommodating guests
Understanding basic accounting
Following company protocols and procedures
Leading a team of employees, including managers and staff
Strong problem-solving skills
Learning about budgets, revenue, and other financial fundamentals

Leisure and hospitality management degree programs can focus on three key areas, including arts and entertainment, food service, and hotels or resorts. Those who work in the arts and entertainment industry may be seasonal employees until a hospitality management certificate is obtained. These businesses may include historical exhibits, fitness centers, or event venues. Those who work in food service may choose to work at full-service restaurants, bars, pubs, or nightclubs. The hotel industry attracts many hospitality management graduates, and is the largest occupational group in the service industry. General responsibilities of managers include office and administrative functions, leading and training staff members, and meeting company and business goals.

Hospitality Career Options After Hospitality Management Training

Hospitality management training offers many career options for students. A hospitality career may entail working as a:

Food and Beverage Manager
Hotel or Resort General Manager
Front Office Manager
Reservations Supervisor
Convention Service Manager
Resident Manager
Assistant Hotel or Restaurant Manager
Computer Manager
Marketing and Sales Director
Accounting Supervisor
Event Planner
Lodging Manager
Travel Agent

Hospitality Degree Courses, Certification, and Hospitality Management Training Programs

A hospitality education can provide ongoing career options for students and graduates. Although a hospitality management certificate is not required, obtaining one can help increase a student’s skills and is an attractive asset for potential employers.

Hospitality management training can be completed at a hospitality school. While a comprehensive hospitality education can be obtained through a 4-year degree program, many prospective students choose an associate degree program instead. MBA programs are also available.

Associate degree programs for hospitality management are available in specialized branches of hospitality management, including travel and tourism, airlines, and resorts. These programs can offer basic training and lay the foundation for a long-term career in the industry, or as a precursor to a hospitality management certificate.

A Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism is the most common bachelor’s degree program available. Bachelor degree programs in tourism, travel, and hospitality management can provide training in a variety of areas, including:

Recreation
Travel and tourism
Convention and meeting planning
Food and beverage service
Destination services and travel
Leadership
Global trends
Marketing and sales
Revenue and forecasting
Technical applications

Certificate programs in hospitality offer specialized opportunities for students pursuing a hospitality education. These can be obtained through a tech school or community college, and are commonly offered in food and beverage management, lodging, hotel business management, and travel. The shorter program and online options make hospitality management certification a valuable opportunity for many students. For hospitality degree students interested in travel, registration and certification is required to sell travel services. Although there are no Federal licensing requirements for this, nine states do require it. These States are: California, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. The Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) offers certification for those interested in pursuing a hospitality career for specific tours.

Hospitality School Accreditation

The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) is the accrediting body for most hospitality degree programs. Six regional bodies also accredit hospitality programs as part of the Association of Schools and Colleges.

Hospitality Management School Graduates Earning Potential and Employment Prospects

As the travel, leisure, and tourism industry continues to grow, the demand for professional managers and service workers is also expected to rise. Job opportunities in hotel management require at least an Associate degree in hospitality management, and a four year degree program can further enhance an employees skills and professional development. Resorts and hotels in particular offer many options for those with a hospitality degree. Jobs in this field can be stressful and fast-paced; they require quick problem-solving skills and a strong background in customer service.

Median annual earnings for hotel managers were $34,000 in 2002, while restaurant managers and supervisors made an average of $11.73 per hour. Travel agents earned an average of $26,630 in 2002.

Related occupations include: