How to Become a Hotel Manager

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A hotel manager is a person that is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a hotel. He or she is responsible for operations such as housekeeping, food services, conventions and reservations. In small hotels, a manager typically makes all the vital daily decisions, but in a larger hotel establishment, the general manager employs several managers to take charge of individual department.

In a small hotel, one manager usually makes all the important daily decisions, whereas in a large establishment, a general manager hires a number of managers to be in charge of individual departments.

How to Become a Hotel Manager

•You will need to first figure out if you are cut out to work in the hospitality management field. Do you have excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills? Having these skills is vital if you plan to have a career in the hospitality management field. You will get to interact with people from different walks of life, some people will be pleasant to work with, and some will be downright nasty – being naturally tolerant and having great communication skills will help you in situations when you have to handle a “difficult” client.

•The next step is earning a college degree in hotel or restaurant management. It is important to keep in mind that the food services division contributes immensely to a hotel’s profits. A successful manager of a restaurant can see his or her career advance quickly in the hotel management field.

•Many colleges offer work-study programs, it would be best to take advantage of these programs. This way, you can gain a lot of experience working in local hotels.

•A college graduate should expect to undertake a hotel’s training program shortly after being hired. During the first few years, you may handle simple duties and not contribute to tasks such as hotel décor, hiring new staff or organizing conventions.

•You may be hired to fill the position of the hotel’s front office manager, convention services manager, food & beverage manager, or be offered any other administrative position after you have completed your training. If you perform well in different managerial positions, you can count on having a thriving career.

•If you work for a top hotel chain that run different properties across the country, you will need to understand that if you are offered a promotion, you may need to relocate for a couple of years.

Hotel Manager: Important Tips to Know

•You will need to learn how to be proficient in the use of computers and different types of hotel management software, as they are widely used in billing, reservation and general operations.

•You should consider working in a hotel establishment that offers you the opportunity to grow and reach the peak of your career.

•You will also need to ensure that you prepare your mind to work long hours, weekends, nights, holidays and deal with the occasional dissatisfied and cantankerous guest.

You can make up to $106,174 per year, according to sources such as HCareers and the BLS. Now is the time to apply yourself and earn a better living.