Should I Pursue an Online Hospitality Degree Program?

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Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries. In the United States alone, 7.7 million jobs are generated through hospitality and tourism. For some areas, work is seasonal, with huge bursts of energy during typical vacation months and the holidays. Other regions are attractive year round, with bustling hotels and restaurants, busy convention centers and a variety of offers for recreation and entertainment. Managers spend their time reviewing food service budgets and menus, supervising accommodations, and maintaining an effective staff.

Online Hospitality Management Degree

Depending on the type of service offered, managers may acquire their positions through experience, as in the fast food industry, while post secondary education is often required for national food chain and service companies. Small hotels, bed and breakfast establishments or other modest businesses may require only a high school education and provide the training, while larger, full size hotels generally hire only managers with a bachelor of science in business management or business administration.

An online hospitality management degree is a specialized degree program designed for undergraduates in business studies who are interested in the aspects of the hospitality industry. The careers found in this occupation are certainly interesting, with the potential for a lifetime of rewarding experiences. Hospitality management is found not only in hotels and restaurants, but also on cruise ships, gaming and entertainment centers, event organization and amusement parks. Hospitality managers are also sought after by schools, health care organizations and a variety of other businesses.

What Does the Course Involve?

Course work includes financial planning, marketing, human resources, operations, information systems, quality service, accounting, food services management and leadership. It also provides an extensive background in the social skills.

Effective hospitality management takes a highly socialized personality. Their goal is to keep customers happy. Their time may often be spent in resolving customer grievances, greeting customers, meeting new clientele and maintaining a pleasant atmosphere for their services. Some may be required to have a background in International cultural studies.

As a hospitality manager, you will be working with a team. It’s your job to supervise the employees to make sure they conform to policies and demonstrate good work ethics. You’ll meet with other managers to coordinate events such as weddings, conventions and festivals. Your duties also include meeting all safety regulations, scheduling the work activities, inspecting accommodations and supervising the maintenance, renovations and furnishings of your environment.

There are many online degree programs available where you can receive your bachelor of science in hospitality management. They are advantageous as you can study at home while maintaining a career or other duties. Many of these programs offer chat, so students may discuss with their instructors and others the criteria involved in their studies. A degree in hospitality management is an exciting career, filled with opportunities to travel and gain new experiences. With the tourism industry attracting travelers on a global scale, it’s an opportunity to broaden your International awareness as the world arrives at your doors for services. It takes good communication skills, a strong sense of organization, knowledge of business procedures, but most of all, a friendly smile.