High School

Its a good idea to begin preparing for a career in hotel management while in high school. Concentrate on a business-oriented curriculum, with classes in finance, accounting, and mathematics. Computer literacy (including knowledge of artificial intelligence) is also important in the hotel industry, for reservations, accounting, data analysis, and management of supplies. Brush up on your communication skills while in high school. Youll need them when giving direction and supervision to a large and diverse staff. Take English classes and other courses such as speech or drama, which will give you the chance to polish your grammar and speaking skills. A second language, especially Spanish, French, Mandarin, or Japanese, will be very helpful to you in the future.

Postsecondary Training

Many large hotel companies now require management trainees to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, hotel, or hospitality management; smaller hotels may only require an associate’s degree. Numerous community and junior colleges and some universities offer associates, bachelors, or graduate degree programs in hotel or restaurant management. In addition, technical, vocational, and trade schools and other institutions offer hotel business programs resulting in a formal recognition of training, such as a certificate.

Classes in hotel management cover topics such as administration, marketing, housekeeping, hotel maintenance, and computer skills. To complement class instruction, most programs require students to work on site at a hotel.

Many hotels and motels will also consider candidates with liberal arts degrees or degrees in such fields as business management and public relations if they are highly qualified and talented.

Approximately 65 hospitality management programs in the United States are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. Visit https://www.acpha-cahm.org/accredited-programs for a list of schools.

Some aspiring hotel managers prepare for this career by participating in apprenticeships that are offered by hotel companies (e.g., Hyatt, Marriott), government agencies, and unions. Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder to locate U.S.-based apprenticeship training opportunities.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in lodging and restaurant management. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. One example is the lodging management undergraduate certificate program that is offered by Missouri State University. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following courses: Introduction to Lodging Management, Essentials of Hospitality Leadership, Advanced Lodging Management, Hospitality Facilities Management, and Hospitality Industry Revenue Management. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and other national and international hospitality organizations offer a variety of in-person and online continuing education courses. Visit https://ahlei.servsafebrands.com for more information on the AHLEIs programs. State-level and local hospitality associations also provide professional development opportunities.

Certification or Licensing

Certification for this job is not a requirement, though it is recognized by many as a measurement of industry knowledge and job experience. The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) offers a variety of certifications for hotel and motel managers, such as certified hotel administrator, certified lodging security officer, certified hospitality manager, certified hospitality supervisor, certified hospitality facilities executive, and certified hospitality revenue manager. Contact the institute for more information on these and other hospitality-related certifications. The IEHA, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International also offer certification credentials.

High school juniors and seniors who are interested in working in the hospitality industry can take advantage of the AHLEIs Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. The two-year program combines classroom and online learning with work experience in the hospitality industry. Graduating seniors who pass examinations, complete 360 hours of classroom learning, and accrue 100 hours of paid or unpaid work experience at hotels, restaurants, or other tourism industry employers receive the hospitality and tourism specialist designation. Visit https://ahlei.servsafebrands.com/academic-overview/high-school-overview/hospitality-and-tourism-management for more information.

Managers should have experience working in various areas of the hotel business, including finance, hospitality, housekeeping, marketing, and advertising. They need strong leadership skills to motivate and supervise employees who work throughout their establishment. Perhaps most importantly, managers must enjoy serving guests who stay at their hotel to ensure that they have a high quality experience. This requires strong communication skills, the ability to solve problems, and a willingness to listen to the needs of every guest. Managing can sometimes be stressful, and managers need to keep a cool demeanor when dealing with difficult situations that come their way.