Students interested in studying hotel management at the college level can get a jump start in high school. The Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association offers a 2-year training program at 450 U.S. high schools. Graduates of the program receive a designation of Certified Rooms Division Specialist and are eligible for receiving college credit that counts toward a hotel management degree.
Having some experience in hotel management helps students exceed at the college level. Applicants to hotel management programs should apply for entry-level hotel jobs, pursue hotel management internships and consider volunteering to help during major conferences and hotel events. Experience within food services and restaurant management is also seen as a huge asset to future hotel managers.
Successful hotel managers juggle a variety of tasks including marketing, customer relations, human resources, event planning, economic development and food services. Successful applicants to hotel management programs usually possess personality traits that indicate they will be able to handle and enjoy the demands of this job in the future. These traits include strong communication skills, attention to details, an ability to delegate work, a penchant for problem solving, self-discipline and a natural tendency toward organization.
As of January 2011, hotel management was a competitive and slow-growing field. Often hotel managers are on constant call and work nights and weekends. Hotel managers make $24,000 to $45,000 annually and might receive benefits, including on-site housing and access to free or discounted food, fitness centers and laundry services. Occasionally, opportunities for profit-sharing and continuing education also exist. Students should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of a career in hotel management before applying to training programs.