A lodging manager either runs an entire hotel or resort or a specific lodging-related or recreational department. It is fairly competitive to get a job in lodging management. Thus, a high degree of training and education is preferred.
As of May 2010, there were almost 30,000 lodging managers with jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This occupation pays a better-than-average salary, with the median annual income at around $47,000. California, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and New York are in the top 5 in terms of providing jobs for this occupation.
Managers of hotels, motels, and other establishments need skills in customer service and business operations. They manage both employees and financial decisions of the lodging establishment, so specialized education is helpful for this job.
Most managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management or hospitality. Some may have specialized recreation-related degrees, and a master’s degree may be necessary for many of the better lodging-manager positions.
It may be helpful to attend an accredited hospitality degree program. As of September 2011, the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration had accredited 53 programs. Some of these are 2-year degree programs at community colleges, while others offer a bachelor’s degree. Use the link near the bottom of this article to see a list of these hospitality-management educational degree programs.
For those seeking career advancement, there are also dozens of universities that offer a graduate program in hospitality or a related field. The GradSchools website has listed 232 such programs, as of September 2011. Use the link below to find that list. Of course, a graduate degree will increase the chance of getting jobs like a general manager and earning a higher salary.
Once you get training and education, apply directly to hotels, motels, and resorts for jobs as a lodging manager. Places like youth hostels and boarding houses also have some jobs in lodging management. You should also attempt to get some type of internship or part-time job in the lodging industry while attending your college classes.
Resources:
Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration: List of Accredited Degree Programs
GradSchools: Hospitality Graduate Degree Programs
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Lodging Manager Jobs and Salary Information