What kind of job is this? Hotel management is a job in which you are responsible for the efficient and profitable operation of hotel establishments. In a small hotel, motel, or inn with a limited staff, a single manager may direct all aspects of operations. However, large hotels may employ hundreds of workers, and the general manager may be aided by a number of assistant managers assigned to the various departments of the operation.
What work would I actually perform if I were to enter this field? Computers are used extensively by hotel managers and their assistants, to keep track of the guest's bill, reservations, room assignments, meetings, and special events; order food, beverages, and housekeeping and other supplies; and prepare reports for hotel owners and top-level managers. Managers work with computer specialists to ensure that the hotel's computer system functions properly. Should the hotel's computer system fail, managers must ensure that guests' needs continue to be met. The general manager has overall responsibility for the operation of the hotel. Within guidelines established by the owners of the hotel or executives of the hotel chain, the general manager sets room rates, allocates funds to departments, approves expenditures, and establishes standards for service to guests, decor, housekeeping, food quality, and banquet operations. Managers who work for chains also may be assigned to organize and staff a newly built hotel, refurbish an older hotel, or reorganize a hotel or motel that is not operating successfully. In order to fill some low-paying service and clerical jobs in hotels, some managers attend career fairs.
Why does this sort of work appeal to me? This sort of work appeals to me because I enjoy organizing things, working with people (and making sure they're happy), and being in charge of things.
Could I really do this work? If not, why? I believe I am capable of doing this job successfully.
B. PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
What types of interests does this job require? interests in organization, accounting, management
Do I possess these interests? yes
How about my test results? several of the career tests I've taken have told me that I would be good in a management position; all standardized tests I've taken have had high enough scores to allow me to get the right education for the job.
Do my hobbies bear any relation to the types of interests required by this job? somewhat
Could I develop interests such as this job requires? Yes, but I already possess many of the required interests.
What abilities would I have to possess in order to enter and perform this job? computer skills, organizational skills, accounting skills, good leadership qualities, "people" skills
Do I possess these abilities? yes How do I possess these abilities? I love working with computers. I love to organize things. I have taken a course in accounting and I hold a position as an accounting assistant presently. I relate to people very well and I am able to lead a group in different tasks.
Could I achieve or learn the skills necessary for this job? Yes, I believe I could, very easily.
What types of personality does this job require? a friendly, good-natured person who works well with people
What are the personal qualities necessary for this job? see above question
Do I possess these qualities? I believe so, although I can always work on my people skills.
What are the health and strength requirements for this job? you will need good health, but physical strength is not very necessary.
Is average good health enough? yes
Are there any special physical requirements as to height, weight, eyesight, beauty, etc.? no
What values or attitudes would I have to possess in order to be happy and successful in this type of work? I would have to enjoy being in charge of running a successful business. There are not necessarily any values needed for this job, but you would, of course, have to be honest.
Would the performance of this work cause me to violate any values of attitudes I possess? no
Could I adjust to a situation in which I had to change some of my ideas, values or attitudes? It depends on what the situation is and what ideas, values, or attitudes needed to be changed.
C. PREPARATION REQUIRED TO ENTER AND PERFORM THIS JOB
What subjects do I need to study? hotel administration, business classes, accounting, economics, marketing, food service managing, housekeeping, and hotel maintenance
What level and type of education is required? (High School, College, Trade School, Apprenticeship, etc.) Postsecondary training in hotel or restaurant management is preferred for most hotel management positions, although a college liberal arts degree may be sufficient when coupled with related hotel experience.
Do my achievements thus far (grades, tests) indicate that I can reach this level of education? Yes, they do.
Are there any reasons why I cannot reach this level of education? I do not believe so.
Other requirements
a. Union
b. License
c. Special Examination
d. Work Experience
D. JOB FACTS
The following is a list of things you need to know about the job before you make a decision about taking it.
Career Choice: Hotel management
Salary: $54,000 average (for a general manager)
Educational and Training Requirements:hotel administration, business classes, accounting, economics, marketing, food service managing, housekeeping, and hotel maintenance; postsecondary training in hotel or restaurant management is preferred for most hotel management positions, although a college liberal arts degree may be sufficient when coupled with related hotel experience.
Benefits: typical benefits, with the possibility of profit-sharing plans, and educational assitance to employees
Working Conditions: Hotel managers must be able to get along with all kinds of people, even in stressful situations. They must be able to solve problems and concentrate on details. Initiative, self-discipline, the ability to organize and direct the work of others, and effective communication skills are essential for managers at all levels. Sometimes large hotels sponsor specialized on-the-job management training programs which allow trainees to rotate among various departments and gain a thorough knowledge of the hotel's operation. Other hotels may help finance formal training in hotel management for outstanding employees.
Job Demand: Employment of hotel managers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. However, long hours and stressful working conditions result in high turnover in this field, with most job openings expected to occur as experienced managers transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for other reasons. Job opportunities in hotel management are expected to be good for persons with college degrees in hotel or restaurant management.
What are the duties and responsibilities? overall responsibility for the operation of the hotel. Within guidelines established by the owners of the hotel or executives of the hotel chain, the general manager sets room rates, allocates funds to departments, approves expenditures, and establishes standards for service to guests, decor, housekeeping, food quality, and banquet operations. Managers who work for chains also may be assigned to organize and staff a newly built hotel, refurbish an older hotel, or reorganize a hotel or motel that is not operating successfully.
Name three related careers: restaurant managers, apartment building managers, retail store managers