Articles

Resort And Restaurant Related Careers That Need An MBA In Hotel Management

2010-05-15

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, expected job growth in hospitality management will increase through 2014. The hospitality industry includes travel and tourism, restaurants and hotels. Those in careers managing and guiding businesses in the hospitality industry benefit from advanced degrees like MBA's in hotel management, hospitality management or international hospitality and tourism business management. Coursework includes classes like business communications, food and beverage cost control, retail and consumer behavior, resort development, housekeeping management and sanitation and safety. Many schools offering advanced degrees offer MBA online programs for busy working professionals.

Positions for MBA holders in hotel management or hospitality management include lodging manager, operations manager, general manager, sales manager, events manager, chief financial officer and hospitality manager. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, cruise ships, resorts, restaurants and casinos are some of the businesses that need professionals in the hospitality industry with advanced education and experience.

Lodging managers ensure the smooth operation of hotels, motels, resorts and other accommodations. They are responsible for the daily operation and profitability of the facility. They hire and supervise housekeeping, front desk, and office staff, and manage sales, marketing, customer service, security and maintenance. Lodging manager positions encompass hotel managers, general managers, assistant managers and hotel/restaurant operations managers. Management trainees and managers need a bachelor's or master's degree, especially for larger upscale hotels.

Operations managers are top executives who work with owners, CEO's and presidents of companies and businesses to accomplish the corporate goals and policies, execute business strategy and direct daily operations like staff development and supervision, accounting and quality control and sales and marketing. Hotels and restaurants require operations managers to ensure the profitability and success of their businesses and need professionals with education and experience in hospitality and management.

Sales managers in hotels and restaurants are front-line managers responsible for generating business from parties, events, meetings, training and convention bookings. They coordinate services and events for corporate and private venues and close the sales through contracts and payment processing. Service and sales skills are a big part of sales manager positions and education and experience in the hotel, restaurant and hospitality industries are necessary.

For those seeking management positions in the hospitality industry, an advanced degree is a requirement. An MBA in hotel management or hospitality management is valuable and necessary for management and executive positions in all tourism and travel businesses, including hotels and restaurants, especially upscale and chain operations. Most MBA online programs can be completed in two to three years, and online programs provide flexibility and time saving aspects that aren't available on-campus. Those working in the hospitality industry can increase their employment skills and qualifications, as well as their earnings potential, by earning an MBA in hospitality management.