Hotel General Manager
Why Is Hotel General Management a Job of Tomorrow?
In every industry, whether it is a non-profit organization, school, or healthcare facility, there is a business aspect that must be attended to in order to ensure efficiency. As
a result, these industries need employees with substantial expertise in business knowledge and skills. With some of the fastest growing industries in the country, the business sector is expected to grow by 23.3 percent by 2016, adding more than 4.1 million new jobs to the market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As businesses large and small continue to grow, travel for business will increase, coinciding with the boom of globalism. The hospitality industry will steadily climb, increasing the need for hotel general managers to ensure that all the different components of the hotel are running smoothly and efficiently. Employment opportunities for hotel general managers are expected to increase 12 percent by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hotel general managers earn an average salary of $42,320 annually.
What Does a Hotel General Manager Do?
Hotel general managers ensure that guests in a hotel are comfortable and satisfied. They oversee the other hotel staff, such as the janitorial staff and human resources department, and are responsible for the overall functioning of the establishment. There are many different departments in a hotel. The financial department handles the business aspect of the hotel, processing charges and fees as well as resolving specific guest billing issues. The food and service department handles the dining experience and recreational activities of the hotel, maintaining its in-house restaurants and other amenities, such as spas or gyms. The general manager, however, does not deal specifically with any one department. Instead, the manager is responsible for all of the departments. Managers are well-versed in many areas of the hotel, and therefore often aid the separate departments if help is needed. They also uphold the guidelines established by hotel owners.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Hotel General Manager?
Hotel general managers must have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or hotel management, though more employers are now seeking those with a master’s degree in the field. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to earn, and a master’s degree takes an additional two to three years to earn after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Courses cover business practices, theories of hospitality, and other related topics. Professional working experience, through an internship or paid position, is also required by many employers for a management position. Certification programs are available at some hotels, and usually require experience, course work, and the successful completion of an examination.
