How to Become a Hotelier

Enroll in a hotel management program to become a hotelier.

Hoteliers manage hotels and, in some cases, they may even be the hotel owner. Hotel managers supervise other hotel workers, and they work long hours during peak travel times and when events are scheduled at the hotel. They are often called upon to handle emergency situations and disputes. To perform well, hoteliers should possess the people skills required for the position.

Instructions

1. Assess your personal attributes to see if you have the disposition to be a hotelier. You should possess the ability to get along with many kinds of people and have excellent communication and organizational skills. In addition, you should be able to solve problems as they arise and maintain a pleasant tone when dealing with guests who are irate or frustrated. A professional appearance along with a professional demeanor also helps in a hotel management position.

2. Research hotel management programs offered by colleges and universities, and select a suitable course of studies. Programs like those offered by the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, an academic college within Cornell University in New York, lead to degrees including Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration, Master of Management in Hospitality and PhD Degrees in Hotel Administration.

3. Gain hands-on experience by securing an internship in the hospitality industry. Keep in mind that the internship opportunity that best suits your goals as a hotelier may require relocation. An internship that includes a training program provides important training for hotel administration.

Tips & Warnings

• Become proficient in computer programs such as Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, since they are important tools for the hospitality industry.

• Expand your communication skills by taking courses in English and other languages. Hoteliers may deal with people who are more proficient in foreign languages such as Spanish than English.

• Individuals with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts may land an assistant manager position and advance to a manager position.

• Hotel managers often work long hours, and they are often on-call in case of emergencies.

• Be prepared to start off in lower positions when you are hired by a hotel to gain on-the-job training. You may advance by becoming the manager of an area such as food service manager or sales manager after you gain training and experience.

• Advancement in the hotel industry often means changing employers or changing locations to a hotel in a different location within the same hotel chain.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Hotels and Other Accommodations
• Cornell University School of Hotel Administration: Academics
• Dream Careers: Hospitality Internships