How Do I Become a Concierge?

<p>As a concierge, you will assist people in business and residential locales. These professionals typically work in hotels to help guests have the best stay possible. They offer recommendations on restaurants and local entertainment, make reservations, acquire tickets for various attractions, schedule tours and help coordinate transportation. A concierge also provides general information to guests, such as dry cleaning services. Some may even be involved in helping plan special events, like a proposal or wedding. These professionals must have excellent customer service skills as they aim to make guests feel comfortable. The following table will provide you with some basic information regarding this career: </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> High school diploma at minimum; postsecondary programs available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> In-house training, industry experience</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Provide information, make reservations, fulfill special requests, make travel arrangements, handle deliveries, address complaints</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Customer service, communication, organization, negotiation</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b> </td><td> 20%</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)*</b> </td><td> $32,380</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsAConcierge">What Is a Concierge?</h3> <p>In the busy and constantly growing field of hotel management, concierges typically serve as important middlemen. Concierges may also be found working in office buildings, apartment complexes and other facilities needing a personal touch. As a concierge, you'll efficiently bridge the gap between guests or occupants and the services, information and special requests they need. In short, you'll serve as their main go-to person for getting things done. And, you'll be called upon for tasks like making reservations, arranging travel to and from the facility, handling special deliveries and addressing complaints. In addition, you'll provide suggestions on restaurants and entertainment to help patrons have the best time possible. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIGetAJob">How Do I Get a Job?</h3> <p>As a service worker, the education needed to become a concierge is minimal. According to O*Net OnLine, a high school diploma is typically all that is needed (<i>www.onetonline.org</i>). Many hotels provide in-house training, but you may need prior experience to land a job at the prestigious places. Taking college courses or obtaining a degree in an area such as hotel management may also be helpful, but won't guarantee employment. Advancement to a manager level is also possible, but you'll need to work hard, learn about other areas of the industry and be willing to work in different positions. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeedToBeSuccessful">What Skills Do I Need To Be Successful?</h3> <p>Concierges are part of the service occupations, and customer service skills such as active listening, organization and rapport building are critical to success. In addition, you'll do better if you have the ability to negotiate and partner with others in order to provide your guests with the best deals. Finally, since making suggestions is a major part of the service you'll provide, you'll need to know about the city you work in and its best attractions, shows, parks and restaurants. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchCanIExpectToMake">How Much Can I Expect To Make?</h3> <p>Like many other service-related jobs, a wide range of income opportunity is available to concierges. If you work at a 4-star hotel, you may make more than if you work at a 2-star hotel, for example. Service workers often get a base pay or salary, but they also receive gratuity from the people they serve based on how well or how poorly they did their job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS, the median annual wage for concierges was $30,400 in May 2018 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Some alternative careers that require a high school diploma and on-the-job training include information clerks, secretaries and administrative assistants. Information clerks' primary responsibility is to provide an organization's customers with information. They may also keep records and perform various clerical tasks. Secretaries and administrative assistants support the other staff members of their office. Their duties vary greatly depending on their place of work, but in general they perform administrative duties, such as appointment scheduling, answering phones and more.</p>