What Can I Do with an MBA Degree in Hospitality?

<p>Several schools offer Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs focused on hospitality management. MBA programs are usually comprised of a core curriculum covering practical business subjects, including advanced courses in finance, information technology, human resources, accounting and management theory, as well as core hospitality courses, like hotel management, restaurant management, event planning and tourism management. Students are encouraged to choose elective courses that allow them to focus on an area of specialization, such as hotel management. They can also benefit from completing internships. </p> <p>MBA students receive a thorough education in management theory and real-world applications. They are adept in the use of management tools, from simple spreadsheets to complex graphic presentations. Graduates of MBA programs are well-prepared to conduct analyses, apply concepts and implement strategies that add immediate value to an organization's bottom line. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheseOccupations">Important Facts About These Occupations</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Travel Agent </th><th> Lodging Manager </th><th> Meeting, Covention and Event Planner</th></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2020) </td><td> $43,810 </td><td> $59,430 </td><td> $49,470</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2019-2029) </td><td> 20% decline </td><td> 18% decline </td><td> 18% growth</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Organizational, sales and customer-service skills </td><td> Interpersonal, problem-solving and leadership skills </td><td> Communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Typically work in an office or call center, but many work remotely</td><td> Hotels, motels, RV parks, youth hostels, inns, boardinghouses, bed-and-breakfasts, casinos, resorts </td><td> Offices or on-site at hotels or convention centers</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOpportunities"> Career Opportunities</h3> <p>The hospitality industry is comprised of a multitude of interrelated businesses that offer an extensive range of products and services. Hospitality industries where MBA graduates may find employment include leisure and recreation, spa and wellness, restaurants, event planning and tourism. MBA graduates may stand a better chance of utilizing their skill base with larger companies and major enterprises that place a higher value on advanced training, like major cruise lines, hotel chains and casino operations. Here is a list of potential job titles: </p> <ul><li>Hotel manager </li><li>Restaurant manager </li><li>Director of food and beverage </li><li>Gaming consultant </li><li>Casino manager </li><li>Financial consultant </li><li>Resort general manager </li><li>Marketing strategy consultant </li><li>Hospitality information systems manager</li></ul>