Is a Hospitality Management Degree Right for Me?

If you're wondering if a hospitality management degree is right for you, first ask yourself if you work well with others. Those who are hospitable will enjoy helping, welcoming, and assisting people at special events or within a management position at your company.

Those who choose to work in the hospitality industry will discover there are a wide array of management jobs available. These jobs may be offered in the culinary art industry, hotel industry, and travel industry.

Additionally, a hospitality management degree allows you to have a fulfilling career surrounded by others. The hospitality field provides numerous career options ranging from a general manager to business administration. These jobs allow you to work with a team, guiding them and taking part in various projects.

What Is a Hospitality Management Degree?

You can focus on a bachelor's degree or master's degree if you're interested in the hospitality sector. Before achieving a hospitality degree, you must have a high school diploma and find the right hospitality degree program for you.

Those with a hospitality management degree have a variety of job options to consider. With this degree, you can find work experience or a career in the following:

• hospitality and tourism management
• event management
• business management
• hotel management
• project management

Those with this major may find hospitality careers in tourism, helping people find cruise ships, rental cars, and all the necessary arrangements before a vacation. Jobs may also be available at luxury hotels.

With a hospitality management degree, your primary purpose is to help others, specifically in a management position. In doing so, you are in charge of maintaining a structured, organized, and peaceful environment for your co-workers.

What Does a Hospitality Management Major Study?

A hospitality management major may study the ins and outs of business. Since the hospitality field is vast, covering many job options, you will learn to work on specific skills needed.

For instance, a hospitality degree will require you to have excellent communication skills and problem-solving skills. During your studies, you may learn about the management side of the tourism and hotel industry as well as event planning.

Through internships, you can gain industry experience and learn teamwork techniques to help you better manage employees and work with clients in the future.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Hospitality Management

There are a variety of reasons for you to consider a degree in hospitality management. First and foremost, you should be a people-person, enjoying the company of others and assisting those in need.

Make a Difference

To truly be hospitable, you must be welcoming, accepting, and helpful to your co-workers and customers. If you are part of the management staff at a company, you must know how to help others with problems that can arise.

If you work in tourism management, you may help families find the perfect vacation by planning a schedule for the duration of the trip, providing access to the events they attend, and choosing the cruise ship or airline.

You can make a difference through your kind actions, being hospitable by helping guests check in at a hotel, assisting a co-worker with a business project, or formulating last-minute plans for a wedding party at a venue.

Pay Increase

Those with a hospitality management degree may find there is a wide range of jobs to consider which means you have the opportunity for pay increases. Although you may start in an entry-level position such as working at the front-desk of a hotel, the hospitality industry is compiled of various other jobs to consider.

With more work experience, you may want to work at a business managing the company. You may also find that operating your own business allows you to receive a pay increase. Depending on your area of expertise such as travel, food services, or event planning, you have options to help you gain extra income.

Career Opportunities

Hospitality careers are plentiful, providing you with numerous of options to consider. With the many career paths, you can learn what jobs work best for you as you move through your career journey.

Your experience working in the tourism or event industry provides you with the skills necessary to gain more career opportunities. Thankfully, all across the hospitality industry are jobs which may be ideal for you.

Well-Rounded Knowledge

With a hospitality management degree, you can work in numerous fields as a manager. Whether you spend time as a hotel manager, event planner, or business manager, you gain experience unique to the job.

This allows you to expand your knowledge and experience, becoming a more well-rounded individual. Your knowledge will overlap with other industries and can help you achieve other job opportunities.

Flexibility

Hospitality management allows you to be flexible. Not only are there many jobs to consider, you may have the advantage of a flexible work environment.

If you have your own business which you manage, you can set your own hours for the week or weekend. In addition to this, you can potentially select your own hours and manage schedules for employees or clients.

Job Opportunities for Hospitality Management Degree Majors

There are a wide range of job opportunities available for those seeking a hospitality management degree. Career choices to consider include:

• hotel manager
• human resources manager
• restaurant manager
• business manager
• travel agent
• event planner
• food services manager

Hospitality Management: Questions To Ask Yourself

Now that you know about all the career opportunities you have if you earn a degree in hospitality management, here are several questions you should ask yourself if you want a career in hospitality management.

Do I Enjoy Working With People?

To work in the hospitality industry, you must first and foremost be hospitable. If you enjoy working with others, helping customers, and assisting employees, this degree is right for you

Am I Interested in the World of Hospitality?

Although the hospitality sector is broad, it's still necessary for you to determine if you are interested in certain popular hospitality management careers which include the tourism, hotel, and business industries.

Do I Consider Myself To Be a Leader?

If you plan to work in management, you must be a self-starter and a team player. To effectively manage a business and others, you must have excellent communication skills.