Hotel Management Classes

Enrolling in hotel and restaurant management courses can be the beginning of a very rewarding career for those with a strong desire to serve others. There are a variety of training opportunities for anyone interested in entering this field. This training may come in the form of a two year, four year, or graduate level degree at an accredited university, or it could come in the form of an online course. For young people interested in this industry, hotel management classes can even begin at the high school level. A two year program geared toward high school students is offered by most high schools in almost all states. By beginning the program in their junior year, students can complete high school while earning professional certification in the industry. All in all, these courses are readily available for anyone wishing to pursue a career in this field.

Many universities or community colleges offer certification in the industry in addition to associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees. In the United States there are hundreds of accredited schools offering hotel management classes. Since the hospitality industry deals with a wide variety of concerns, training in a number of areas is necessary. Students will learn about front desk operation, state, local or federal laws pertaining to the industry, the sanitary handling of food, finances, how to control costs, how to run an efficient business, the terminology used in the industry, as well as classes in human resources. Training in computer software is also very important. This training is geared toward helping managers keep organized records of reservations, billing, housekeeping, inventory, along with other areas. A four year degree in this field usually requires study in areas beyond the hospitality industry including the humanities, science, the arts, along with behavioral science. Large inns often require management personnel to hold a four year degree.

Online hotel and restaurant management courses offer the convenience of studying at home. One of the benefits of taking these courses at home is that this kind of study offers flexibility to the student. Those with family or job responsibilities can fit study into their own schedules. There is less pressure for the online student since they can work on their own time, at their own pace. The hotel management classes found online allow students the opportunity to study the same types of classes offered at traditional universities. The subjects covered online may include an overview of the industry itself, accounting as it pertains to the hospitality industry, tourism, housekeeping, marketing, club or convention management.

Before pursuing a career in this field, the qualities of a good manager should be considered. These qualities include the ability to multi-task, strong business skills, self-discipline, attention to detail, and a good understanding of advertising and marketing. Hospitality management involves handling issues with staff as well as helping customers feel welcome. Since this field involves much interaction with employees as well as the public, strong people skills are mandatory. A successful manager needs to be proficient at teamwork.

In addition to the areas of study already listed, anyone interested in entering this field should be prepared to take hotel management classes on specific issues such as culinary arts, wine, American or international cuisine, organizational theory, purchasing, inventory, food storage, along with event planning. Within the scope of each of these areas lie a myriad of details. In the area of housekeeping alone concerns such as health issues, providing quality amenities for guests, security changes in a post 9/11 age, are just few of the many things that need to be considered by a hotel manager. Services offered to guests are another concern. To excel in hospitality management requires the ability to train employees to meet the needs of the guest in a courteous way. Other challenges in this area include seeing to the special needs of guests with disabilities along with handling any complaints in a professional manner. Hotel and restaurant management courses help students hone skills in these important areas. The Bible talks about the blessings of hospitality; "Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels." (Genesis 24:31)

The hospitality industry is a field that offers a wide variety of choices right down to the style or type of eatery. Often an eatery is part of the hotel itself. When this is the case, the sales contributed by this business add to the success of hotel. Within the food industry there are a variety of specialized businesses. A coffee shop is a more informal establishment with a focus on quick service. At a continental restaurant the ambiance is more refined. Quality of food along with service is important. Specialty eateries focus on one particular type of fare. The menu could offer only Italian food, or perhaps Chinese, Thai or Mexican. The decor as well as the style of service is determined by the specialty.

Since the demand for trained personnel in this field has grown significantly, enrolling in hotel and restaurant management courses could be a wise career move. This growth is expected to continue. Specialized training is key for anyone wishing to pursue a career in this industry. As the hospitality industry grows, the need for trained professionals grows with it. The abundance of openings for hotel managers, assistant managers and other management positions make it very clear that the hotel and restaurant management field is a growing one. Anyone with a heart for their fellow man may find a career in this field very fulfilling.

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