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With the skills and expertise offered through an online hospitality management degree, graduates are able to pursue careers that combine customer service and management of a variety of venues. For future professionals who have a desire to work with the public in a high demand area, hospitality management is often an ideal fit.
Courses in an Online Hospitality Management Program
Students completing an undergraduate hospitality management degree in an online program will complete courses that focus on management, communication, marketing, and operations management. Classes include hospitality event planning, facilities management, organizational communications, foundations in public relations, business law, hospitality financial management, accounting, multicultural hospitality management, and organizational leadership.
In addition to the core courses a student completes in a hospitality management program, some online degree options also offer an option for students to further specialize in a specific area of the industry. Courses in these concentration areas might include menu planning, lodging revenue management, meeting and event planning, and history of international tourism. Many programs also offer options in entrepreneurialism in the hospitality industry.
Future or current hospitality management professionals might also choose to complete a graduate degree in the field. Online master’s degree programs in hospitality management include completion of specializations in areas such as brand management, asset management, venue and destination design, and tourism marketing research. Many of these degree options require applicants to have industry work experience.
Hospitality Management Skills and Experience
The courses in an undergraduate or a graduate online hospitality management degree program enable students to build skills in many different areas required in the profession. Among these, interpersonal communication, leadership, project management, and customer service will be beneficial across all specific sectors of the hospitality field. An understanding of managing finances, marketing, human resources, and quality control are also important.
Further training in a specific area of the industry is also sometimes a desired or preferred qualification. Hospitality corporations hiring for an information technology manager for a hotel chain might look for a candidate who has joined an organization offering professional development opportunities such as the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association. A future hotel professional can complete certification through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, which could be help to enhance a resume for a future hotel general manager.
Often, having previous experience in positions across the industry is beneficial for building the skills that will be needed to be successful. Hospitality management professionals can gain this experience in positions such as hostess, cook, front desk attendant, and tour guide.
Careers in Hospitality Management
Hospitality management graduates can pursue positions in hotels, cruise lines, country and golf clubs, restaurants, casinos, chamber of commerce offices and other tourism organizations, amusement parks, and event planning businesses. Job titles include customer service manager, director of events, human resources specialist, general or regional manager, tour director, and travel agent. Positions in this field include working for domestic corporations, international organizations, small businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures.
An online hospitality management degree prepares graduates for careers in a diverse industry that has something for everyone. Whether a hospitality professional wants to work in international hotels or in a local chamber of commerce office, a degree in the field is the first step in preparation for building the qualifications.
See also: Top 10 Online Business Degree Programs
