What Jobs Can I Get with a Hospitality Management Degree?

hospitality manager and receptionist with guests

By earning a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree, you can prepare for a wide variety of careers. In a hospitality degree program, you will learn how to oversee day-to-day operations of an establishment and provide excellent customer service; thus, giving you the framework to succeed in many different settings. Here are just some of the many hospitality management jobs you can prepare for with a hospitality management degree:

Receptionist

Many recent hospitality graduates take receptionist jobs right out of college. Receptionists work with clients directly in making reservations and assisting with general customer needs. Receptionists are usually the first person customers meet during their visit so it is important to leave a good impression. This job is great for getting your foot in the industry and can give valuable work experience. Receptionists can work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, catering and event planning companies.

Hotel Manager

One of the most common hospitality management jobs you can pursue is becoming a hotel manager. In this role, you will be responsible for the daily management of a hotel and its staff. You will oversee budgeting and financial management, planning and organization. In addition, you will direct all hotel services, such as reservations, food and beverage operations and housekeeping (“Hospitality Management,” 2019).

As a hotel manager, you will set an example for the staff members and ensure every hotel employee delivers quality and consistent service to guests. While managing the business side of the industry is significant, making customers happy is just as, if not more, important.

Event Organizer

If you enjoy event planning, earning a hospitality management degree can prepare you to excel as an event organizer. With your knowledge of management practices and customer service, you will have the expertise to turn great ideas into a reality. Event organizers are needed to plan conferences, fundraisers, product launches and social events of all kinds (“Hospitality Management,” 2019).

If you choose to pursue this career, you may find yourself working for an event management company or as an event planner for an organization. Or, you may even have the opportunity to be a freelance event organizer. Overall, the communication and teamwork skills you gain in your hospitality management degree can prepare you to become a top event organizer.

Jobs in evening planning include:

  • Front desk manager
  • Conference organizer
  • Bridal consultant

Food Service Manager

Another hospitality management job to consider is a food service manager. Food service managers are responsible for the operation of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. If you enjoy working in a lively, fast-paced environment, this may be the career for you. In addition to ensuring the establishment you work for is making a profit, you will also be responsible for creating a positive reputation for the company.

Customer service skills are essential for this role, as your customers are the ones who will keep the establishment you work for in business. Therefore, it is important to keep your customers at the center of everything you do. In your hospitality management degree program, you will take specific courses in food and beverage service and operations and revenue generation for hospitality. Therefore, you will be prepared to succeed in this career.

Other jobs in the food service industry are

  • Restaurant manager
  • Catering assistant
  • Sous chef

Tour Manager

Do you enjoy sightseeing? With a degree in hospitality management, you can become a tour manager in a variety of locations. Tour managers have detailed knowledge about a particular area, allowing them to guide others and inform them about the location through their tours. For example, you may share your knowledge of the history of a location, as well as the culture of those who live there.

When giving tours, it is important to create a memorable experience for guests. Therefore, the customer service skills you learn in your hospitality management degree program will be invaluable. In addition, your organization skills can help you ensure everything runs according to plan, from welcoming guests, taking them through the tour to sending them off to their next destination. All in all, this can be an exciting and rewarding job.

Various jobs in tourism management include

  • Travel agent
  • Tour guide
  • Public relations

The Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University is guided by servant leadership, ethics and entrepreneurism. To learn more about GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree program and other business degree programs, visit our website or click the request more information button at the top of this page.

References:

“5 Careers You Can Get If You Study a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality.” January, 2021

“15 Potential Jobs You Can Get With A Hospitality Management Degree.” February, 2021

“Hospitality Management.” April, 2019

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.