Essential Information
A hotel concierge helps guests with requests such as transportation arrangements, restaurant reservations, and sight-seeing recommendations. Undergraduate certificates, two-year associate's programs, and four-year bachelor's programs are widely available through colleges and universities, and many of them include basic business coursework, core hospitality classes, and opportunities for field experience. These programs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission. Some courses may also be found online.
Certificate Programs in Hospitality Management
Certificate programs in hospitality management introduce students to basic concepts of hotel and restaurant organization. Individuals in this program learn about accounting, catering management, commercial food production, and human relations. Courses prepare students for advanced study in marketing, business, and hospitality. Curricula might also include:
- Hospitality marketing
- Resort development
- Beverage management
- Hotel operations management
Associate's Degree Programs in Hospitality Management
An associate's degree in hospitality management covers different aspects of business relating to service-related industries, like hotels, restaurants, and spas. This type of program is meant to supplement hospitality industry experience. An associate's degree in hospitality management usually includes degrees in the following:
- Event planning
- Guest management
- Human resource management
- Lodging management
Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management prepares students for careers in hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Successful applicants usually have significant industry experience, and some programs require students to complete a minimum number of training hours in the hospitality industry. Individuals earning a bachelor's degree in hospitality study courses in marketing, accounting and management. Other course might include:
- Beverage management
- Cost control
- Food production
- Hotel operations
Popular Career Options
Individuals who hold a degree in hospitality management have a number of available career options besides being hotel concierges, depending on level of education and work experience. Options open to bachelor's degree holders may include upper-level or management positions. Other possible positions might include:
- Stewards
- Tour operators
- Hospitality directors
- Restaurant manager
- Hospitality director
- Human resource manager
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an 12% decline in the lodging management field between 2019 and 2029. Those with bachelor's degrees desiring lodging management positions will have the greatest job opportunities. The median salary for a hotel, motel, or resort desk clerk in May 2020 was $25,490, according to the BLS. A hotel concierge in a luxury hotel or resort can earn significantly more than the median salary.
Aspiring hotel concierges can find related coursework within certificate and degree programs in hotel and hospitality management. These programs may cover topics like event planning, guest management, resort development, and more. Though entry level employment can be found in the field, those with more advanced degrees will have a wider span of employment opportunities.
