Travel, tourism and hospitality is so prevalent that some states--and sometimes, entire countries--see it as a main source of income. Positions in the hospitality industry cover a broad spectrum of career opportunities from entry-level maids and janitors to high-powered casino owners and CEOs. Much of the training for those in the hospitality industry comes from hands-on experience, and that can make moving up through the ranks easier than it might be in other professions. However, a degree in hospitality management could be beneficial to helping you advance more quickly or in having as edge when it comes to a coveted position.
Hospitality Management Online Colleges
The online options for hospitality degrees are wide and varied, including certificates in gourmet cooking and catering, associate degrees in business administration or management, and bachelor or master's degrees in numerous management specializations. The associate degree in hospitality management, for example, can be a good starting point for those who want to pursue a career in various areas of hospitality service. The coursework for the associate degree is often tailored to the specific industry segment, allowing aspiring managers to closely target their chosen career path. Examples of available online degrees at the bachelor's level include the bachelor of arts in service management, the bachelor of science in music business, and the bachelor of business administration with an emphasis on customer care management. The Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on hospitality management could be suitable for those who prefer to move into upper management. There are also online doctorates and certificates that can advance your knowledge in management and help you to understand more about business trends.
There are many options for employment in the hospitality field, but growth is some fields is projected to be higher than in others, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those in gaming services, for example, could expect job growth of 14 percent from 2008 to 2018 while food service managers and lodging managers could see employment growth of 5 percent during that same time period. Wages vary depending on career. BLS data from 2010 showed that the mean annual wages for food service managers working in the U.S. were $52,220, for lodging managers, $54,570, and gaming managers, $73,940. Other occupations that could draw the interest of those who enjoy the hospitality field include careers in sales work or in property, real estate and community association management.