The 11 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management

Do you like to travel? Are you interested in making others’ dreams come true? You should consider earning a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management!

The Travel and Tourism industry in the United States is a thriving one that’s worth $1.1 trillion and provides 7.8 million jobs. Regarded by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics as the Leisure and Hospitality sector, it hired some 1.1 million workers in mid-2019.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management can open up a world of career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. This degree will equip you with the in-depth knowledge and practical experiences needed to plan, organize, and implement various ideas in the hospitality sector. You will learn the fundamentals of business and management as well as the essential skills to manage and oversee the operations of various types of establishments, from small inns to large resorts.

In addition, you will also gain valuable insights into the different facets of tourism and how to promote, market, and publicize it to potential customers. With a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, you will be well-prepared for a range of jobs, from hotel manager to travel planner.

Colleges and universities across the US strive to meet the demands of the industry that consistently looks for goal-driven, technology-savvy, customer-oriented, and dedicated individuals. Some of them offer an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management or Tourism; others deliver a Business Administration program with a concentration in Hospitality Management.

Hospitality Management students can focus on a diverse range of specializations, including in:

• restaurant service,
• food and service,
• hotel and lodging,
• event planning,
• club and entertainment management,
• and travel and tourism.

Today, an increasing number of schools extend their programs to distance learners who want to pursue a degree. Online Hospitality Management programs are flexible, convenient, and generally cheaper than conventional education. With a degree in Hospitality Management, students get opportunities for career growth and pursue their passion for travel, food, and meeting new people.

The writers and researchers at Bachelor-Degree-Management.net have come up with a profiled list of the Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Hospitality Management Degree Programs. We present the online academic institutions that deliver the degree program with excellent standards and student experience in mind.

These top-rated online schools provide outstanding programs focusing on Hospitality Management to produce graduates who excel in their career fields, including in the areas of Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality. 

To come up with this comprehensive list, we highlight each online school’s unique features and specifications. Overall, they meet these criteria:

• 100% Online Distance Learning format or Hybrid Learning to provide students with class schedule flexibility and convenience
• Promotes a comprehensive foundation of Hospitality Management,
• An excellent faculty consisting of well-trained and experienced academic professors,
• A curriculum that equips students with the skills needed to thrive in Hospitality Management industries and settings, such as hotels, restaurant and beverage management, casinos, cruise ships, event planning, and other branches of tourism,
• Emphasis on affordability with student access to financial aid options
• Accelerated degree program and credit transfer options, when applicable,
• Recognition from accrediting agencies and positive student reviews.

For an in-depth look at our ranking criteria, please check out our Methodology page.

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Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Hospitality Management Degree Programs

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Online BS in Hospitality Management

Prominent Program Features:

As the flagship university of Alabama, the University of Alabama has produced high-quality graduates since 1820. The school offers various online programs through Bama by Distance. Hospitality employees and enthusiasts don’t have to go to campus to get a degree in Hospitality Management.

The school’s entirely online program helps students interact with the same instructors and access the same learning standards as those of the on-campus classes. The hospitality management curriculum covers coursework and training relevant to students’ choice of concentration:

• restaurant/food and beverage,
• hotel/lodging,
• or meetings/events.

An internship with an approved hospitality organization must consist of 500 hours and students need to fulfill the 120-credit requirement to graduate. The well-rounded curriculum consists of:

• general education (50 credits),
• hospitality management (49 credits),
• and elective (21 credits) courses.

The nearly-equal number of credit hours for general education and concentration courses demonstrates the equal emphasis placed on transferable and technical skills in students. 

Graduates are able to describe the roles and responsibilities of hospitality professionals including lodging and food service management, among other products and services.

The ability to describe and apply sound financial management principles and practices is also part of their skill sets. Legal and ethical considerations are also embedded in their skill sets, as are effective human resources and organizational management practices. 

Freshman and transfer applicants are welcome to apply but must meet the minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA for college-level credits earned. 

Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, GA 30033 Phone: (404) 679-4500 ext. 4504 Fax: (404) 679-4558 www.sacscoc.org

Sampling of Coursework:

• Catering Management and Quantity Food
• Hospitality Employee Supervision and Management
• Hotel Sales & Event Services

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S ONLINE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Hospitality Management

Prominent Program Features:

One of the most affordable undergraduate online programs is at Florida International University. It is the largest university in South Florida and the fourth largest in the nation. Students enroll in a fully online program in Hospitality Management with concentrations in:

• Beverage Management,
• Hotel/Lodging Management,
• Culinary/Restaurant Management,
• Event Management,
• and Travel and Tourism Management.

Under the program, students undergo practical executive-level internship opportunities. They get the chance to become part of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival and are paired up with an advisor. Students complete 120 credits to earn the degree or may opt for a combined B.S./M.S. accelerated program.

Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through a combination of academic instruction, mentorship relationships, and hands-on experiences. The latter is achieved through participation in food festivals and other university and community events.

While the hours spent in these activities may not qualify as advanced internship and work experience, these are learning experiences! Aside from completion of the academic requirements, FIU also requires students to complete a 300-hour advanced internship on top of at least 1,000 hours of work experience in the industry.

Students are provided with excellent student support services that enable them to meet rigorous academic standards. These support services include 24/7 access to interactive technology, one-on-one guidance from academic advisors, and real-time interactions and feedback from professors. 

Transfer applicants must have completed at least 75 credit hours in college-level work with a minimum of 3.2 GPA. 

Campus Location: Miami, Florida

Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, GA 30033 Phone: (404) 679-4500 ext. 4504 Fax: (404) 679-4558 www.sacscoc.org

Sampling of Coursework:

• Advanced Food Production Management
• Hospitality Industry Law
• Hospitality Analytics and Revenue Management

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY-ONLINE

Online BS in Hospitality Management

Prominent Program Features:

In addition to its multi-campus operations in Rhode Island, Johnson and Wales University runs an online platform that serves non-traditional students. JWU started as a business school and now provides expertise in management programs.

Its 100% online Hospitality Management program covers major concepts and skills needed to advance in careers in:

• food and beverage,
• event planning,
• lodging,
• and tourism.

The school has been affiliated with well-known hospitality companies like Compass Group, Darden, and Marriott. The curriculum features courses with topics in advanced techniques such as:

• revenue management,
• negotiations,
• and financial analysis. 

Students need to complete 180 credits to graduate. This means a four-year time-to-completion period for full-time students, but it’s longer for part-time students and shorter for transfer students with transferred credits.

The career-focused career, nonetheless, benefits students through a high career outcome rate of 98%. The small classes, usually a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, encourage mentorship relationships and camaraderie, too. 

Note that it’s a degree program for current hospitality professionals, meaning applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience. Students then have a strong background in the hospitality industry and its current practices and regulations. Their baccalaureate education develops their leadership skills and management knowledge in preparation for career advancement. 

A minor in Human Resource Management is also an option for students. With or without said minor, graduates are ready to become effective managers and leaders in the hospitality industry.

Campus Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Accreditation:

New England Commission of Higher Education 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100 Burlington, MA 01803-4514 https://www.neche.org/, 781-425-7785

Sampling of Coursework:

• Hospitality Strategy Design and Execution Seminar
• Dynamics of Tourism and Sustainability
• Beverage Appreciation

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Online BA in Hospitality Business Management

Prominent Program Features:

Washington State University is one of the oldest universities in the American West. It operates five campuses and an online format called WSU Global Campus. WSU Global Campus has been around since 1992, catering to the needs of students across the nation and around the globe.

Among its 45 degree programs is the Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management program that teaches students the core principles needed to compete in this fast-paced industry. Students are required to finish 120-semester credits including a 6-credit International Experience course.  The International Experience course may be completed by studying abroad, accepting international internships, or completing assigned coursework.

Students must also complete at least 1,000 hours of paid work in the hospitality industry. The experience not only boosts their workplace readiness but also raises their professional profile and creates new career connections. Students may also participate in the Carson Career Amplifier Program, a co-curricular program for students who want more hands-on learning experiences. There’s also the opportunity to study at the César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland! 

The upper-division courses are offered in a 7-week format but note that several of these courses are available once every academic year only. Summer courses may also be required to complete the program. The accelerated 7-week courses can be demanding, too, with students well-advised to put in 15-20 hours of study time every week. 

Campus Location: Pullman, Washington

Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 8060 165th Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052 Phone: 425-558-4224

Sampling of Coursework:

• Foodservice Systems and Control
• Service Operations Management
• Hospitality Systems

LEARN MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HOSPITALITY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Online BS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism-Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management

Prominent Program Features:

University of Utah (U of U) is the flagship university of the state and is recognized by the Carnegie Classification as a Doctoral University with very high research activity. Its 200 academic programs include a completely online bachelor’s in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism in Sustainable and Hospitality Management.

Besides learning the operations and problem-solving skills of the industry, the program lets students focus on:

• biodiversity,
• cultural heritage conservation,
• and sustainability.

Online learners complete courses at their own pace with interactive learning through group assignments, forums, and peer reviews. 

The university has a 122-credit hour rule for its baccalaureate degree programs. This program also has a 67-credit hour program requirement that includes a senior internship. Students also have the option of earning the Hospitality Operations Certificate.

The academic coursework may be completed in four semesters during the regular term, a path that many students follow for convenience. The typical course load is between 12 and 15 credits per semester. The internship is typically completed during the summer term. The start dates are during the fall, spring and summer terms. 

Students have several interactive learning formats including group assignments, discussion forums, and peer reviews and interactions. Professors and students use emails, phone calls and discussion threads, too, in communication and collaboration. 

Campus Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 8060 165th Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052 Phone: 425-558-4224

Sampling of Coursework:

• Leisure Behavior & Human Diversity
• Wilderness Recreation
• PRT Experience & Service Marketing

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH’S ONLINE PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA

Online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Missouri is a member of the Association of American Universities. It is also the flagship university of the University of Missouri System. The university founded its Center for Distance Learning in 2011 called Mizzou Online.

Mizzou Online maintains more than 125 certificate and degree programs for students nationwide and across the globe. Its bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management is offered entirely online.

The curriculum covers the fundamental subjects of:

• Hospitality Law,
• HR Management,
• Professional Development,
• Sales and Marketing.

Students may also specialize in:

• conference and events management,
• food and beverage management,
• lodging management,
• or sports venue management.

Eligible students, such as public community college graduates and military members, may qualify for tuition reduction. Students typically have an associate degree in either culinary arts or hospitality management before entering the program.

Their training enables them to apply for higher positions in their current workplaces or in other establishments. Their skill sets include strategic thinking and an innovative mindset necessary for finding viable solutions to current issues. 

Campus Location: Columbia, Missouri

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413 1.800.621.7440; 1.312.263.0456; FAX: 1.312.263.7462 Email: info@hlcommission.org

Sampling of Coursework:

• Hospitality Human Resources Management
• Special Events Management
• Strategic Management in the Hospitality Industry

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI’S ONLINE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Prominent Program Features:

Fort Hays State University is one of the largest state universities belonging to the Kansas Board of Regents. A 200-acre campus and Virtual College, it is home to more than 15,000 students. Its FHSU’s Virtual College delivers over 200 programs, ranging from certificate to doctoral levels.

One of its fully online programs is the Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Management, with 120 credits to complete. These consist of:

• 55 credit hours of general education courses,
• 24 credit hours of business core courses,
• and 23 credit hours of concentration courses in tourism and hospitality management.

There are also 12 credit hours of required electives and 6 credit hours of free electives, both types of which tailor your education to your career goals. 

FHSU aims for students to have a transformative experience through hands-on training with partner companies and distinguished employers. Students choose four elective courses, such as:

• Foundations of Wine,
• Meetings,
• Conventions & Events Management,
• Casino Management, and more.

Campus Location: Hays, Kansas

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413 1.800.621.7440; 1.312.263.0456; FAX: 1.312.263.7462 Email: info@hlcommission.org

Sampling of Coursework:

• Principles and Practices in Tourism and Hospitality Management
• International Hospitality: Problems and Planning
• Health & Wellness Tourism
• Social Media Marketing

LEARN MORE ABOUT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

Online BS in Hotel & Restaurant Management

Prominent Program Features:

Northern Arizona University was established as a regular school in 1899 and was known for its diverse student body. Along with more than 22,000 students enrolled in on-campus programs, NAU serves over 8,000 learners for its online programs.

Among the online programs is the Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Students in this program gain a memorable learning experience through significant hospitality coursework and internship curriculum.

Two foreign language classes are required together with five courses in hospitality and open elective courses completing the 120 credit requirement.

Students have the option to earn a Hospitality Certificate based on their chosen electives. It enables them to carve a career out of specific areas of study such as event planning or hospitality accounting. Students also choose from two formats of online learning.

• First, the Traditional Online Learning format combines the flexibility of online programs with the certainty of scheduled progress. Students follow a semester-based course schedule and, thus, are required to meet deadlines for assignments. The tuition payments are based on credit hours. 
• Second, the Competency-based Online Learning format allows students to select their start date, study at their own pace, and set their own schedules. Their competency is measured based on objective tools. Students pay a six-month flat subscription fee. 

All students receive the same student support services regardless of the format chosen. Full library access, 24/7 tech support, academic advising and online tutoring are guaranteed.

Campus Location: Flagstaff, Arizona

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413 1.800.621.7440; 1.312.263.0456; FAX: 1.312.263.7462 Email: info@hlcommission.org

Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) Dorothy C. Fenwick, Ph.D. P.O. Box 400 Oxford, MD 21654 410-226-5527 Voice

Sampling of Coursework:

• Hotel Operations and Management
• Revenue Management and Cost Control for Restaurants
• Hospitality Leadership and Ethics
• Hospitality Industry Analytics

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY-SPRINGFIELD

Online BS in Hospitality Leadership-General Operations/Bachelor AS in Hospitality Leadership

Prominent Program Features:

For more than a hundred years, Missouri State University has provided quality education through its more than 200 academic programs. Serving more than 23,000 students per year, MO State is the second-largest university campus in the state. Students maximize their time and money through their distance education.

Those who have completed an associate degree in hospitality management or culinary can enroll in the undergraduate programs (Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science) in Hospitality Leadership. The programs are entirely online, with courses taught by industry experts.

The Bachelor of Science has an emphasis in General Operations, where students learn ethical leadership and navigate standard industry regulations. The school has trained hospitality leaders since 1983 and created a strong network of alumni who are actively working in the hospitality industry. Both degrees require 120 hours to finish.

Campus Location: Springfield, Missouri

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413 1.800.621.7440; 1.312.263.0456; FAX: 1.312.263.7462 Email: info@hlcommission.org

Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) Dorothy C. Fenwick, Ph.D. P.O. Box 400 Oxford, MD 21654 410-226-5527 Voice

Sampling of Coursework:

• Introduction to Hospitality Leadership
• Hospitality Change Management and Leadership
• Hospitality Facilities Management
• Hospitality Industry Revenue Management

LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT / BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-EAST BAY

Online BS in Hospitality and Tourism

Prominent Program Features:

California State University-East Bay has been serving the higher education needs of a diverse student body for over 60 years. There are more than 15,000 students on its campuses in Hayward, Oakland, Concord, and online.

For those interested in building a hospitality career, Cal State East Bay offers a bachelor’s degree program entirely online for you. Students can choose areas of concentration in:

• Event Planning and Management,
• Food and Beverage,
• Lodging,
• Resort and Club Management.

The program helps students develop their problem-solving and people skills, creativity, and technological skills needed to stand out in the industry.

With 120 units to complete, students may start to build a resume and earn a degree. Of these 120 units, the major requirements comprise 60 units while the general education requirements comprise 57 units. Students may or may not have free elective units depending on the number of general education and general requirements units completed. 

While students can choose a concentration, they also have the option of choosing elective courses based on their career goals and personal interests. But the choice must be made with the approval of an academic advisor and the elective courses must either be from the current department curriculum or from other departments. 

Graduates have numerous professional competencies that qualify them for entry-level jobs or, with sufficient and relevant work experience, for supervisory positions. Their skill sets include explaining sustainable solutions, identifying effective strategies in management and leadership, and contributing to the advancement of the profession. 

Campus Location: Hayward, California

Accreditation:

WASC Senior College and University Commission 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: 510-748-9001 Fax: 510-748-9797

Sampling of Coursework:

• Tourism Management
• Technology in Hospitality and Tourism
• Marketing in Hospitality, Recreation, Recreation Therapy, and Tourism

LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT

Online BS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management

Prominent Program Features:

As one of the two mission universities of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Stout is known for its career-focused programs. It is home to more than 8,000 students, with more than 25% enrolled in its Online and Distance Education.

Future hospitality managers may begin their journey through its online undergraduate program in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. The school holds one of the oldest hotel, restaurant, and tourism management programs in the world with a curriculum focusing on:

• organizational development management,
• financial management,
• and operations management.

Students can launch successful careers with the degree due to the extensive training in the vital aspects of running a hotel, restaurant and tourism business. Among their skill sets are:

• the effective analysis of current issues, trends and practices;
• the application of business and finance management principles in achieving the organization’s operational objectives;
• and the development of strategies for business growth including guest retention. 

Courses are delivered through Customized Instruction designed for adult learners and working professionals. Online advisors and writing labs are accessible 24/7 and Customized Instruction Scholarships are for new enrollees.

Campus Location: Menomonie, Wisconsin

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413 1.800.621.7440; 1.312.263.0456; FAX: 1.312.263.7462 Email: info@hlcommission.org

Sampling of Coursework:

• Development of Tourism Attractions
• Hospitality Management Strategies
• Customer Experience Management

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN’S ONLINE HOTEL, RESTAURANT, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

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What can I do with my Hospitality Management degree?

By completing a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, you will gain skills and knowledge essential to building a successful career. The opportunities in this industry are boundless, and at work, no two days are ever the same. It is one of the largest and most diverse sectors in the nation.

Many individuals have improved their lives and careers through jobs like:

• Lodging Managers: Lodging managers typically oversee the operation and economic status of the hotel, motel, or lodging facility. They supervise staff performance and ensure that guests on vacation get the best experience possible. Managing the budget, training staff, setting room rates, and allocating funds to the facility’s departments are all parts of their responsibilities.
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners: Planners design and structure events like weddings, conferences, and business meetings. They are responsible for choosing the location, determining the budget, negotiating contracts, and meeting with clients.
• Food Service Managers: Food service managers are expected to run and maintain a food establishment. Their main goal is to ensure that the guests/customers have a pleasant dining experience. They hire, train, and fire employees, manage budget and payroll, order food, equipment and supplies, and over
• Gaming Managers: Gaming managers supervise gaming tables and gaming dealers, coordinate game operations, and formulate house rules in the casino. They are also responsible for hiring and training casino workers, reviewing operational expenses, and assisting high-profile customers.
• Sales Managers: Most sales managers, handle the distribution of products and services, assign sales areas, train and manage sales agents/ representatives, and develop sales training programs.

What is the average salary of a Hospitality Manager or employee?

Pay for specific hospitality-related jobs may vary on the worker’s level of education, duties, and responsibilities. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, lodging managers are paid $61,910 per year. Meeting, convention, and event planners earn a median pay of $52,560 annually.

Each year, food service managers, gaming managers, and sales managers get $61,310, $95,830, and $130,600, respectively.

What is the importance of accreditation in a Hospitality Management school?

Accreditation is important because it helps guarantee that a particular institution has established standards and quality. It also allows educational institutions to identify the acceptability of transfer credits and protect them against internal and external constraints. Accreditation helps students in a way that involves the faculty and staff.

Faculty members undergo situational evaluations and must present professional certification to verify their capability. Students seeking financial assistance and federal grants and loans need to be enrolled in an accredited institution.

What are the best steps in establishing your career as a Hospitality Management practitioner?

There’s tough competition for hospitality management jobs out there! You, a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree, will find plenty of competition, oftentimes from applicants with apparently better credentials and clothes. These credentials may be in the form of an Ivy League education, more work experience, and more connections. 

But keep in mind that you can even the field, too! Aside from checking that your resume and other application documents highlight your suitability for the job, here are steps that you can take to boost your competitiveness. 

• Sell yourself! Hiring managers know that every applicant with a college degree has the basic competence for entry-level tasks. You can stand out by speaking about your travel and work experiences including their relevance to the job. You should also state your vision for your career in the hospitality industry and explain how the job fits into your long-term strategic plan. 
• Start from the bottom and explain your appreciation for climbing the ladder on your own merits. Entry-level positions build not just your resume but also your character, skill sets and connections, as well as your extensive knowledge of the industry. You’re building a successful career from the ground up while ensuring a firm foundation. 
• Undergo training and other professional development programs that will expand your skill sets, too. Be willing to wear plenty of hats, too, when you’re starting out, even performing the behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the company running and the guests happy. 
• Be a generalist and learn the ropes first so that you have a strong foundation upon which to build a specialist career. Hospitality management has numerous niche specializations so you may want to spend time studying and/or immersing in them before making your choice. 

There’s neither harm nor shame in being a beginner! Not only does everybody start from square one but it’s a good place to start because then you can look back and revel in your success. 

What are the latest trends in Hospitality Management, and will my degree prepare me for future growth?

The latest trends in Hospitality Management include technology, customization, and sustainability. Technology, such as cloud-based systems, can help streamline operations, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce costs. Automation and artificial intelligence can also help offer personalized services. Sustainability is also an important trend, and hotels are increasingly focusing on reducing their environmental impact.

Your degree should provide a comprehensive overview of the hospitality industry and a strong foundation for further career growth. You may also want to consider taking courses in marketing, social media management, finance, sales, or operations to give you an even more thorough and specialized background.

What are the important traits of successful Hospitality Management practitioners?

The hospitality and tourism industry is customer-centric and, thus, its practitioners must possess certain traits that fit the bill, so to speak. You must be a motivated individual with the drive to succeed, the willingness to make mistakes and take risks, and be held accountable for them. You may be asked to say “yes” to tasks that you may have little to no knowledge of, perhaps even unwilling to do them, and even volunteer for them. 

You should also be an effective communicator and collaborator whose interpersonal relationships with your supervisors and peers are above board. While the customers may take center stage, your interpersonal dealings with co-workers are just as critical to your career advancement. Referrals and recommendations, both the formal and informal types, will go a long way toward opening opportunities! 

Your organizational skills are also important since part of your daily work routine will be handling multiple tasks at once. Getting your tasks prioritized, meeting deadlines, and delegating tasks are par for the course, and these can mean the difference between profits and losses. You should also pay attention to detail, particularly when it comes to customer-related products and services. 

Your physical and mental health should also be in tip-top shape! Hospitality establishments tend to have a busy and energetic environment that demands not just good health but also flexibility in adapting to ever-changing situations. There are also the ever-changing technologies used in the hospitality industry that demand adaptability from practitioners. 

Perhaps most importantly, you should have empathy for others and the willingness to help others. These include peers and customers, even the difficult ones whose demands may be unreasonable. 

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