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Property operations
Hotel Manager
Running a small city that never closes.
Typical pay
$55k-$110k
How you get in
Hospitality degree, or work your way up
Outlook
Recovering and stable
Managers oversee staff, guests, budgets and the building itself. Every problem eventually reaches your desk.
A day in the life
- 7:00aReview overnight reports and occupancy
- 8:30aDepartment head stand-up
- 10:00aWalk the property, inspect rooms
- 12:00pHandle a guest complaint personally
- 2:00pRevenue and staffing planning
- 5:00pGreet the evening arrivals
How to get in
Front desk upward
Duration
3-7 years
Cost
$0
Credential
None — operational track record
- Start at the front desk or in housekeeping
- Move to supervisor, then front office manager
- Learn revenue management and the property management system
- Take an assistant general manager role, then GM
Hospitality degree
Duration
4 years
Cost
$40,000-$150,000
Credential
BS in hospitality management
- Complete a hospitality program with required internships
- Work summers in actual properties, not just classrooms
- Enter a brand's management training program on graduation
- Reach GM years earlier than the front desk route
Brand management trainee
Duration
12-24 months
Cost
$0 — paid
Credential
Internal certification from the brand
- Apply to a Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt trainee program
- Rotate through every department in the property
- Take an assistant manager placement at the end
- Relocation is usually expected and often required
What people love
- · People-facing and varied
- · Travel industry perks
- · Clear path from front desk up
What wears people down
- · Always on call
- · Holiday coverage
- · Guest-facing stress