The hospitality industry broadly describes services to guests. This includes hotel management, tourism, and restaurant management, among other fields.
Traveling is one of the most popular leisure activities, although of course people also travel for pleasure. Tourism usually refers to those traveling for fun. Travel agents help people book flights, accommodations, and other parts of a trip. Average earnings for travel agents in 2002 were $26,630. One of the perks of the job is usually deeply-discounted travel! Tour operators and their employees lead people on specific tours, such as a tour of architecture in a city. Running tours can be dangerous and demanding, but most people in the field enjoy it.
Hotel managers make management decisions about the hotels they run, including who to hire, rates to charge, and how to settle disputes. Hotel management degree programs are generally considered good preparation for this career, since they cover both business and management concepts, and issues related specifically to tourism and accommodations. Obviously, hotel management covers many types of accommodations, including campgrounds, motels, resorts, and more.
Hotels are open 24-7, and the manager's hours will reflect that. Additionally, the job can be hectic and stressful during busy times or when problems arise. The job can also be very satisfying for someone who loves this kind of work – and it can be lucrative, as well. The median annual earnings for lodgings managers in 2002 were $33,970. The top 10% earned over $59,420.
Restaurant mangers run restaurants and similar food service establishments. They oversee the buying of food, menu creation, food preparation and service, employees, costs, and many other things. Sometimes chefs with experience and money open and manage their own restaurants; business owners with other experience may do the same thing. There are also restaurant management programs that prepare graduates for the field.
The job can be very stressful and even hazardous at times (kitchen fires, various injuries, etc.). However, for the chef or business person who has always dreamed of running a restaurant, the field can be very rewarding. Seeing one's own food creations “wow” guests is every chef's delight.
Average wages for restaurant cooks in 2002 were $9.16/hour. Managers and supervisors average $11.73/hour.
 |
 |
 |
 |
More ALLSchools.com Network directories: ArtSchools.com, BartendingSchools.com, CookingSchools.com, RestaurantSchools.com, SailingSchools.com
