The hospitality industry is currently in need of more qualified managers to help run hotels, convention centers and other tourist facilities. Paul Stansbie, chairman of Grand Valley State University's hospitality and tourism management program, said that "the industry is going so fast [that] it has a shortage of quality managers". A survey of people who graduated from that university course in the past three years reveals that all respondents were either employed in the industry or had moved on to graduate programs, suggesting that there is a rosy future for those seeking a career in hotel management. Indeed, the Department of Labor (DOL) also suggests that new hotel construction and continuing strength in international travel will drive the creation of jobs. Lodging managers have a variety of duties that contribute to running the general operations of a hotel. These may include setting rates for room, developing a credit policy and overseeing other employees. According to the DOL, those who graduate with a degree in hotel, restaurant and hospitality management have the strongest background to pursue a career as a lodging manager. These graduates are valued for their strong technical knowledge and familiarity with management skills. DOL statistics reveal that the median yearly earnings of lodging managers are $42,320.  |