Travel-lovers whose passion extends to helping others get the most out of their experiences may find their calling in hospitality or hotel management. Lance Broberg, president of Oneida Airport Hotel Corporation, told the Green Bay Press Gazette that the most important quality for working in this industry is to "thrive on serving and interacting with guests". He explained that workers in the hospitality sector "are in the business of creating great experiences" for vacationers and business travelers alike. This process involves working as a team to solve problems on a day-to-day basis, he added. Other qualities that are beneficial for prospective hotel managers include an ability to work under pressure, use initiative and get along with a wide range of different people. According to figures from the Department of Labor (DOL), there are more than 60,000 individual hotel and lodging establishments in the US, which means there are plenty of opportunities for people who are pursuing a hotel management career. Around 150 colleges and universities offer bachelor's or master's degrees in hotel and restaurant management, while 200 community and junior colleges offer two-year degree programs. The most recent DOL data reveals that lodging managers earn a median salary of $20 per hour, with the top 10% earning $40 or more - although these figures may vary due to location, employer and experience.  |