Summer work experience at a hotel or resort can be a valuable asset alongside a relevant degree for people looking to enter a career in hotel management. Kat Cohen wrote on the Huffington Post that for graduates interested in eventually running a hotel or other form of holiday lodging, a summer working behind the front desk of a resort can be a "lovely idea" for gaining hands-on experience to supplement a degree and beef up a resume. According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, tourism is currently the United States' third-largest retail industry, as well as being one of the country's largest employers. In 2006, the industry generated a total $133.4 billion, up from $122.7 billion the year before. To enter management positions or training programs in hotel management, particularly for large-scale, high-end chains, candidates require a bachelor's or master's degree in either hospitality or hotel management, according to the US Department of Labor. The DOL adds that job prospects for hotel and lodgings managers are forecast to be "very good", with jobs growth projected at 12% between 2006 and 2016. May 2006 figures show the average earnings for lodgings managers were $42,320, although this varies by establishment and location.  |