Secondary School and Employer-Sponsored Training

• Hotel managers typically have some form of training or formal education related to their positions. Approximately 25 percent of all professionals in the field have only a high school diploma or GED, according to the Occupational Information Network. These managers may begin their careers in entry-level positions and gain promotions as their experience improves. Some large hotel chains offer management training programs for this type of employee. Prospective hotel managers can also gain training in the field while in still in high school by participating in the Lodging Management Program offered by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Available at more than 450 high schools in the United States as of 2010, this program allows high school juniors and seniors to receive instruction in hotel management while completing their high school diplomas.
  
  

Formal Post-Secondary Training

• Some hotel managers pursue post-secondary training in hospitality management. About 21 percent of professionals in the field have some college training, such as a certificate or diploma, but no degree, explains the Occupational Information Network. Around 28 percent have a four-year bachelor's degree. Some community colleges also offer two-year associate degrees. The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration provides accreditation to hotel management colleges in the United States. As of December 2010, more than 50 schools carried this credentialing.
  
  

Experience

• Employers often prefer to hire lodging managers with experience working in the field. College students can gain experience through completing for-credit internships with hotels or acquiring a summer job working in one. Some post-secondary schools own and operate their own hotels, allowing students to work in these facilities as a part of the required curriculum. Prospective managers without secondary school experience may need to gain management experience by working as a shift supervisor or department manager in an area of a hotel like the front desk.
  
  

Skills

• For success in the field, hotel managers must possess certain skills and abilities. A friendly personality and strong customer service skills are necessary to interact positively with guests and to set a good example for hotel staff. The abilities to train and coach employees as well as to communicate verbally and in writing are also necessary. Hotel managers need to interpret financial data like budgets and expense reports, requiring mathematics and basic accounting skills. To complete their work, hotel managers use computers, employing software like customer management databases, human resources and accounting programs, e-mail, spreadsheets, word processing and point-of-sale or cash register systems.