Understandably, your level of experience and training will play a large role in the positions you will qualify for. Those who hold hotel manager jobs and other similar positions typically are content with not only their work, but with their salaries as well. They report room for growth via promotions and opportunities to manage larger hotels and resort areas. Many began their careers as part-time employees or even worked on an "as needed" basis.
Some of the considerations that must be a part of your decision to pursue any of these hotel management jobs include being aware of the potential for long hours and weekends spent working, dealing with the general public, and the unique problems this career field presents, including covering all positions, such as chefs for those hotels that have room service and dining rooms, bell boys, housekeeping, and clerical positions. These are positions that must have manpower at all times. Many hotels and resorts provide concierge services, and there are those that still provide personalized attention to regular customers via upgrades and discounts; you must be able to provide consistent quality to these regulars.
Many hotel chains prefer management members to hold a degree, and some require a level of experience before filling any of their hotel management jobs. There remains a consistent opportunity for promotion, and loyalty is rewarded in this line of work via these promotions.
Those looking for part-time work are sometimes ideal candidates for public relations positions, marketing positions, and food service management. With such ideal potential for promotion in these fields, many begin as part-time employees, and some begin working in their summers while still in high school. Studies also reveal that even in tough economic times there are those who remain true to their vacation time and are not willing to compromise precious vacation days. This is further proof of the positive outlook for hotel and resort positions.
But what if you're searching for part-time positions in smaller hotels? Usually these smaller hotels don't offer such amenities as room and concierge service, and this reduces the number of employees required, thus reducing the potential for promotion. On the other hand, these may be perfect for part-time employees, since these hotel owners are vigilant in their efforts to keep their overhead low. If you're looking for part-time work, these most likely will be your starting points. You will gain the experience needed should you decide to broaden your horizons and attempt to enter into the resort market. Keep in mind the skills that will be beneficial. Computer skills are almost a must, as is the ability to deal with the public, especially hard-to-please customers. You must have a tolerance for various shifts and be willing to work days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
Another fast-rising hospitality field is the bed and breakfast, which is becoming quite popular. These are generally run by "mom and pop" entrepreneurs who open their homes to visitors for weekends, and sometimes for as long as a week or more. These setups are not generally conducive to adding employees, but considering their fast growth and increasing popularity, it could be that many small bed and breakfast operations may find themselves expanding, with a need for at least part-time employees to provide assistance.
With all of this information, it's not surprising that statistics predict at least an average growth rate of 12% through 2016. Salaries vary depending on the location of the hotel, the education of the job seeker, and the size of the hotel. For those who consider themselves "people persons," this is a fantastic field to get into, both in part-time and full-time positions. Salaries run the gamut from $25,000 for those just starting out to median earnings for some management personnel near $42,000. It should be noted that factors such as level of responsibility, location, and the chosen segment within the industry play a large role in expected income. Keep in mind, however, this is one field that welcomes those pursuing their educations, as some employers offer education assistance.
If you're looking to go into the hospitality industry as a part-time employee, odds are good that you'll be able to secure a position, and hopefully, with a bit of persistence and hard work, you can open doors that will lead to a full-time and flourishing career should you discover a passion for the hotel and resort industry.
