The requirements you'll have to meet to become a lodging manager, a job that involves overseeing the operation of a hospitality business and the satisfaction of its guests, will depend on the company with which you seek employment. In general, earning a bachelor's degree in a hospitality- or business-related field will give you the best chance of securing the job you want, but some employers will hire those with less education as well. In such a case, you will typically need extensive experience as a substitute for education. Additionally, you might benefit from taking advantage of hospitality industry internships, training programs, and certification opportunities in preparation for this job.
Many employers give preference to individuals who have bachelor's degrees when they are hiring lodging managers. As such, you may benefit from earning a four-year degree in a field such as hospitality management or hotel management when you want to become a lodging manager — a business degree may prove suitable as well. No matter which degree program you choose, however, you will likely find that certain courses will prove particularly helpful for a career in this field. They include courses in food service management, accounting, hotel administration, and economics. You may also find marketing and business computing courses good preparation for this job.
You will typically need experience to become a lodging manager, but the amount of experience you will need depends on the employer. Larger, luxury hotels will likely expect you to have the most experience, while some smaller hotels, especially those that are not part of a chain, may hire you with just a few years of related hospitality or business experience. You might also have a good chance of getting hired as a lodging manager if you start out in an entry-level position with a hotel and then gradually work your way up to management.
Besides the experience you gain from your years of experience working in the hotel industry or in a non-hotel management position, you may also need additional training to become a lodging manager. Often, employers offer training programs for those they consider suitable candidates for lodging management jobs, but you can also find training programs you can enter on your own. You could develop many of the skills you need through internship opportunities as well.
Though it may not be required for the position you seek, you might also find hospitality management certification helpful for gaining a competitive edge against other job applicants. Seeking certification usually involves providing proof that you have completed a hospitality-related certification and obtained significant experience in the field. You may also have to pass a certification exam as part of this process.
