Looking ahead

Although there is fierce competition for the best posts, there are usually lots of opportunities for hotel managers in what is still a growing industry. Your promotion prospects would depend on the size of the hotel and your skills and experience: it could take several years to work through posts such as assistant front-of-house manager to deputy manager and then manager.

With suitable experience, there is always the prospect that you could eventually open your own hotel.

Alternative suggestions

You might also consider catering manager, chef, human resources officer/manager, leisure services manager, marketing executive or public relations officer. The Hospitality and Catering or Leisure and Tourism industries present Global Opportunities.

Take-home pay

There is a wide range of salaries, according to the size and type of hotel and your level of responsibility. You might start as a trainee hotel managers on around £12,000 to £14,000, rising to £16,000 to £25,000 as a deputy manager and £40,000 or more for an experienced general manager.

Other benefits might include profit-sharing, performance bonuses and live-in accommodation.

Effects

Hotel managers tend to work long hours, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. They may work in shifts.

The advantages of living in the hotel itself can be outweighed by the inconvenience of being called on to help with problems or make decisions even when you are not on duty.

Sources of information

British Institute of Innkeeping: www.bii.org.uk
People 1st: www.people1st.co.uk
Hotel and Catering International Management Association: www.hcima.org.uk
Springboard UK Ltd,: www.springboarduk.org.uk