Wondering if hotel management is a good career option? For the purpose of convenience, candidates often combine the three extremely related professions of hospitality, hotel management, and tourism under the umbrella term "hotel management". Another justification for this is that there is a good possibility you will need to become familiar with the other two regardless of whether you are pursuing a career in hotel management, travel and tourism, or one of the hospitality-related programmes in India.

An emerging economy like India relies heavily on the hotel sector for its hospitality industry. Students who start building a Hotel Management career by enrolling in one of the top colleges in India are more likely to earn a decent salary in hotel management. An annual, national-level admission test is used to determine admittance to these universities. In India, hotel management careers have also grown to be lucrative and exciting, attracting more students. This topic of study comprises learning management strategies for all facets of operating a hotel enterprise, including hotel administration, marketing, housekeeping, accounting, maintenance, food management, catering, beverage management, and more.

Is Hotel Management a Good Career Option?

Hotel Management is one of the most popular choices of courses in India. This is because the hotel management career opportunities or hospitality courses are limitless in the domestic as well the international market, and this makes it a valuable course for any person who has the skills required to succeed in the hotel management industry. In this article, we will find an answer to the question "Is hotel management a good career option?", and take a look at the career opportunities you can explore through a course in the stream of hospitality, hotel management or tourism course.

The phenomenal rise in the Hotel Management industry is one of the key effects of globalisation in our country, offering better prospects for Hotel Management careers. Completing this degree provides you with a variety of job opportunities and a lucrative salary of hotel management and other benefits it provides. Since India is one of the most popular vacation destinations, the government is also promoting and investing in the growth of the Hotel Management career in India. Thus, if you are thinking Is Hotel Management a Good Career Option? then, yes, the field may become a good career path for you!

Hotel Management Admission Process

Admission to various hotel management courses in India is done mainly through entrance exams conducted at the state/national/university level, followed by a Personal Interview round. The most popular entrance exams for hotel management include:

• NCHMCT JEE
• AIMA UGAT
• UPCET BHMCT
• WBJEE HM
• IPU CET
• AIHMCT WAT, and so on

Apart from these, some institutes and hotels also conduct their own entrance tests for admission and training of eligible candidates that offer a decent salary of hotel management through top recruiters.

Now that we know the answer to the question — Is hotel management a good career option — here is a step-by-step admission process for pursuing a Hotel Management degree in India:

Step 1: Shortlist the Universities - Begin with researching and shortlisting various Hotel Management institutes in India that meet your requirements, budget, and hotel management career goals.

Step 2: Check the Eligibility Criteria - Check the eligibility criteria provided by the listed institutes after shortlisting multiple Hotel Management institutes, which normally include educational qualifications, documents, age limits, admission exam requirements, and occasionally personal interviews as well.

Step 3: Give Entrance Exams - Many Hotel Management colleges are now holding admission tests such as the NCHM JEE, IHM CET, state-level, and university-level exams. Students must study key subjects such as English, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability, and Logical Reasoning to prepare for these tests.

Step 4: Give a Personal Interview - In addition to the written exam, some universities require candidates to attend personal interviews. The questions are mainly based on the candidates' attitudes. Admission to Hotel Management courses will be granted based on performance in both the written test and the interview.

Step 5: Fill Out Application Forms - After you have decided on the institutions and entrance exams, fill out the application forms online or offline according to the instructions provided by the institutes.

Step 6: Check Exam Results - After the tests, institutes will publish the results on their official websites. Qualified candidates will be invited to counselling sessions, during which they will be able to select their desired institutes and courses depending on their ranks or scores to start their hotel management career.

Step 7: Documents Submission - At the time of reporting for verification, the applicant must produce all original certificates/documents, as well as two sets of self-attested true copies of the documents as per the eligibility requirements. 

Step 8: Fees Submission - After selecting a college, interested applicants for admission in Hotel Management can pay their registration fees. The candidate can pay the fees via cash, cheque, demand draft, IMPS, NEFT, or online bank transfer. The candidate will next submit the first semester's course fees. 

Hotel Management Career Scope

There is no doubt that the Hotel Management career is the most sought-after these days. Combined with the hospitality industry, these field offers great career opportunities along with a decent salary of hotel management. These fields offer a significant share in the service sector of India. As per an estimate, the travel and tourism industry supported more than 8% of the total employment in the country.

India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and attracts a large number of international tourists every year. The number of domestic tourists in India is also increasing year after year. This is great news for the innumerable business owners who rely on the annual vacation for their bread and butter. It also benefits the thousands of students who join hotel management careers.

Purpose of Pursuing Hotel Management Careers

Hotel Management is an attractive field but it is essential to understand the reason to pursue a hotel management career. It is a field where practical training is crucial to becoming successful, so students must research well and understand their core interests. Even a student who has pursued a course from a top hotel management college will not be able to land an excellent job without first going through the training phase. Check out some reasons, which will help you decide why you should opt for a hotel management career:

• The theoretical knowledge gained in a hotel management course forms a solid foundation. The experience gained after having this knowledge will help you become a professional in the hospitality industry.
• Hotel management courses include practical training and hence you get to learn a lot of skills that help you become a seasoned professional.
• The exposure in this field is also significant, so students who are keen on this course must be aware that this course will not only offer them a decent salary but also international exposure. 
• Having a hotel management degree helps open up career avenues early on. The employment opportunities after completing a degree in this field are vast and variable. 
• The growth of a Hotel Management career is also limitless, based on the candidate's skills and expertise, they can gain a senior position. 
• If you want to escape the 9-5 work routine and work at flexible times, then the hotel management career is best for you. 
• Completing a hotel management course opens up opportunities for higher education such as a master's degree or PhD in the field.
• You can look for internships or training opportunities in top hospitality establishments after completing a hotel management degree.
• Hotel management courses also include brushing up on communication skills and help boost your confidence to ace a professional role.
• Your hotel management college and colleagues are a support system that will help you throughout your career.
• The work environment is also comfortable allowing you to experience something new every day.

The reasons for pursuing a Hotel Management career are different for each student and you may have your own. It is important to figure out why you are pursuing this course and the salary of hotel management you will be earning as it will also help you select the right hotel management college.

Skills Required for Hotel Management Career

A degree alone does not make you fit for the hospitality and hotel management industry. To build a promising hotel management career, one needs to have certain attributes and skills that will make one stand out in the crowd. 

Job Opportunities for Hotel Management Careers

As mentioned up, job opportunities after hotel management courses are practically endless. After a hotel management course, candidates not only explore job opportunities in India but a large portion of graduates are also able to land jobs abroad in countries like New Zealand, the USA, UAE, Canada etc. Here are some of the hotel management career options you have after a hotel management degree.

Hotels/Spas/Resorts

Hotels are the primary employers of hotel management graduates. The hotel industry offers good career opportunities and is great for freshers as it can help a candidate gain experience in a diverse range of operations. Hotels are also great as they are much more inclined to accept fresh graduates in trainee roles than many other avenues listed below.

Restaurants/Bars/Clubs

Many hotel management graduates can also be found working in businesses such as restaurants, bars and clubs. However, these mainly recruit trained graduates for kitchen staff and managerial posts. Most of the other posts are for professionals with no formal training. One more thing to note is that the career paid by these establishments can be below average if you are not working at top-end places or large chains.

Airline Kitchens/In-Flight Operations

Airlines are another major recruiter for hospitality graduates that offer lucrative salary of hotel management. Airline industries mostly hire candidates who have a recognised degree, diploma or certificate course in hotel management. Plus, they have career opportunities not only in the kitchen but also in providing in-flight services. Airlines give you the advantage of being a much more organised sector of the economy and you also get better salary of hotel management here than in many other industries.

Cruise Liners

Cruise Liners deserve a category of their own as they are one of the more glamorous hotel management careers. They keep you in touch with a lavish lifestyle while also offering a chance to travel on some of the most beautiful waters on board magnificent watercraft. Plus, the salary of hotel management is exceptionally good. Do keep in mind that cruise liner staff is overworked almost all the time and you are basically on duty 24x7 serving large crowds of party-goers and people enjoying their vacation. While it is a career area preferred by freshers, more experienced professionals generally avoid this avenue, choosing to opt for a more fixed place of opportunity than a cruise ship.

Fast Food Chains

Fast Food chains are one of the most booming businesses all around the world. Fast-food chains have an enormous network of outlets and have a restaurant even in many small towns and villages. Naturally, they have a good requirement for trained professionals to manage these outlets and hotel management graduates can look for executive and management roles in these companies.

Indian Navy/Indian Army Hospitality and Catering Services

The naval and land wings of the defence forces also open recruitment for posts related to hospitality and catering. The army requires applicants to have at least a diploma or certificate in hotel management and catering technology. The Navy posts are open to candidates who have completed at least class 10.

Job Profiles Available for Hotel Management Graduates 

Hotel Management careers and job profiles are vast and divergent, including the hospitality sector. After a Hotel Management degree, the candidates are free to pick one from the gamut of profiles and job roles that offer decent salary of hotel management. Based on the diverse industries, some of the most coveted job profiles/roles after a hotel management careers include the following:

Hospitality Jobs in Guest Relations

Hotel Operations Manager

A Hotel Operations Manager is one responsible for guiding the course of all activities congruent with different departments of the hotels. Under the head of the Operations Manager, candidates can work as Supervisors or Managers. Consequently, they can work in departments of Housekeeping, Food and beverages, Security, Human Resources, Guest Relations, Health Management, etc.

Chief Sommelier

A Sommelier is in charge of the wine supply. The role involves choosing the best wine for the restaurant, chalking out the menu and pairing wine with the food. One can find a job as the Chief Sommelier in one of the finest restaurants where the demand for the job profile is high.

Head of Housekeeping

As the Head or Director of Housekeeping, one is expected to look after the overall appearance of the hotel, matters of cleanliness, maintenance of supplies etc. It is one of the most coveted managerial positions to get recruited.  

Hospitality Jobs in Food & Beverage

Sous Chef/Chef

Generally, the Chef, also referred to as Executive Chef, is the head of the kitchen. Then there is a rank for the Sous Chef – a second chef responsible for designing the menu, supervising the subordinates, and preparing different meals. A Sous Chef plays a vital role in the absence of an Executive Chef.

Catering Manager

Catering is also an integral part of the hospitality industry and hotel management career. During the course, students are taught the basics of catering. The theoretical and practical knowledge helps candidates land jobs as catering managers in clubs, hotels, restaurants airlines, etc.

Hospitality Jobs in Tourism Management

Tour Guide

The leading luxury hotels around the world have come up with this new trend of appointing in-house tour guides. The key responsibilities of a tour guide involve picking up and dropping off tourists to and from the destinations, providing an overview of the cultural significance of the various places and their historical references.

Stewards

The role of a Steward includes looking after the passengers and tourists on an aircraft, train, or ship. The major areas of employment are cruises, hotels, clubs, resorts, railway banquets, etc.

Travel Agent

As a Travel Agent, you will be planning trips and itineraries for tourists and visitors, assisting them with booking flights and hotels and informing them about the best deals available.

Hospitality Jobs in Event Planning

Event Planner

Gone are the days when pursuing a career as a chef was the only way to go. Nowadays, you can explore other facets of the domain, for instance, choose to work as an event manager at a firm after completing the degree.

Conference Organiser

Conference organisers are typically hired to make arrangements for a conference, trade fair, and similar events. They are the ones in charge of the seating, day-to-day itineraries, and other facilities needed at a conference.

Hospitality Jobs in Other Industries

Accounting and Finance

Like in any other sector, finance plays a major role in the hotel management career and hospitality industry as well. The leading hotels often seek proficient and competent candidates for this role. During the course, candidates are provided with an overview of the different areas of hotel accounting. One can join the hotel finance team with a specialised course in Business Accounting.

Government Job Opportunities

Graduates in hotel management can get a chance to be part of the hospitality industry in some of the esteemed government sectors, like the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The disciplines taught during the course help imbibe the desired traits and etiquettes for the job.

Entrepreneurship

Starting your own business is a challenging yet rewarding decision that has the potential to earn a better salary of hotel management than any other employer. Candidates with a degree in hotel management and hospitality, and innate leadership skills can choose to open their own resorts, banquets, hotels, restaurants, bakeries etc. 

Salary of Hotel Management Courses

The average salary of Hotel Management graduates in different positions varies between INR 2 LPA and INR 20 LPA. For example, the starting salary of a Chef can be INR 2 LPA and gradually go up to INR 6 LPA after several years of experience and growth. 

The table below contains a list of job positions available to candidates who have established their hotel management career in related streams such as hospitality, aviation and travel and tourism. The approximate average salary of hotel management in detail for each job position in India is also included in the table:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Hotel management graduates can also look for career opportunities abroad and earn decent salaries. The average starting salary of hotel management course is reported to be USD 6,000 (approx. INR 4.5 LPA) to USD 7,000 (approx. INR 5.25 LPA) in the USA.

Top Recruiting Companies After Hotel Management Courses

Given below are some top companies recruiting candidates who want to start their hotel management careers in India:

• ITC Group of Hotels

• Oberoi Group of Hotels

• Ambassador Group of Hotels

• Le Meridien Group of Hotels

• Casino Group of Hotels

• Mansingh Group of Hotels

• Jaypee Group of Hotels

• Welcome Heritage Group of Hotels

• Peerless Group of Hotels

• Sarovar Park Group of Hotels

• Sinclairs Group of Hotels

• Tulip Star Group of Hotels

• Best Western Group of Hotels

• Fortune Park Group of Hotels

• ITDC Group of Hotels

• K Raheja Group of Hotels

• Taj Group of Hotels

• Holiday Inn Group of Hotels

Hotel Management Courses after 12th

There are several degree and diploma courses available for students to establish a Hotel Management career. Listed below are some top courses to pick after the 12th:

• BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration

• BA in Hotel Management

• Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

• Bachelor in Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT)

• BBA in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism

• Diploma in Housekeeping

• Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management

• Diploma in Hotel Management

• Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology

• Diploma in Hospitality Management

Candidates seeking admission to this course must first ensure they have a good idea of hotel management career opportunities. You can check the hotel management admission process here including the eligibility, documents, top colleges, etc.

You can apply to the top hospitality colleges in India through CollegeDekho Common Application Form (CAF). If you require any help or information regarding admissions, please call 1800-572-9877. Besides this, if you are still thinking about whether is hotel management a good career option, you can also ask your questions in the Collegedekho QnA zone.