Dallas Hospitality Careers, Jobs, & Salaries

Dallas offers a diverse cultural atmosphere with numerous places to visit and things to do. Fearing's restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas hotel in Uptown Dallas was named the best hotel restaurant in the US for 2009 by Zagat Survey. The Ritz-Carlton Dallas hotel was also named 2009 best US hotel by Zagat, and 2009 #2 hotel in the world by Zagat, trailing only the Four Seasons King George V in Paris, France. Dallas is a hotbed of activity for any student looking to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

Employment & Training

Degrees in hospitality management may also be referred to as hotel management, hotel and tourism management, or hotel administration. Degrees conferred in this academic field include Bachelors of Arts, Bachelors of Science, Masters of Science, MBA, and Doctorate of Philosophy.

Community colleges, junior colleges, and many universities in Dallas offer certificate or degree programs in hotel, restaurant, or hospitality management leading to an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree. Dallas' technical institutes, vocational and trade schools, and other academic institutions also offer courses leading to formal recognition in hospitality management.

When making a decision on which specific degree program to pursue in Dallas, prospective students must first consider their desired specialty, such as restaurant management, hotel management, tourism, marketing, or special events, and then look for programs that have particular strengths or available concentrations in that particular area. Employers look for candidates with knowledge and skills in several areas including: information technology, human resources, organizational behavior, multiculturalism, and leadership. In today's competitive market, it is important to seek out a program that fosters the development of each of these areas.

Areas of study may include:

• Accounting
• Administration
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Marketing
• Human Resources Management

Another very important part of a hospitality education is hands-on experience. Many schools offer internship opportunities for students to gain relevant work experience in local restaurants, hotels, and convention centers. Some schools have on-campus facilities that serve as learning centers for hospitality students. This hands-on experience gives students an edge over the competition when seeking a job.

Careers

Hotel Managers make management decisions about the hotels they run, including who to hire, rates to charge, and how to settle disputes. Depending on the hotel and the size of its staff, hotel managers may either perform or direct housekeeping, personnel, office administration, marketing and sales, purchasing, security, maintenance, oversight of recreation facilities, and other activities. Hotel management degree programs are generally considered good preparation for this career, since they cover both business and management concepts, and issues related specifically to tourism and accommodations.

Restaurant Managers run restaurants and similar food service establishments. They oversee the buying of food, menu creation, food preparation and service, employees, costs, and many other things. Sometimes chefs with experience and money open and manage their own restaurants; business owners with other experience may do the same thing. There are also restaurant management programs that prepare graduates for the field.

Event Planners responsibilities includes budgeting, establishing dates and alternate dates, selecting and reserving the event site, acquiring permits, and coordinating transportation and parking.

Other Related Career Fields:

• Banquet Manager
• Bar Manager
• Casino Manager
• Chef
• Front Office Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Meeting Planner
• Reservation Manager

Outlook & Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment in hotels and other accommodations is expected to increase by 17 percent in the coming decade.

College graduates with degrees in hotel or hospitality management should have better opportunities for jobs at full-service hotels and for advancement than those without a degree. Salaries of lodging managers vary greatly according to their responsibilities, location, and the segment of the hotel industry in which they work. The average salary for Hotel Managers in Dallas is $72,190 ( a 7.2% increase over the national average).

Employment of meeting, event, and convention planners is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and some meeting planning experience. Median annual wages of meeting and convention planners in May 2008 were $44,260. The average for this occupation in the greater Dallas area is $48,430 (a 2.8% increase over the national average).