[renamons]

I have achieved a hotel management diploma. I currently have no work experience yet. I'd like to know how the usual route to becoming a GM looks like. I am aware I will have to update myself academically and am planning to. I am just really confused as to where and how I should start and how I should go about this. Thank you.

[Petrus]

Renamons there are many different paths that could lead you to that role. Different experienced GMs will have different set of skills that will suit into different types of properties. Usually GMs come from an operational background that then develop their hard skills in finance and marketing and soft skills in people management.

Whatever career direction you take (hotel department you start) you need to be good at and need to develop your area of expertise. It is good to have a general knowledge in operation, marketing, finance and HR however you need to become an expert at a given area.

Petrus

[AK81]

Hi Renamons,

A diplmoa helps you break into the market and start your career. Depending on which department you enter and how well you develop yourself will determine how fast you go to become a GM.

To start you must be familiar with all the basic operations of the hotels and then grow an insight into sales and marketing, finance, human resource and revenue management. Knowing a little bit of engineering and security helps as well. But first thing first, choose a department (Rooms, F&B or sales) to start your career in first and move your way up.

Having a degree or diploma helps but then again a lot fo being a GM is based on experience, exposue and mental maturity. There are many types of hotels and resort out there and each of them will require a different back ground, example a resort will normally want someone with S&B and ROoms background, a convention hotel will want someone with F&B background, a boutique or highend luxury normally wants a sales background person.. These are examples but a a rule written in stone.

So choose a department that you are comfortable with, start from the rank and file and move up. Always set a target for yourself, don't give up and don't compare hospitality with other industries. Be like a sponge and soak up all the information and experience you can then grab the most suitable oppurtunity as they arrive. But most importantly, keep an even head and your attitude in check.

Good luck and welcome to the hospitality industry.

[akrocatering]

Hi Renamons,
i totally agreed with AK81 to start a career job is required, go on with the basic operations and keep on noticing makerting, finance and human resource management.. best of luck for the career.