Hotel Management Training Programs
Chris · March 26, 2007
Graduates of hotel management academic programs who are entering the workforce are often faced with the daunting challenge of answering the question “what’s next?” Students who expect to kick off their careers with a management position fresh out of school may be disappointed to discover that competition can be fierce even for entry-level positions.
While many hotel management schools offer excellent theoretical training and practicum opportunities, students who do not possess sufficient management experience will likely have to spend time grooming into supervisory positions for a year or two.
The lessons learned on the front line in hotel operations are invaluable for any graduate seeking to move up within an organization. Hotel management is absolutely about managing people, and being a savvy people manager is a skill that takes time to develop. Knowledge is a great start but there is no replacement for depth of experience.
The question from many students relates to the conundrum ”I need experience to get the position but I can’t get the position without experience.” Every manager in the hotel industry has faced a similar challenge, and each had their own advancement strategy. Moving up in an organization is not rocket science--hard work, talent, timing and opportunity are the elements that helped most managers take their careers to the next level.
There is, however, a fast-track option available for capable graduates to speed up the process of career advancement into more senior management positions.
Hotel Management Training Programs
Hotel brands like the Hyatt Corporation, Fairmont Hotels and Westin Hotels offer hospitality management grads an incredible opportunity to learn about front line and supervisory operations while developing managerial skills within a structured practical environment. The goal of these training initiatives is to place the candidate in a management position at the end of the program.
Competition is still fierce for these placements but those graduates who are chosen for these programs will realize faster advancement opportunities than their colleagues.
Fairmont Management Training
Program includes a 12 to 18 month placement in an entry-level, supervisory or administrative position commensurate with your previous work experience and education. Successful graduates will be considered for management appointments within their host hotels and throughout the Company. As part of our global expansion strategy, opportunities will be available internationally. [More Info]
Westin Management Training
Program runs for 12 weeks. At the completion of the training, each participant is placed into an assistant manager or manager position at the same hotel where they trained. [More Info]
Hyatt Corporate Development Training (CMT)
Program length varies from five to 18 months depending on the program concentrations. Completion of the CMT Program prepares trainees for a subsequent Assistant Manager or Manager level position in the division of the training concentration. For example, Operations trainees coming off the program may be placed as an Assistant Manager or Manager in the Housekeeping, Front Office, Reservations, Restaurants, or Banquets as a few possibilities. [More Info]
Hyatt recently tasked members of their current CMT program across the U.S. to produce video segments about their experiences and place them on YouTube.com. We are happy to feature two of our favourites below.
Hyatt Corporate Management Training Program Feature #1
Filmed at the Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Corporate Management Training Feature #2
Filmed at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta
