Education · 1 of 5

The path

Two routes: work up from the desk, or take a hospitality program and still work up from the desk, faster.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Get a part-time job in a hotel, restaurant or anywhere that serves the public. Experience counts more here than marks.

2. 2

   Hospitality program, optional but useful

   2 to 4 years

   A 2-year college diploma in hotel and resort management, or a 4-year degree. Most include a paid work term.

3. 3

   Front line work

   1 to 3 years

   Front desk agent, reservations, housekeeping supervisor, food and beverage. You need to have done the jobs you will one day schedule.

4. 4

   Supervisor or assistant manager

   2 to 4 years

   Front office manager, night manager, operations manager. This is where you learn budgets, payroll and angry guests.

5. 5

   General manager

   Usually 5+ years in

   Running the whole property, its profit and its staff. Smaller hotels first, bigger ones later.