Tell me about it
Hotel managers keep everything in a hotel running smoothly, from ensuring that staff are working well to keeping control of supplies and budgets, looking after the accommodation, food and drink and perhaps the entertainment and conference facilities. Managers have to ensure that guests are comfortable and enjoy their stay.

In a large hotel, the hotel manager may lead a team of managers, each responsible for a section such as housekeeping, maintenance, or food and beverages. In a small hotel, the manager is more involved in the day-to-day running of the business, coping with whatever arises, from carrying guests' luggage to pouring drinks or dealing with minor repairs.

Entry level
To join a management trainee scheme with a large hotel or hotel group, you would normally need at least an HNC/HND in a relevant subject or even a degree or postgraduate qualification. Relevant degrees include hospitality management and international hospitality management, hotel and catering management, and hotel, tourism and licensed retail management. Business degrees - perhaps including hospitality, tourism or marketing - are another option.

The minimum qualifications for a degree are usually two A levels/Advanced Highers/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent. For BTEC/SQA HNCs/HNDs, one A level/Advanced Higher/two H grades and four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications would normally get you in.

If you already have a degree in another subject, you can take a one-year conversion course in hotel and catering management or a graduate apprenticeship.

Some people start work lower down the career ladder, working towards NVQs/SVQs or studying part time for a Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Studies. For this, you would need at least two years' relevant experience and should already be working at supervisory level in the industry.

Making the grade
Much of the training is on the job, and involves gaining experience in different areas of the business. You may be encouraged to take specialised courses in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, food safety and training.

Some hotel managers take postgraduate courses, which can help with career progress. If you want to develop your business skills to a very high level, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular option in the hospitality industry.

Personal qualities
As a hotel manager, you would need a good head for business, the ability to motivate and lead staff, an aptitude for figures and excellent organisational skills. You must be able to work well in a team, to think on your feet and to be friendly, helpful and tactful with guests.

A smart appearance and an outgoing personality would be essential, and some foreign language skills would certainly be an asset.

Looking ahead
Although there is fierce competition for the best posts, there are usually lots of opportunities for hotel managers in what is still a growing industry. Your promotion prospects would depend on the size of the hotel and your skills and experience: it could take several years to work through posts such as assistant front-of-house manager to deputy manager and then manager.

With suitable experience, there is always the prospect that you could eventually open your own hotel.

Alternative suggestions
You might also consider catering manager, chef, human resources officer/manager, leisure services manager, marketing executive or public relations officer.

Take-home pay
There is a wide range of salaries, according to the size and type of hotel and your level of responsibility. You might start as a trainee hotel managers on around £12,000 to £14,000, rising to £16,000 to £25,000 as a deputy manager and £40,000 or more for an experienced general manager.

Other benefits might include profit-sharing, performance bonuses and live-in accommodation.

Effects
Hotel managers tend to work long hours, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. They may work in shifts.

The advantages of living in the hotel itself can be outweighed by the inconvenience of being called on to help with problems or make decisions even when you are not on duty.

Sources of information
British Institute of Innkeeping: www.bii.org.uk
People 1st: www.people1st.co.uk
Hotel and Catering International Management Association: www.hcima.org.uk
Springboard UK Ltd,: www.springboarduk.org.uk

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