Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM): Career Path

Career 16 Jan 2023 864

Overview of Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM)

Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) is an undergraduate program that focuses on managing and operating hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. The program covers hospitality law, marketing, finance, human resources, and food and beverage management.

Students also learn about the various aspects of hotel and restaurant operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house management, event planning, and customer service.

The program often includes hands-on training through internships or practicums. Graduates of BHM programs may go on to careers in management positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses.

Course Outlines

Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) course outlines vary depending on the institution and program. However, they generally cover a range of topics related to hospitality management, including:

Introduction to Hospitality Management: This course provides an overview of the hospitality industry and its various segments, such as hotels, restaurants, and tourism.
Hospitality Law: This course covers the legal and regulatory aspects of a hospitality business, including contracts, licenses, and liability.
Hospitality Marketing: Students learn about marketing strategies and techniques specific to the hospitality industry, including branding, advertising, and public relations.
Hospitality Finance: This course covers financial management principles and practices specific to the hospitality industry, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Food and Beverage Management: This course covers the management and operation of food and beverage outlets, including menu planning, purchasing, and inventory management.
Hotel and Restaurant Operations: This course covers the front-of-house and back-of-house operations of hotels and restaurants, including guest services, housekeeping, and event planning.
Human Resources Management: This course covers the management of human resources in the hospitality industry, including recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Tourism Management: This course covers the management of tourism-related businesses, including tour operators, travel agencies, and destination management organizations.
Internship or Practicum: Many BHM programs include a required internship or practicum, during which students gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Specialization course: Some BHM programs allow students to choose specialization courses such as Event management, spa management, casino management, etc.

Objectives, Goals, and Vision

The objectives, goals, and vision of a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) program are designed to prepare students for a successful career in the hospitality industry. The overall objectives of the program may include:

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, including its various segments and the management principles and practices specific to each segment.
The goal is to develop students' skills in areas such as hospitality law, marketing, finance, food and beverage management, and human resources management.
To prepare students for management positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses through hands-on training and internships or practicums.
To provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and solve problems in the hospitality industry and to make effective decisions based on data and industry trends.
To allow students to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

The goals of the program may include:

To graduate students who are knowledgeable and skilled in managing hospitality businesses.
To prepare students for entry-level management positions in the hospitality industry.
To provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing and competitive industry.
To give students the ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems and make effective decisions.
To produce graduates who can adapt to the changing needs of the hospitality industry and who can lead, motivate, and manage effectively

The program's vision is to be recognized as a leading program in hospitality management education, producing graduates who are well-prepared to meet the industry's demands and who are ready to take on leadership roles in their careers. It aims to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence and to be a resource for the industry and the community.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) program vary depending on the institution and country. However, some common requirements include:

High school diploma or equivalent: Most BHM programs require applicants to have completed high school or the equivalent.
Minimum GPA: Many programs require applicants to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) in their high school or equivalent studies.
English proficiency: Many programs require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the English language through a standardized test like TOEFL or IELTS or through an in-person or online interview.
Entrance exams: Some institutions may conduct entrance exams to assess the applicant's knowledge and aptitude for the program.
Work experience: Some institutions may require applicants to have previous work experience in the hospitality industry, although it is not always needed.
Age and nationality: Some institutions may have age limits or preferences for certain nationalities.

Knowledge and Skills

A Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and its management principles and practices. Graduates of the program should possess a wide range of knowledge and skills, including:

Knowledge of the hospitality industry: Graduates should have a good understanding of the various segments of the hospitality industry, such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism.
Knowledge of hospitality law: Graduates should be familiar with the legal and regulatory aspects of operating a hospitality business, including contracts, licenses, and liability.
Marketing skills: Graduates should be able to create effective marketing strategies and campaigns for the hospitality industry, including branding, advertising, and public relations.
Financial management skills: Graduates should be able to manage the finances of a hospitality business, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Food and beverage management skills: Graduates should be able to manage and operate food and beverage outlets, including menu planning, purchasing, and inventory management.
Operations management skills: Graduates should be able to manage the front-of-house and back-of-house operations of hotels and restaurants, including guest services, housekeeping, and event planning.
Human resources management skills: Graduates should be able to manage the human resources of a hospitality business, including recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Tourism management skills: Graduates should be able to manage tourism-related businesses, including tour operators, travel agencies, and destination management organizations.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills: Graduates should be able to analyze and solve problems in the hospitality industry and make effective decisions based on data and industry trends.
Communication and interpersonal skills: Graduates should be able to communicate effectively and work well with a diverse range of people within the hospitality industry and with customers.
Leadership skills: Graduates should be able to lead, motivate, and manage effectively.
Adaptability and Creativity: Graduates should be able to adapt to the changing needs of the hospitality industry and think critically and creatively to solve problems and make effective decisions.

Scope

The scope of a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) degree is quite broad and covers a range of career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Graduates of the program can pursue various management positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. Some of the common job roles that BHM graduates can pursue include:

Hotel Manager: This person manages the day-to-day operations of a hotel, including front-of-house and back-of-house management, guest services, and event planning.
Restaurant Manager: Manages the operations of a restaurant, including menu planning, purchasing, and inventory management.
Resort Manager: Manages the operations of a resort, including guest services, housekeeping, and event planning.
Tourism Manager: Manages tourism-related businesses, including tour operators, travel agencies, and destination management organizations.
Event Manager: Plans and executes conferences, exhibitions, and conventions.
Sales and Marketing Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies and campaigns to promote the hospitality business.
Revenue Manager: Analyzes data and makes decisions to optimize revenue for the hotel or resort.
Food and Beverage Manager: This person manages the food and beverage operations of a hotel or resort, including menu planning, purchasing, and inventory management.
Human Resources Manager: This person manages the human resources of a hospitality business, including recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Spa manager, casino manager, theme park manager, etc.

Career Path

A Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) degree can lead to various management positions in the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. Career paths for BHM graduates typically involve working their way up through different levels of management, from entry-level positions to more senior roles.

Typically, a BHM graduate may start as a management trainee, front-desk supervisor, or food and beverage supervisor. With experience and skills, they can move up the ladder to Assistant Manager, Executive, and then General Manager positions.

A graduate specializing in certain aspects of the hospitality industry may also choose to focus their career in that particular area, such as event management, spa management, or food and beverage management.

Many BHM graduates also pursue higher education and pursue MBAs or other specialized master's degrees in related fields, such as hotel management and tourism management.

The hospitality industry is also constantly evolving, so BHM graduates must be adaptable and willing to learn new skills and technologies as the industry changes. Networking, building connections, and gaining experience in various roles can also help BHM graduates advance their careers.

BHM graduates will have opportunities to work internationally, as the hospitality industry is a global sector. This allows BHM graduates to gain experience in different cultures and work in various roles in various parts of the world.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for graduates of a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) program is generally positive, as the hospitality industry is growing and dynamic. However, the job outlook for hospitality management graduates can vary depending on the specific segment of the industry and the location. For example, employment in the hotel industry is expected to grow in areas with a strong tourism and travel industry. In contrast, economic conditions and consumer spending may affect jobs in the restaurant industry.

Overall, the job outlook for graduates of a BHM program is positive, with good employment opportunities and earning potential in the hospitality industry. However, it is important to note that the job market can change depending on the location and current economic conditions. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the hospitality industry significantly, so the outlook may be different in the near future.

Duties, Tasks, Roles, and Responsibilities

The duties, tasks, roles, and responsibilities of a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) program graduate can vary depending on the specific job and the segment of the industry they are working in. However, some common duties and responsibilities include:

Managing the day-to-day operations of a hotel, resort, or restaurant, including front-of-house and back-of-house management, guest services, and event planning.
Developing and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns to promote the business.
Managing the business finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Managing the food and beverage operations of the business, including menu planning, purchasing, and inventory management.
Managing the business's human resources, including recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Planning and executing events such as conferences, exhibitions, and conventions.
Managed the guest services of the business, including check-in and check-out, and ensured guest satisfaction.
Communicating effectively with customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
Assessing and analyzing data to make decisions that optimize revenue and improve the business's overall performance.
Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and regulations and implementing changes as necessary.
Solving problems and finding solutions to issues that arise during business operations.
Overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the property, equipment, and facilities.
Participating in the development of new products and services, as well as in the improvement of existing ones.
Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders.
Adhering to safety and security protocols and ensuring local laws and regulations compliance.
Participating in industry events and professional organizations to stay current with industry developments and trends.
Assessing the competition and market conditions to identify opportunities and threats.
Managing and motivating the staff to ensure they meet the expectations of the business and the guests.
Identifying and implementing cost-saving measures.
Continuously seeking ways to improve guest satisfaction and the business's overall performance.

Career Options

A Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) degree can lead to a wide range of career options in the hospitality industry. Here are 15 career options that graduates of the HM program can pursue:

Hotel Manager
Restaurant Manager
Resort Manager
Tourism Manager
Event Manager
Sales and Marketing Manager
Revenue Manager
Food and Beverage Manage
Human Resources Manager
Spa Manager
Casino Manager
Theme Park Manager
Airline Manager
Travel Agency Manager
Cruise Line Manager

Challenges

The hospitality industry is a challenging field, and graduates of a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) program can expect to face several career challenges. Some of the common challenges include:

Managing a diverse workforce: The hospitality industry employs a diverse workforce, and managing a team with different backgrounds and cultures can be challenging.
Ensuring customer satisfaction: In the hospitality industry, customer satisfaction is key, and meeting customers' needs and expectations can be challenging.
Managing a fast-paced and dynamic environment: The hospitality industry is fast-paced and dynamic, and managing the day-to-day operations of a hotel, resort, or restaurant can be challenging.
Managing budgets and finances: Budget management is critical in the hospitality industry, and making decisions that optimize revenue and minimize costs can be challenging.
Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and regulations: The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up-to-date with industry trends and regulations can be challenging.
Coping with high pressure and stress: The hospitality industry can be a high-pressure and stressful environment, and managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging.
Dealing with complex problems and emergencies: The hospitality industry can be unpredictable, and dealing with complex problems and emergencies can be challenging.
Coping with the negative impact of COVID-19: The outbreak of COVID-19 and its negative impact on the hospitality industry can make maintaining business continuity and dealing with the impacts challenging.
Managing digital and technological changes: With ever-evolving technology, managing digital and technological changes and ensuring the business stays relevant can be challenging.

Why Choose Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM)?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to pursue a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) degree:

Career opportunities: The hospitality industry is a growing and dynamic field, and a BHM degree can lead to a wide range of management positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses.
Good earning potential: Graduates of the BHM program can expect a fulfilling and dynamic career with good earning potential in the hospitality industry.
Hands-on experience: Many BHM programs include internships or practicums, which provide students with hands-on experience in the hospitality industry before they graduate.
Diverse career options: Based on their interests, skills, and experience, BHM program graduates can choose from a wide range of career options in the hospitality industry.
International opportunities: BHM graduates will have opportunities to work internationally, as the hospitality industry is a global sector. This allows them to gain experience in different cultures and work in various roles in various parts of the world.
Constant learning and growth: The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and graduates of a BHM program will be able to learn new skills and technologies as the industry changes.
Creativity and Innovation: A BHM degree program allows students to think creatively and innovatively, providing them with the necessary skills to make a difference in the hospitality industry.
Flexibility: The hospitality industry offers a wide range of career paths, which allows graduates to change their career paths as their interests and goals evolve.
Entrepreneurship: BHM graduates may also pursue entrepreneurship and start their own hospitality business, providing them with the

FAQ

Q: What is a Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM)?

A: A Bachelor in Hospitality Management (BHM) is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the management and operations of the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. The program covers various topics, including marketing, financial management, food and beverage management, operations management, human resources management, and tourism management.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a BHM program?

A: The eligibility criteria for a BHM program vary depending on the institution and country. However, some common requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum grade point average (GPA) in high school or equivalent studies, English proficiency, and, in some cases, an entrance exam or work experience in the hospitality industry.

Q: What kind of jobs can I get with a BHM degree?

A: Graduates of a BHM program can pursue a wide range of management positions in the hospitality industry, including hotel manager, restaurant manager, resort manager, tourism manager, event manager, sales and marketing manager, revenue manager, food and beverage manager, human resources manager, spa manager, casino manager, theme park manager, airline manager, travel agency manager, and cruise line manager.

Q: How can I advance my career with a BHM degree?

A: To advance your career with a BHM degree, you can gain experience and skills in different roles, network and build connections within the industry, and pursue higher education, such as an MBA or a specialized master's degree.

Q: What are some challenges I may face as a BHM graduate?

A: Some common challenges BHM graduates may face include managing a diverse workforce, ensuring customer satisfaction, managing a fast-paced and dynamic environment, managing budgets and finances, keeping up-to-date with industry trends and regulations, coping with high-pressure and stress, dealing with complex problems and emergencies, coping with the negative impact of COVID-19, managing the digital and technological changes, and maintaining a work-life balance.

Q: What are the benefits of pursuing a BHM degree?

A: Some benefits of pursuing a BHM degree include career opportunities, good earning potential, hands-on experience, diverse career options, international opportunities, constant learning and growth, creativity and innovation, flexibility, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Q: Is a BHM degree recognized globally?

A: A BHM degree is recognized globally, but the recognition may vary depending on the institution and country where the degree is earned. Graduates of the BHM program should ensure that the institution they are considering is accredited by a recognized accreditation body and that the degree is recognized in the country or countries where they plan to work.

Q: How long does it take to complete a BHM degree?

A: The duration of a BHM degree program varies depending on the institution and country, but it typically takes around 4 years to complete.

Q: What are the skills required for a BHM graduate?

A: Some skills required for a BHM graduate include strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, financial management skills, marketing and sales skills, knowledge of food and beverage management, and knowledge of the hospitality industry.