Hospitality vs Hotel Management

Hospitality vs Hotel Management

In this episode, we cover the differences between Hotel Management and Hospitality Management. Mr. Sarosh Daruwalla breaks down the subjects covered in each program, provides career advice to students, and shares the typical career pathways for graduates. Get a comprehensive understanding of the industry and make informed decisions about your career in hospitality.

Welcome to The Zista Podcast!

In this episode we cover the difference between Hotel Management and Hospitality Management. Mr. Sarosh Daruwalla breaks down the subjects covered in each program, provides career advice to students, and shares the typical career pathways for graduates. Get a comprehensive understanding of the industry and make informed decisions about your future in hospitality.

Key takeaways:

• The study of Hotel Management is centered around hotels, while Hospitality Management encompasses a more extensive range of fields in the experience industry.
• Although the terms Hotel Management and Hospitality Management can sometimes be used interchangeably, it is crucial for students to select a program based on their individual career aspirations.
• When contemplating a program, students should reflect on the results they desire to achieve and the transferable abilities they will gain.
• Graduates of Hotel Management programs often advance to positions such as that of a General Manager or specialize in a particular area, while those with a Hospitality Management degree have more comprehensive career options because of their diverse skill set.
• Students should select an internship that aligns with their interests and goals.

Q: What is the difference between Hotel Management and Hospitality Management?

A: Hotel Management was originally a term used to refer to careers in hotels, restaurants, banqueting departments and event companies. As the industry evolved, the term Hospitality was introduced to encompass a broader range of areas in the experience industry, including luxury brand management, media, finance, advisory services, event management, and social media marketing. While Hotel Management focuses mainly on hotel operations and management, Hospitality Management covers a wider range of subjects, providing students with more career opportunities.

Q: Can the terms ‘Hotel Management’ and ‘Hospitality Management’ be used interchangeably?

A: To some extent, yes. The subjects taught in different colleges under these two different names may overlap, and a Hotel Management graduate may have transferable skills to work in the larger experience industry, while a Hospitality Management student may end up working in hotels. However, it is important for students to consider the outcome they hope to achieve from their program and choose a program that aligns with their focus, whether it be hotel-centric, sales and marketing, or business.

Q: What advice would you give to students considering these degrees?

A: Students should not focus solely on the title of the degree, the curriculum or the subjects being taught. They should think about the outcome they hope to achieve from the program. It’s important to have a plan. The skills learned in both Hotel Management and Hospitality Management programs are transferable to other service industries and can lead to success in the larger, experience economy.

Q: What are the typical career pathways for hotel management and hospitality management graduates?

A: For hotel management graduates, the ultimate goal would typically be to become a general manager, which could take 10 to 15 years to achieve. Or, they could work their way up to becoming in-line managers, specializing in a specific area of hotel operations such as managing a restaurant chain. From a general manager, they could move on to becoming a vice president or director.

For hospitality management graduates, the eventual goal is similar, with a similar time frame. However, they have a wider range of opportunities, as they have a mix of operations and business skills. They have the added benefit of having soft skills and leadership skills that can be applied to any business.

Q: Is there a golden rule for choosing the right internship in hospitality management?

A: The choice of internship is largely a personal one, but today’s internships often offer cross-training, allowing students to gain experience in different departments. Ultimately, it depends on the individual student’s personal interests and career goals, and they should choose an internship that aligns with their goals.