A career in restaurant management is not one of cherries and roses. But, it does pay well, and you can thrive in the field if you have a knack and passion for it.
The restaurant manager steers the ship. If you slip in your task even slightly, you will take everything under with you. So, you will have immense responsibility as a restaurant manager, and you must be able to handle the stress that comes along with the career.
In the following guide, you will learn what a job in restaurant management is like. You will also read about the top skills you need for the career, and the best colleges in the U.S. offering courses in hospitality management for international students. If this job interests you, then read on.
What Is The Job Like?
A management career of any sort can be extremely stressful, and restaurant management is no exception. A good day constitutes a minimum of five customer complaints. But, it’s not all that bad.
To be a good restaurant manager, you must have top-notch people skills. Since the concept of ‘Customer is King’ is still prevalent in the U.S., you will have to efficiently deal with downhill situations daily.
Apart from that, you should also know how to work with the restaurant staff. Getting them to work efficiently without seeming like a cruel boss is a finicky task to master.
But customer service isn’t the only aspect of restaurant management.
You will be responsible for the upkeep of the business. Any shortcomings in quality ultimately fall on your shoulders. You should know how to market your restaurant and drive more sales.
Setting the staff’s schedules, hiring more personnel, and supervising them are all part of the job.
Since restaurants are busiest in the evenings and on weekends, you should be prepared to say goodbye to a typical schedule. Your time off from work will likely be when most others are working. This can make it difficult to find time to socialize with others from outside the industry.
If you think you can handle this, and a bit more, then restaurant management could be a good career for you.
These Courses Will Help You in Your Restaurant Management Career
Beyond degrees, one thing that will help you the most is having experience in the food and beverage service industry. But degrees do matter.
You can find restaurant managers who just have a high school diploma, but having a related degree gives you a better chance of climbing up the ladder.
These are some degrees that will help you on your quest to becoming a restaurant manager:
- General Education
- Culinary Management
- Hospitality Management
- Hotel And Restaurant Management
Colleges Offering Degrees Related to Restaurant Management
1. Cornell University, School Of Administration
The School of Administration was founded in 1922. It is one of the only Ivy League Programs offering a course in Hospitality. So, if there’s a course you’re working to get into, this should be the one.
Cornell University has multiple Hospitality-focused programs. These include:
- Bachelor of Science Hotel Administration
- Master of Management in Hospitality
- Master of Science in Hotel Administration (research-focused degree)
- Ph.D. in Hotel Administration (research-focused degree)
2. Michigan State University, The School of Hospitality Business
Founded in 1927, this is one of the best hospitality management colleges in the U.S. This school gives students internships and employment opportunities all over the world. This makes it the perfect option for international students.
These are the programs offered by the school:
- Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business
- The Master of Science in Hospitality Business Management
- The Michael L. Minor Master of Science in Foodservice Business Management
- The Graduate Specialization in Hospitality Business
3. Northern Arizona University, W A Franke College of Business
NAU has a World Ranking of 501 for its hospitality program. The program provides a thorough study on topics including guest service, food preparation, and sales. So, if you wish to branch out beyond restaurant management, you will have the opportunity to do that as well.
The following is the course offered by the school:
- Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
4. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, Smeal College of Business
Smeal College of Business has world-renowned faculty. It also leads way to a good career path after your course completion. This makes it one of the best choices for students pursuing a career in restaurant management.
These are the courses in Hospitality Management offered by the college:
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- Master of Science in Hospitality Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management
5. Florida Atlantic University, College of Business
If you’re looking for a short course or certificate program, then this is the best option for you. Going this route is best for high school diploma holders who don’t want to commit to a full-time degree program. It can also be pursued by a hospitality associate who wants to move up in their organization.
FAU offers a certificate program in Hospitality and Tourism Management. This is a six-month course that provides a focused education in various aspects of Hospitality Management. This is an online recorded course, so students can attend at their convenience.
FAU also offers full-time programs in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The programs offer on-site training, and a well-rounded education in hospitality management. Since you will also learn about tourism management, it will be easier to find jobs internationally.
Here are the courses offered by FAU:
- BBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Requirements for the Courses
A minimum of a high school diploma is required to get into a Bachelor’s Hospitality Management program. To get into a master’s program, you will need the minimum number of credits as required by the college.
Having letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose may also be a prerequisite for some colleges. So, make sure you have all that in order before you start applying.
If you’re an international student applying in the U.S., you will need to pass some exams first. This includes IELTS/TOEFL, SAT/ACT (UG-level academic evaluation), and GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT (PG-level examinations). So, make sure to check what your school and the visa mandates before applying. Since these exams are written well in advance, you will need to stay on top of the schedule.
What Salary Can You Expect from a Career in Restaurant Management?
Most graduates from American colleges begin their careers in the U.S. If that’s your plan, you need to be aware of the career opportunities and expected salaries there.
On average, a restaurant manager can make about $55,777 in the U.S. But, this amount changes depending on a number of factors. This includes experience, education, and the restaurant you’re working in. If you manage a 4-star restaurant, you will obviously be paid more than a fast-food restaurant manager.
But, this money does not come easy. The hours are usually long and hard, as is the norm in the service industry. However, don’t let that discourage you. If this career is your passion, the job will be a cheerful experience. If a desk job is not your cup of tea, then restaurant management is a great alternative. Take the leap of faith and join a course in restaurant management.
