Do you need a degree to work in hospitality or a hotel
You can start in hospitality without a degree, but a Hotel Management qualification can fast-track your career into leadership roles.
It is possible to begin working in a hotel or hospitality role without a degree. Many entry-level positions, such as concierge, food and beverage attendant, or housekeeping are open to candidates with a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
However, if your goal is to accelerate your career and move into leadership roles faster, a formal hotel management education can be a game-changer.
A degree provides the strategic, leadership, and global skills that can fast-track a career in hotel management far beyond what is usually possible through experience alone.
Learning on the job versus having a qualification
Learning on the job gives you hands-on experience in real-time problem solving, customer service, and understanding daily hotel operations.
You learn the rhythm of service, how to manage unexpected guest needs, and the teamwork required to keep things running smoothly. This is invaluable for building a strong operational foundation.
A formal hospitality qualification, such as a Hotel Management degree, goes further.
It combines theory and practice, covering business strategy, marketing, finance, leadership, and cultural awareness. You develop a big-picture understanding of the industry and the ability to lead teams, drive innovation, and make strategic decisions.
Many degrees also include industry placements, allowing you to apply what you’ve learnt in real hospitality environments.
| Learning on the job | Formal hospitality education |
| Focuses on operational basics and service delivery | Covers operations plus business strategy, marketing, finance, and leadership |
| Skills built through direct customer interaction and daily tasks | Combines theory with practical placements for well-rounded skills |
| Career progression is based mainly on time and experience | Prepares graduates for leadership and strategic roles earlier |
| Limited exposure to global best practices | Teaches cultural intelligence and global industry standards |
The industry demand of the hotel and hospitality industry
Hospitality has evolved far beyond traditional service roles. Today’s hotel professionals are expected to manage diverse, multicultural teams, adapt quickly to changing guest expectations, and embrace technological innovations.
Employers value cultural intelligence alongside the ability to manage crises, lead teams, and maintain service excellence under pressure.
Soft skills such as emotional intelligence, clear communication, and adaptability are as important as technical know-how. Many employers now look for a blend of practical experience and formal qualifications when hiring for senior positions, recognising that leadership requires both operational understanding and strategic insight.
Progress from entry-level to leadership positions
You can work your way up in hospitality through dedication and experience, but this path is typically gradual. Front-line roles such as receptionist or waiter teach valuable operational skills, but they do not automatically prepare you for managing budgets, leading teams, or developing business strategies.
Progression to leadership requires additional skills in finance, innovation, marketing, and people management. This is where a qualification in hotel management can significantly accelerate your career trajectory.
Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) reports that 99% secure jobs within 12 months of graduating, and 50% of its graduates reach management within five years*.
BMIHMS alumna Jessica James is a clear example. After completing her Hotel Management degree, she progressed into a management role far earlier than her peers without formal training. She credits her qualification with landing a dream role at Novotel and Mercure Singapore on Stevens.
*Kantar-validated Career Progess Survey 2024
Educational pathways for the hotel and hospitality industry
If you are aiming for a career in hotel management, there are clear educational options designed to prepare you for success.
At BMIHMS, degrees are built around a mix of theoretical learning, practical industry experience, and cultural immersion. Students develop transferrable skills such as leadership, negotiation, problem solving, and customer relationship management – all within a globally relevant framework.
These Hotel Management courses also emphasise cultural awareness, blending Australian hospitality values with international perspectives. The global curriculum, combined with strong industry connections, means students gain real-world exposure early on, working with some of the most recognised hotel brands in the world.
We have a range of courses depending on your goals, from a Diploma of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management) right up to a Master of International Hotel Management.
So, do you need a degree to work at a hotel? The answer depends on your ambitions. You can begin in the industry without one, but if you are aiming for a career in hotel management or considering careers with a hospitality management degree, formal education can dramatically shorten the journey to senior positions.
From operational excellence to strategic leadership, the right qualification offers the skills, confidence, and network to open doors worldwide. Whether you start as a hotel receptionist or in another entry-level role, combining experience with a degree can set you apart and fast-track your path to leadership.
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