Working in the Hospitality Industry

[Talltexan]

I'm interested in working in the hospitality industry, specifically as a concierge. I found the international school of hospitality in las Vegas Nevada (http://www.tisoh.com/). Endorsed by Les Clefs d'Or and They offer a Art of Concierge certificate plus the ability to get a job. I have a BS Degree and would like to know if anything can offer advice as to how I can become a concierge. Whether working in a hotel or for someone. I would ideally like to work in corporate aviation and VIP industry.

Is it worth getting a certificate? Are there any fellow masons in the hospitality industry? I love to eat and help others find great places around town and have the best places just by asking others.

Best,
Jerry

[scottish steve]

I worked in "Hospitality" for 7 or 8 years and hated it. Really hated it. I was a chef, then barman, then waiter, then restaurant manager.
The concierge line just might be different, but I'd be surprised. I found any glamour to be had was distinctly second hand and the pay and hours were atrocious.
Might be different in LV.

[Talltexan]

Well I'm not from LV, I'm from Texas that is where they hold classes and do online work. Why did you dislike the hospitality industry? What was it about each position that you did not like?

[professorchaos]

Having worked in the hospitality industry for close to ten years, I strongly urge you to consider the downsides. They are not inconsiderable. Low pay, working odd hours (nights, weekends and holidays), scant benefits, prissy customers and limited career growth are among them.

[saf]

There has been a bunch of issues with the cost of these schools and the amount of money made afterwards. I went to culinary school and it was more expensive than my wife's law school. Cooks don't make much and work terrible hours. Now there people who really enjoy it and it will pay for itself eventually but it doesn't work for most.

With that said if its what you want to do with your life and it would make you happy then go for it.

[Doc4]

I worked in "Hospitality" for 7 or 8 years and hated it. Really hated it ... the pay and hours were atrocious.

Having worked in the hospitality industry for close to ten years, I strongly urge you to consider the downsides. They are not inconsiderable. Low pay, working odd hours (nights, weekends and holidays), scant benefits, prissy customers and limited career growth are among them.

... I sense a theme here. See what Springs1 has to say about the hospitality industry, and then see if you still like the idea.

I went to culinary school and it was more expensive than my wife's law school.

Yeah, but cooks never have to listen to everyone's bad "cook jokes" and how Shakespeare said "the first thing we do is kill all the chefs!"

[Manning]

I just don't think you need to go to "school" to be a concierge. I'd imagine actual experience an connections would be more valuable.

If it is what you want to do, then absolutely do it. I'd check to see if schooling is necessary though.

[Champion of Capua]

Not sure I would pay for a hospitality degree other than being a cook. If you already have a BS degree, why not spend just 2 more years getting a Masters instead of a certificate ?

[tommyguns]

I have been in hotels for over 9 years now and here is my opinion and once again it is only from my view point.... I hate it.....that is all.

all the guests do is complain if its a business class hotel they are crabby because they don't want to be there. If they are traveling then they feel that you owe them the world because they spent money to stay there.

at all the hotels I have been to the concierge has been kind of an out dated position, with people being able to google the places they are interested in and seeing yelp reviews they already set their own opinion before even looking and trust me if you tell them its great and they don't like it you will hear about it.

we at hotels work all hours a day every day of the week and every holiday and trust me its like that everywhere, there are allot of opportunities to move up and into different positions and to move to different places, because hotels always want employees to be able to do other peoples jobs if need be because the turn around rate is very high.

Have you ever considered looking into a c/s (sales and catering ) position in the hospitality ind. maybe even an events coordinator for a hotel that runs the same line as you described about helping people and such but on a much larger scale.

[Go West Young Man]

What I would do is call every hotel in Vegas, ask to speak to the concierge. Explain your situation, ask them for career advice, how did they get their job, do they think that degree would make a difference in their hotel's hiring process?

Just a guess, but I would bet money they'll tell you the only way into those positions is to start in an entry level position and work your butt off for a few years.
A proper degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management, not just a certificate from an unknown school, would help, of course.

[professorchaos]

I have been in hotels for over 9 years now and here is my opinion and once again it is only from my view point.... I hate it.....that is all.

all the guests do is complain if its a business class hotel they are crabby because they don't want to be there. If they are traveling then they feel that you owe them the world because they spent money to stay there.

at all the hotels I have been to the concierge has been kind of an out dated position, with people being able to google the places they are interested in and seeing yelp reviews they already set their own opinion before even looking and trust me if you tell them its great and they don't like it you will hear about it.

we at hotels work all hours a day every day of the week and every holiday and trust me its like that everywhere, there are allot of opportunities to move up and into different positions and to move to different places, because hotels always want employees to be able to do other peoples jobs if need be because the turn around rate is very high.

Have you ever considered looking into a c/s (sales and catering ) position in the hospitality ind. maybe even an events coordinator for a hotel that runs the same line as you described about helping people and such but on a much larger scale.

The most physically demanding job I've ever had was in a very upscale hotel kitchen. I was lucky to leave exhausted and achy but burn and cut free.

[scottish steve]

A long time ago myself and a Hotel Management graduate friend were having a rest before the night's dinner service and we asked this young guy what he wanted to do (we meant of course, "besides this crap".)
He said "I want to go to college and learn hotel management".
My friend looked at me ruefully. You see, we had known each other for about 6 years and first met when he came to work in a four star hotel I was in. I asked him how long he'd been doing it and he told me, "A few months".
"You still have time to leave the course before it's too late then." I said.
He laughed and didn't. He told this story to the young man and admitted I had been right.
I left that hotel shortly after that and have never been back. And have never regretted it. I've been out of a job for months at a time and still didn't even consider going back.
Last time I heard form my friend he was in a hotel in Bournemouth working Night Duty Manager shifts til 6am. Glorious

[Doc4]

You will be in this video:












... just sayin'

[jrocker]

I just don't think you need to go to "school" to be a concierge. I'd imagine actual experience an connections would be more valuable...

+2

[Matt555]

You need to find out if the people who obtain that certificate already have a BA/BS degree like you. It may turn out that you are already qualified for this type of work despite not having a "certificate" because you may hold an educational level beyond what the majority of the other students have. A lot of times, certificate programs are for people who cannot, or choose not to commit to a 4 year degree (which you already have). For instance, I live near a community college that offers a 2 year AA degree in "hotel management".

Also, you did not mention the cost or how long it will take. That is a big factor....

It may also be a good idea to start making some calls and sending out some applications. If you get no offers, contact the places you applied and ask them if this certificate would help you obtain the job. It may be one of those things that really has no bearing on getting a job.....

[Talltexan]

@Matt55
You are absolutely right! I contacted the Conrad Hilton School of Hotel and Resturant Managenent last year and they did not have a concierge degree. I will ask them what I need to do since I do have a BS degree and what would be the right way to proceed. I might not even need the certificate!

Thank you so very much! I will keep you posted.

Jerry

[Talltexan]

Here is the art of concierge certificate requirements:. . . .
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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT COURSES..
Art of Concierge Certificate
Hospitality & Leadership Supervision Certificate
Hospitality Human Resources Certificate
Hotel Operations Certificate
Diploma in Hotel Operations
Executive Diploma in Hospitality Operations: Emphasis in Hotel Operations and Concierge Services
CLASS SCHEDULE
DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTORS ..
SCHOOL CATALOG PDF

The Art of Concierge (AOC) certificate program is designed to provide comprehensive training and an insider’s view into world-class concierge service skills, along with the required supervisory and communication skills to succeed in hospitality operations.

Course objectives include introducing the concierge industry, understanding the quality and traits of becoming a concierge, daily operations, five star/five diamond training, developing a critical eye, using outside suppliers, best practices, entertainment & nightlife recommendations and restaurant relationships.

All instructors are Les Clefs d’Or (French for “Gold Keys”) professionals – the best in their field. Students will learn 5-star customer service skills from lectures, projects, readings, case studies, guest lecturers and more. Students will also be introduced to the roles of the hotel, residential, condo, personal and corporate concierges.

A 15 hour externship is required. Online students are welcome to contact the school for assistance in arranging for an externship in Las Vegas or to request for an introduction letter for an externship in their home city.

This course is one of the most comprehensive concierge training programs in the nation. It has received scholarships from Les Clefs d’Or USA and sponsorship from the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. The instructors, guest speakers and Advisory Board members represent some of the most prominent individuals in the field.

Jeanne Mills
Chef Concierge
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
President
Les Clefs d'Or USA


Those interested in gaining specialized knowledge about this exciting industry segment or industry personnel wanting credentials for career advancement




Becoming a Concierge

Local Affiliations

Concierge Training

Etiquette

Social Media

Concierge Functions

History of the Concierge Profession Concierge Affiliations Itinerary Planning
Guest Responsibilities

Food & Beverage

Current Issues

Concierge Panel

Do You Speak Hospitality

Risk Management

Making Critical Recommendations Management &.Teamwork Stress Management
Entertainment & Nightlife

Ethics

Hotel Audit

Conflict Resolution

Guest Relations Training

Professional Development



High school diploma or GED (no experience necessary)



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10-week semester, meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm, plus externship.

Externship: 15 hours


45 hours, 5.quarter credits, 4.5 CEU
Tuition: $1,650

Tuesday, May 22, 2012...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012...
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Up to six months time to complete, study at your own pace with dedicated instructors. The curriculum is divided into easily navigable modules, each containing lectures, quizzes, assignments and supplemental reading materials in addition to textbook learning. Instructors are leading concierges from some of the most recognized hotels worldwide.

There are no specific start dates for online programs. Students receive one-on-one guidance from instructors and each student can specify their own start date on the application form.

[scottish steve]

you'd be better spending your money on some backsheesh to the maitre d' of a few restaurants and theatres.