How to Become a General Manager of a Hotel in a Few Easy Steps

Do you dream of running a hotel, making important decisions, and ensuring guests have a great stay? A hotel’s General Manager (GM) is the person responsible for all of that. It’s a rewarding career, but it takes dedication, experience, and the right education. Here’s how you can become a hotel general manager step by step.

1. Get a Degree in Hotel Management

To manage a hotel, you need to understand how it works. A hotel management degree teaches you everything about running a hotel, including customer service, housekeeping, food and beverage management, and finance.

Where can you study? Subhas Bose Institute of Hotel Management (SBIHM) is one of the top hotel management colleges in Kolkata, offering professional courses that prepare you for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

2. Gain Hands-on Experience

Education is important, but experience is just as crucial. Start with entry-level jobs like:

• Front desk executive
• Housekeeping assistant
• Restaurant supervisor

These jobs help you understand the daily operations of a hotel. Many students from SBIHM get internships and placements in top hotels, giving them a head start in their careers.

3. Develop Leadership Skills

A General Manager is a leader. You’ll be responsible for managing staff, handling problems, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

To develop leadership skills:
✔ Learn to communicate well with employees and guests
✔ Stay calm under pressure and solve problems quickly
✔ Take on small management roles, like supervising a team

students get leadership training and real-world exposure, preparing them for senior positions.

4. Get Certified

Certifications can help you stand out from other candidates. Some useful certifications for hotel managers include:
✔ Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) — Recognized worldwide
✔ Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Having a strong degree and certification from a reputed college like SBIHM makes it easier to get management roles in top hotels.

5. Build a Network in the Hospitality Industry

Networking means making connections with people who can help you in your career. Here’s how you can do it:
✔ Attend hospitality industry events
✔ Join hotel management associations
✔ Connect with SBIHM alumni and faculty who work in big hotels

Many successful hotel managers started by making the right connections through their college networks.

6. Apply for Hotel Management Roles

Once you have education, experience, and certifications, it’s time to apply for management positions. Start with roles like:

• Front Office Manager
• Food & Beverage Manager
• Assistant General Manager

Make sure your resume highlights your skills, education from SBIHM, and previous experience.

7. Keep Learning and Growing

The hospitality industry is always changing, so learning never stops. Even after becoming a General Manager, you should:
✔ Take advanced hospitality courses
✔ Stay updated on industry trends
✔ Improve leadership and business skills

By following these steps, you can work your way up to becoming a successful hotel general manager. If you’re looking for the best place to start your journey, Subhas Bose Institute of Hotel Management (SBIHM) offers the education, training, and connections you need.