Paths to Restaurant Management Careers

In today's job market, many employers prefer job candidates that have at least some formal training in restaurant management. While this is not true of every employer, having your degree will definitely open doors for restaurant management careers.

A restaurant management degree can prepare you to make smart business decisions. You'll learn skills to help you manage employees, create a financial plan and think strategically about your restaurant business. Depending on the school you attend, you may also gain culinary arts skills and knowledge that will give you a fuller picture of what it takes to run a restaurant—good preparation for wearing the many hats a restaurant manager must wear.

Hospitality and restaurant management programs come in many different shapes and sizes. You'll ultimately want to choose a program that not only fits with your lifestyle but will help you achieve your career goals. You may find that a 2-year associate's degree will give you all the training and skills you'll need to obtain an entry-level restaurant management job. However, a bachelor's degree will expand your knowledge and should give you an advantage in a competitive job market.

If you seek high level positions, such as a regional restaurant manager position with a restaurant chain, or if you think you might want to teach at some point in your career, a master's degree in hospitality and restaurant management or an MBA could be a great choice for you.

School isn't the only place you can learn the skills you'll need for a restaurant management career. Experience is a great teacher. Your years working in the restaurant industry can prepare you for a restaurant management job by giving you practical knowledge of the business.

A restaurant management job candidate who only has academic knowledge will have a steep learning curve when it comes to actually working and managing others in a living, breathing restaurant environment. Gaining experience in the trenches is always an invaluable asset as you move up the career ladder.

Here are some restaurant jobs that will help you build experience:

Server – A job as a server gives you ample opportunity to practice your customer service skills—which will ultimately make you a better restaurant manager. You'll also have a chance to gain a good understanding of what it takes for the front-of-the-house operations to run smoothly.

Cook or Chef – A kitchen job gives you great perspective on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the restaurant business. When you're ready to move into restaurant management careers, you'll know what the kitchen staff needs to function efficiently.

No matter where you start out in the restaurant industry, your insider perspective will be an asset when you move into an assistant manager or manager position.

As in any business, landing a management job in a restaurant takes hard work and commitment. The good news is, to a large extent, your destiny is in your hands. Get the training you need for restaurant management careers, and be willing to pay your dues. Add a good dose of perseverance and hard work, and you'll be well on your way to the restaurant management career you want.