Blake Hallman, instructor in CIC's Department of Hospitality and Tourism, featured in TTC's Career Spotlight

We found out that the piece in TTC 's Career Spotlight was part of The Post and Courier's weekly Career Center page. It also featured a picture of Stephen Reyes (below), a CIC student working for the Hotel Operations Certificate and an interview by Hospitality and Tourism Department Chair Patricia Agnew. Congrats, team!

These are some of the questions that were asked of Mr. Hallman.

Q. What is a hotel manager? What does a hotel manager do?

A. A hotel manager is the person responsible for the final decision making for all aspects of the hotel: operations, financial and marketing. He or she is responsible for measuring the success of the property's policies and procedures through financial reports, room occupancy, revenue per available room and guest comments. The hotel manager leads and motivates the management team, typically through daily meetings. He or she also helps set the tone for the hotel's operations.

Q. How do you get started in a career as a hotel manager?

A. The path to the hotel manager's position may vary: some attain the position without an education after working for a hotel for multiple years and having mastered most if not all of the department positions. Those managers who show a strong understanding of the financial side of the operation may be able to speed up the climb to the hotel manager's office. Education can also expedite the process. Hospitality schools, such as the Culinary Institute of Charleston, offer specific career paths that focus on hotel management. There is even a six-class hotel management certificate option that allows those currently in the industry to focus on key hotel concepts while working full time at a hotel. With the hotel industry's focus upon technology, the more education a hotel manager can get on the subject, the better prepared he or she will be.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field?

A. The first step should be to work in a hotel to confirm that you love the industry, then add to that with a two- or four-year degree, preferably in hospitality or business. Tons of baby boomers will soon be retiring, opening up more job positions than ever. Those jobs will go to those best suited for the position. Education and experience are the key to success.

For more information about this program, call 843.820.5090, or visit the Culinary Institute of Charleston online.