Guest Services Specialist

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in guest services positions including Guest Services Representative, Guest Services Specialist, Concierge, Front Office Representative, and Front Office Lead in the hospitality industry and/or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. The content includes, but is not limited to, customer service, hospitality attitude, guest experience, communications, human relations, security issues, and front office operations. This technical certificate is part of the Hospitality and Tourism Management AS degree.

IS THIS FOR YOU

People who prefer this career like to work indoors. This type of person enjoys working with people more than ideas and things. Those who are ambitious, sociable, friendly, and have leadership skills may be interested in this program.

BEYOND GRADUATION

Experience working in the hospitality industry (hotel, restaurant, food service, travel, etc.) part-time or full-time while in school, is an asset to anyone seeking a career in the industry. Students wishing to continue their education may take additional courses to earn a two-year Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Pensacola State College. Larger hotels and restaurants may offer more opportunities for advancement than smaller operations. The large chains have more extensive career ladders and/or may have management training programs. The ability to relocate will increase your potential for promotions and may be necessary for advancement

RELATED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Primary Employers

Graduates from the Hospitality and Tourism Management Technical Certificate programs support the hotel, motel, and restaurant industry. Both large chains and smaller businesses are available for employment. In addition, some may seek to be self-employed and own their own restaurant, motel, or hotel.

Occupations

Food and Beverage Specialists
May apply skills related to customer service and human relations, hotel staffing operations, legal issues affecting the hospitality industry, liability and risk management, the setup and control of maintenance, energy consumption management, the planning and maintaining of purchasing and receiving procedures.

Rooms Division Specialists
May apply skills in effective selling techniques, customer service, communication, and human relations, as well as an understanding of marketing and business fundamentals, to perform general hotel, front office management and property management duties.

Event Planners or Coordinators
Are prepared for planning, coordinating, catering, and providing services, at special events, conferences, seminars, hotels, motels, and restaurants.

Guest Services Specialists
Are skilled in customer service, hospitality attitude, guest experience, communications, human relations, security issues, and front office operations.

Other Occupations