Expert: Steve Young - 7/15/2010

Question
Hi, I'm an older college student (27) and I'm thinking about going into hotel sales or event planning. I was wondering if you could give me a realistic starting salary for hotel sales and event planning. What could you earn after 5 years, and what effect would an MBA have on your salary and opportunities. I would also like to know what the typical hours are. I heard that hotel sales have fairly decent hours. Pretty much 9 to 5 with some nights and weekends. I heard that the hours in event planning are a lot more and require lots of nights and weekends. I don't mind working overtime, but I have two small children and don't want a career where I'm constantly working 60+ hours a week. Thank you for any information you can give.

Answer
Depending on the area, entry level salaries will pay 45-55 thousand plus bonus potential.  Bonus can be up to 30 percent or more.  The hours will vary based on who you work for.  I have worked for companies where 8-5 was the standard, some expect 8-6, and some allow you to work from home.  There are occassional weekends with some hotel companies, but in my 30 years, that was rare, rather than the norm.

Catering and event coordinating will require extra hours.  You often have to be there at the property for the event. If you want time with your family, go the hotel sales manager route and try to advance to the Director of Sales.  When your kids are grown, you can go for a regional director of sales and VP of sales.  top salary will be 180K plus.  Mid salary range as a Director of sales from 80-100K or more.

If you want to break in to hotel sales try an online certificate program at www.aprinda.com

Your MBA will catch there eye.  It always gives you the edge and could command you a some extra salary.  The nice thing about hotel sales is you can increase your salary fairly fast.  From 5-10K if you are good.