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    The Hospitality Industry and Theme Park Careers

    June 8, 2011 by G. Stephen Jones 1 Comment

    Theme Park Hospitality Manager Career

    Using Your Hospitality Management Degree to Work at a Theme Park

    When we talk about careers in hospitality management, most people assume the field includes hotels, motels, and other overnight accommodations. While it’s true that these types of professions dominate the hospitality trade, the field is actually quite large.

    Spas, cruise lines, restaurants, catering companies, event planners, and even theme parks are all included. That’s why a degree in hospitality management is so versatile; there are plenty of places where employment is a real possibility.

    Working in a theme park (or water park) might not be something you’ve considered before, but the truth is that there are good job opportunities here. When you have a degree in hospitality management (either at the Associate or Bachelor’s level), you can go beyond serving popcorn at the concession stand or wearing a giant dog costume to work in guest relations, marketing, and other mid-management roles.

    What Does a Theme Park Manager Do?

    Your job as a member of a theme park’s management staff will vary depending on the employer. For example, a large corporation like Disney is run differently than a more science-oriented place like SeaWorld or a locally owned and operated water park. Your personal background and professional goals will dictate where and how you will best succeed.

    With that disclaimer in place, you can still expect to:

    Create business plans and strategies

    Implement marketing plans and promotional packages

    Monitor and maintain customer satisfaction

    Oversee facility management

    Handle finances

    Hire, fire, and train employees

    Work with legal departments to ensure safety

    This kind of work comes with a high level of responsibilities, which is why most theme parks look for someone who has a degree in hospitality management, recreation services, or another related field. These courses are offered at many different types of schools, and you should be able to find both online and local options at the community college, private college, or public university level.

    As is the case with most degrees, the higher you go (all the way up to a Master’s in hospitality management), the better your chances of promotion and higher rates of pay.

    Of course, all that hard work can pay off you’re really interested in the field. Whether you’re drawn to taking advantage of perks like free admission for your family, or you love being around an industry that thrives on fun, this can be a very rewarding profession. And with salaries that figure into the six figures for highly trained and experienced managers, the financial aspect is appealing, as well.

    For more information on beginning a theme park hospitality career, you may want to visit the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), which offers workshops, conferences, and training opportunities for professionals already in the field.

     

     

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    1. Mia Evans

      July 06, 2021 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      It's interesting to know that theme park jobs are not just about handling rides and serving food. As you said, there is more to that than those kinds of jobs. I can imagine how workers in a theme park must also be well-trained on safety especially when they are handling rollercoasters or other thrilling rides. So the theme parks that we must visit must ensure that the people are safe with their staff.

      Reply

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