Concierge
What is a Concierge?
A Concierge, also commonly called a Guest Relations Manager or Guest Service Worker, serves as a specialized customer service representative. They are most frequently employed within the hospitality industry, although these positions may also be available in high-end office buildings and apartment complexes. These employees are responsible for responding to a wide variety of consumer/guest needs to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for these patrons. Excellent communication skills and customer service skills are necessary to succeed in this role. In short, their primary duty is to be of service to consumers/guests and keep them happy.
What are the Job Responsibilities of a Concierge?
Job responsibilities for these workers vary widely from one employment setting to another. However, in general, they are expected to provide personal services to consumers/guests served by their employers. Those services may include:
- Greeting guests/customers
- Manage guest/customer complaints
- Taking messages
- Managing mail, luggage and deliveries
- Performbasic administrative/secretarial/reception duties
- Running errands to assist guests
- Arranging transportationand excursions upon visitor request
- Provide informationand recommendations on local features, attractions, shopping, restaurants, dining, entertainment, nightlife, and recreation
- Arranging tours and activities
- Makingdinner/event reservations for guests
- Obtaining tickets for events
- Arranging special services
- Providing or arranging for general business services for guests
- Managing customer/guest requests for housekeeping and/or maintenance
- Developnetwork of contacts, service providers and businesses within their communities to serve guests
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Related Employment Settings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures, Concierges held about 32,020 jobs in the U.S. in 2016. Traveler accommodation establishments, such as hotels and convention centers, employed most of these workers, providing 12,660 of those jobs. Personal services firms employed more than 3,500 Concierges, over 3,400 worked for real estate leasing firms, and about 2,500 worked in other employment settings related to real estate. Around 2,110 were employed by continuing care retirement and assisted living facilities for senior citizens. A small percentage of Concierges worked for real estate agents and brokers, air transportation companies and physicians' offices.
Career Outlook for Concierges
BLS does not provide job growth figures specifically for Concierge positions. However, employment in the hospitality/lodging industry is expected to increase by about 6 percent between 2016 and 2026. According to the agency, this rate of job growth is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
BLS attributes this projected rate of employment growth to expected growth in travel and tourism, leading to higher occupancy levels in lodging establishments, including full-service hotels, casinos, convention centers and resorts that provide a wide selection of services to their customers/guests. These types of service-oriented establishments are likely to require the services of Concierges.
The agency also states that, while some entry level positions in this field may be easy to get into with a diploma, the best career opportunities are typically found in high-end hotels, office buildings and apartment buildings. Positions in these upscale, service oriented employment settings are usually quite competitive, and applicants who hold a degree in hospitality or hotel management will likely have the best chance of success in securing jobs.
While BLS information can be helpful in gaining perspective on career options, it is important to note that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is simply meant to provide general insight into the occupational opportunities it covers. Data provided by the agency is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Neither BLS or Bryant & Stratton College can guarantee employment in this or any other field of work.
How to Become a Concierge
If you are interested in beginning a career as a Concierge, earning a is a solid first step towards that goal. Graduating from this diploma program will prepare you for entry level jobs in the hospitality industry, including Concierge and other customer service positions.
Once you have gotten your foot in the door with an entry level position, you can continue your education to help with advancing your career. Earning an Associate degree in Hospitality Managementor an can help you do that, and you can apply courses and earned credits from your diploma program towards earning those degrees.
What Can I do With an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management or Restaurant and Hotel Management?
Either of these degrees can help you qualify for those sought-after Concierge positions in high-end establishments, providing you with the opportunity to climb the career ladder.
The Restaurant and Hotel Management and Hospitality Management associate degree programs also prepare students for a wide range of other roles within the hospitality industry. These degree programs provide a solid foundation in hospitality management functions and other essential skills, opening the door to management, human resources, marketing and other career opportunities. Hotels, casinos, travel and sports venues, are just a few of the settings available to you.
Additional Training/Requirements
Many employers prefer to hire candidates for entry level Concierge positions who have some workplace experience -- either as a Concierge or in a similar customer service oriented position. Some employers may require that candidates pass a criminal background check and/or drug testing as a condition of employment.
For more insights into careers and career paths in the hospitality field, please visit the. By exploring our blog and the BSC website, you are sure to find a lot of helpful tips and information to ease your path and provide valuable career insights as you work towards preparing forand building a successful career in the hospitality field.
