Careers in the hospitality industry

Leadership roles in the hospitality sector continues to evolve, with renewed energy and innovation shaping its future. Spanning sectors such as real estate, hotel management, tourism, food and beverage, and event planning, this field provides seasoned professionals with opportunities to deepen their expertise and broaden their impact. The sector presents meaningful and lucrative avenues for growth, creativity, and career progression.

A hospitality career delivers opportunities for global travel, meaningful cultural connections, and the chance to create unforgettable experiences. For those who enjoy people-first work, this field offers the perfect blend of purpose and professional growth.

Graduates of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration’s hospitality programs benefit from an Ivy League education and an expansive alumni network. As the world’s premier school for the hospitality business, the Nolan School brings together world-class curricula, expert faculty, and experiential learning. Our AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration immerses students in all facets of the hospitality industry. Designed for mid-career individuals with at least three to five years of professional experience, the Cornell Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) program equips students with the leadership tools, business acumen, and global perspective needed to advance in this dynamic industry.

Career paths in the hospitality industry and average salaries

The field of hospitality has evolved beyond its conventional image, and so have its careers. While many professionals pursue well-traveled paths in hotel management, food and beverage, and event planning, today’s hospitality industry also needs analytical thinkers, financial strategists, and innovation-focused leaders. Graduates of Cornell’s BS in Hotel Administration and the Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) program are well-positioned for an array of career pathways from hotel general management and vendor relations to investment analysis and corporate development.

The MMH program’s integrated business education, global perspective, and powerful alumni network have enabled graduates to secure sophisticated, high-impact roles that go beyond the traditional. The positions below and the competitive salaries that accompany them are but a sampling of the opportunities available to graduates of Cornell’s MMH program.

Real estate acquisitions analyst

Real estate acquisitions analysts identify, evaluate, and underwrite new investment opportunities in the hospitality sector. Working with private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, and hotel ownership groups, they conduct in-depth market research and financial modeling to assess long-term value and return on investment.

Nolan School graduates entering this field tend to be highly competitive, with many earning at or above national averages even early in their careers. Recent Cornell MMH graduates report salaries between $100,000 and $110,000 in positions like this one. These figures underscore the high marketability of MMH graduates in this competitive sector and the strong return on investment the degree offers. The blend of real estate acumen, financial expertise, and hospitality insight makes Cornell MMH graduates particularly well-suited for this role.

Asset management analyst

Asset management analysts in hospitality real estate play a critical role in preserving and enhancing the value of hotel portfolios. Often working with real estate investment trusts (REITs) or ownership groups, these professionals leverage financial modeling, operations analysis, and investment strategy to guide renovation decisions, brand alignment, and portfolio performance.

Cornell MMH graduates in this role report starting salaries up to $115,000, outpacing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median of $101,190 for comparable positions. This trend reflects the rigor of the MMH program and the industry’s demand for hospitality professionals with investment savvy and strategic foresight.

Investment analyst

Investment analysts in hospitality evaluate financial performance, assess risk, and model returns for acquisitions or portfolio strategies involving hotel and resort assets. These professionals work in private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, and hospitality ownership groups, applying quantitative skills and industry insight to guide investment decisions.

MMH graduates entering investment analyst roles report an average starting salary of $91,500. This reflects the strength of the Nolan School reputation in the investment and finance sectors and the industry’s growing demand for professionals who combine traditional finance skills with a deep understanding of hospitality.

Capital markets analyst

Capital markets analysts in the hospitality industry help facilitate financing, acquisitions, and real estate transactions by supporting debt and equity placements for hotel assets. Often working in brokerage firms or advisory groups, these professionals conduct market research, prepare offering memoranda, and evaluate property valuations to guide clients through complex financial transactions.

Cornell MMH graduates in fast-growing niche roles report an average starting salary of $80,000. While there is no standardized national salary figure available for this specific title, these roles vary by geographic market and firm size and offer opportunities for further salary growth as professionals progress in their careers. With Cornell’s respected network and strong placement rates, graduates have access to top-tier opportunities within capital markets teams.

Revenue analyst

A revenue analyst plays a key role in optimizing pricing strategies for hotels, resorts, and hospitality groups. By analyzing booking trends, market demand, and competitor data, they help businesses maximize revenue and forecast future performance. This role blends strategy with analytics—perfect for data-minded professionals who want to shape the financial future of hospitality organizations.

Graduates of Cornell’s MMH program typically earn between $67,000 and $75,000 in their first revenue analyst role, and the potential for salary growth is high, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listing a median salary of $101,010 for professionals at all stages of revenue analyst careers.

Corporate rotational analyst

Corporate rotational analysts are future leaders in hospitality, gaining cross-functional experience in marketing, finance, operations, development, and revenue management. Within global hotel companies and hospitality conglomerates, they contribute to market expansion, brand innovation, and customer experience initiatives while developing a panoramic understanding of the business.

Cornell MMH graduates in this role report an average salary of $70,000 to $71,000 upon graduation. This role requires a valuable interdisciplinary lens, giving graduates room to carve out unique career trajectories that position them for long-term advancement within global organizations.

Manager in training

Manager-in-training (MIT) programs put emerging hospitality leaders on a fast track to leadership by immersing them in multiple departments ranging from front-office operations and housekeeping to food and beverage management. These programs provide a 360-degree understanding of hotel and resort functions, building a solid foundation in both service and strategy for full management roles.

Cornell MMH graduates entering MIT positions earn an average starting salary of $65,000 with strong promise for advanced placement, accelerated timelines, and more competitive compensation.

Assistant general manager

Assistant general managers (AGMs) are the operational backbone of hospitality establishments, supporting the general manager in overseeing daily operations, staff performance, and guest satisfaction. From boutique hotels to luxury resorts, AGMs maintain service standards, manage budgets, and implement strategic initiatives that enhance the guest experience and drive profitability.

Cornell MMH graduates in AGM roles report an average starting salary of $62,000. This figure can vary depending on the size, prestige, and location of the property. The Cornell figure reflects strong early-career positioning for graduates in leadership-track roles that grow in responsibility and compensation.

Why pursue a career in hospitality?

Hospitality remains a resilient and adaptable industry in the global economy. Job growth is expected to continue over the next decade. According to the United States Department of Labor, tourism and hospitality roles will account for one in eight new jobs by 2033. In addition to this, roles in critical functional areas of lodging management and financial management will also see substantial growth within the next decade. This means not only job stability but also opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.

One of the biggest advantages of a hospitality career is flexibility. Whether you’re looking to relocate, pivot into a new role, or climb the career ladder, a hospitality degree and strong global network make that transition seamless. At Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, that flexibility extends beyond traditional roles in the hospitality industry. Graduates frequently leverage their skills in business, operations, and service to pursue dynamic careers in other fields like real estate, including development, investment, and asset management.

Advantages of an advanced degree in hospitality

A master’s degree in hospitality is a strategic investment in your future. Whether your goals include higher salaries, global mobility, or leadership roles, an advanced degree like the Cornell MMH can fast-track your success.

Investing in an advanced degree can be a game-changer for your career trajectory:

Higher earning potential

Leadership positions requiring an advanced degree can command salaries of $100,000 or more.

Competitive advantage

Advanced coursework in operations management, corporate finance, and customer service sets candidates apart in a competitive job market. Cornell’s program offers a top-ranked degree and is one of the nation’s pioneering institutions in hospitality education.

Expanded job opportunities

A master’s degree opens doors to senior management roles and makes you a competitive candidate for global hospitality companies. Cornell MMH graduates also leverage the degree to pivot into real estate, private equity, and consulting roles with an international footprint.

Expanded professional network

At Cornell, students connect with faculty, alumni, and industry leaders through conferences, workshops, and exclusive networking events, paving the way for mentorship and career growth.

An Ivy League education in hospitality leadership

Cornell’s Nolan School offers the only Ivy League program dedicated to cultivating global hospitality leaders, marked by its distinction as the top-ranked hospitality and hotel management school in the world. The Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) and the Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration combine business fundamentals with hands-on learning, preparing students to lead across many sectors including real estate, finance, operations, and entrepreneurial ventures. No other Ivy League institution offers this level of immersive, hospitality-specific education backed by a legacy of leadership and innovation.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, the Nolan Hotel School delivers a world-class Ivy League education shaped by innovation, global perspective, and a powerful alumni network. In addition to graduating with a degree, students leave Cornell with a lifelong identity as a Hotelie, supported by a global network of industry leaders. The curriculum emphasizes the school’s hallmarks of leadership, strategy, and exemplary service while introducing students to the latest trends transforming the industry.

Real-life success stories: The master’s in hospitality at work

MMH alumni are shaping the future of hospitality in bold, innovative ways. With roles spanning investment, real estate, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship, they’re proof that an Ivy League degree pays dividends in both career opportunity and lifelong connection.

Camaraderie among classmates and connection to an alumni network 16,000 strong define the programs within the Nolan School. Affectionately dubbed “the Hotelie community,” alumni include industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

“I love that being a Hotelie is a lifelong identity to be shared with so many others,” observed Caleb Trieu, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration in 2023. “Even beyond college, I can always connect with Hotelies for support.”

That same spirit extends to the MMH program, with a student experience that fosters a tight-knit learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.

“You don’t learn everything in the classroom, but you learn from one another,” notes Mary Bunatal, a graduate of the MMH program. “You have people who work in food services, real estate, and people who are coming from financial industries. They all have something to add to the table.”

In addition to being part of a vibrant group of professionals, students in Cornell’s MMH program learn from one of the world’s top-ranked hotel management schools.

“Cornell’s reach in the hospitality space is one of the most prominent in the world,” observes Milad Rohani, a 2023 graduate of the MMH program. “As someone who has a deep passion for exploring new cultures, cuisines, and communities, this program was the perfect fit to facilitate my future endeavors.”

The MMH program caters to students who want a world-class education that broadens their professional possibilities while balancing an existing career and pursuing their passions. The MMH program length (three semesters and a summer internship) provided enough time to dive deeply without being too disruptive to the trajectory of my personal life,” remarks Obinna Onyenedum, who graduated from Cornell’s Nolan School in 2023.

Beyond a rigorous academic curriculum, MMH students gain access to the Global Hotelie Network—Cornell Nolan School alumni who hold leadership positions worldwide. This network provides students with unparalleled opportunities to connect with hospitality’s top industry leaders. From boutique startups to multinational hotel groups, Cornell Nolan School graduates lead the charge and stay connected as proud Hotelies.