What does a concierge do?
Concierges act as personal assistants and help with a variety of tasks such as making restaurant reservations, arranging transportation, taking messages, providing advice on entertainment, attractions, and food, arranging business services, setting up spa services, providing directions, purchasing tickets, setting up tours, and checking requests for maintenance or housekeeping services. They also make travel arrangements and provide information on health services such as the names of hospitals, doctors, and dentists. Concierges provide helpful advice and answer any questions guests may have. They often have good relationships with local attractions, merchants, and service providers to get discounts and provide the best service to their clients.
Concierges work for a variety of establishments such as hotels, casinos, apartments, office buildings, and hospitals. Some concierges also work as personal concierges to help individuals with their daily tasks. Sometimes concierges live on site for better personal assistance.
What kind of training does a concierge need?
Concierges need at least a high school diploma. Some hotels and other employers prefer applicants that have some college experience. Some concierges have an associate or bachelor degree in hospitality services. Many community colleges and vocational and technical schools and a few universities offer hospitality services programs. Coursework often includes courses in strategic planning, communications, business, hospitality, and global tourism. Many aspiring concierges gain part-time employment at hotels and other employers to gain practical experience. Majority of employers provide on the job training to new concierges where they learn company procedures and practices and the required duties.
What are the prospects for a career as a concierge?
Employment of concierges is projected to grow faster than average for all professions from 2006 to 2016 (1). The growth of the hotel and hospitality industry will drive job growth.
Job prospects are expected to be good especially for concierges with extensive experience. Job openings will also arise from the need to replace concierges that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.
How much do concierges make?
As of October 2009, concierges with 1 to 4 years experience earn average annual salaries between $24,711 and $39,107. Those with 5 to 9 years experience earn average annual salaries between $29,323 and $50,364 (2).
A career as a concierge is an excellent choice for individuals interested in providing personal assistance to a variety of people. Concierges must be friendly, helpful, and have a neat appearance and be very familiar with the area to provide the best possible assistance. Good problem-solving skills, multi-tasking ability, great networking, and excellent negotiation skills are essential to provide guest satisfaction and make arrangements on short notice. Concierges must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work under pressure in a fast manner.
