When you search for spa management courses or degree programs, there are many available information particularly online courses. Most colleges and universities offer courses and even full degrees completely online. However, before contacting the admission department, make sure you have the right information.
If you are undecided if spa management is right for you or you may have asked yourself if you need a degree to work and management a spa business? Here is information that you need to know:
- Completing a spa management degree is not a guarantee that you will land a job as Spa Manager or manage wellness and spa department right away. You may start with an entry level position to gain understanding and experience of the business.
- The business aspect of spa management and the working environment of spa professionals can be stressful. However, if you have a genuine passion for service and helping others, being a spa professional is a rewarding and fulfilling career. Also, being in a tranquil spa setting may help you with stress management.
- There are two options in obtaining a diploma/certificate in spa management – depending on your circumstances and career goals, you may choose an associate degree in spa management or completing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with major emphasis in spa management. As with any other businesses, spa business is evolving. Fortunately, there are professional certifications and continuing education programs that you can study to develop your career.
- According to payscale.com (based on their salary survey) the average Spa Managers in United States average salary is around $40K. According to national salary data, it is from $26,499 – $56,584 or from $22,120 to $59,180. The highest compensation is paid to those working in larger metropolitan areas and resort locations. The spa industry is expected to grow during the period between 2012 and 2022
So, now that you decide to complete a spa management degree, the next thing that you need to do is determine the best way to complete your degree. Depending on your current situations and motivations, you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of studying online and on campus.
Examples of classroom versus online study:
Classroom advantages
- Face to face interaction with your instructor. You can easily ask questions during class and get answers right away.
- Face to face interaction with your classmates for any subject discussions.
- Meeting new people can mean access to networking.
Classroom disadvantages
- If you do not live on campus, you may have to travel daily, and this can be stressful both emotionally and financially.
- Classes are conducted at specific time which can be stressful if you are a working student, as you need to work at class speed.
Online advantages
- You can attend your class anywhere.
- May lower your stress traveling daily to/from school, if you do not live on campus.
- Convenient for working student.
- Some subjects allow you to study at your own pace.
Online disadvantages
- If you are not self-motivated, organized and focus, you may have difficulty studying on your own.
- It may be difficult to express your opinions, feelings, thoughts in writing.
- You may miss vital information if you do not pay attention to your class board posts. Misunderstanding chats, emails discussion etc.
- If you are someone who dislikes writing and reading, you may have difficulty in online classes.
In the past years, online education offers many opportunities and has helped many individuals further their education while working. It allows students to have flexibility and convenience. However, do not decide right away to enroll in any online programs as this may not be the easy way to complete your degree. Choosing your mode of learning is based on your personal preference. You must ask yourself the hard questions such as – am I self-motivated and discipline enough to study alone? Can I organize myself and focus on my lessons without interaction and only limited guidance from my instructor?
Just about any schools have online presence and most information are available online, such as admission requirements, specific subjects, financial aid, etc. However, be cautious with online courses and programs offer by unknown schools as these programs or schools may not be accredited and may have an impact in your job application.
Whatever way you decide to complete your spa management degree, make sure you do your research about the school. Ask questions. Do more research. Most importantly, ask if the school has support team on campus or online. Will the school help with internships and if they have a career center for their students? If the school that you want doesn’t provide these service, try looking for other alternative schools.
Hospitality Career Focus – HOSCAF provides these resources for informational purposes only. We cannot authenticate the accuracy, efficacy, benefits, quality, legality or usefulness of the information provided. The inclusion of these references, including affiliate links, if any, does NOT constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Hospitality Career Focus – HOSCAF. We are not liable for any loses that may occur when you use and engage in these resources. Please do your own research before making any online purchases from these resources and make sure it is right for you.