Sir, Iam Confused !

Every day, as a practice, I meet about five to six students in my office and speak to them on academic and non academic issues. I focus more on non academic issues and give them inputs that matters to them in their professional and personal lives.  While, I meet the final year graduating batch of students of hospitality, We generally discuss on the career and choices that exist for them. Some of them are very keen to join the hospitality industry and some want to move out of the industry. Most of them are confused. Few of them want to pursue their higher studies either in India or abroad and few are keen join their family business or start their own venture. Its their decision. Whether the decision is the right or wrong, only time can prove.

I go deeper into the conversation and ask them a question. On what basis did you arrive at this decision? I learn that it’s based on their perception and imagination. Everyone wants to grow quickly and earn more money. Most decisions are influenced by their peers and seniors in college. Many are choosy about their careers. There is no career plan or strategy. Most parents are unable to guide as many of them are not from the industry. They leave the final choices to their kids. Any wrong decision at this stage will have an impact on their careers. Most of them are just 21 and they have a long way to go. At least for the next 40 years they need to work .


Everyone wants a position as a management trainee in a reputed brand. If not, they are unwilling to settle down for any other positions. Management Trainee positions are good but very few hotel groups in India offer a structured programme. Compared to the number of graduates passing out, the number of management trainee positions is very limited and hotel companies have a stringent selection practices for the same. Very few make it into a good management training programme.


Next option, that exists would be to settle down for a non management trainee position. May be at a supervisory position or join the industry at an associate level. The salary would be much lesser than a management trainee but in the long run it pays off .It all depends on one’s commitment to the job.


Now coming to higher studies. Would it be in India or abroad. This only depends upon one’s affordability. Indian higher education is good. What matters is choosing the right institute and excelling in higher education.
Which course is best suitable for them. Master’s in Hotel Management or Hospitality or  an MBA  .My personal opinion is a general MBA is much better than Master’s in Hospitality as MBA offers wider scope and a hospitality graduate can join any sector  besides the services sector where there are ample opportunities. Hospitality Masters is good but the hospitality industry find difficult to accommodate in hotel operations and generally offer them position in sales and marketing.


Entrepreneurship is one more option. One need to have a concrete plan, funds and risk taking ability to succeed. Experience also matters in the business .

Family business is good when one has an established business and can take the business forward with new ideas and knowledge.

Taking informed decision helps. Speak to the experts. Meet more people from the field. Decisions cannot be taken in the four walls of the classrooms or through one's imagination or in isolation. Grassroots realities are different. Its difficult to undo a wrong decision. It involves time, money and effort. Finally, it’s the hard work with the right attitude, commitment, patience and being value driven that leads to success in personal and professional lives.
 
 
 For Professional advise connect with me @ : gmbhuvan@gmail.com