MBA after Hotel , Hospitality Management

As the times have changed, career aspirations of young Hotel Management and Hospitality Graduates have changed. Most of them would like to pursue MBA degree after their Graduation.

Masters in Business Administration, popularly known as MBA is offered by many Universities and Institutes in India. It is a 2 year full time course after Graduation. The institute should be affiliated to an UGC recognised university and programme has to be approved by All India Council For Technical Education ( AICTE ) . 

Some of the institutes offer 2 year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM ) programme . However , the programme should be recognized by AICTE  in India .

Few Universities offer Part Time MBA for working professionals. This programme is of 3 year duration and minimum requirements would be 2 years of work experience after Graduation. This programme is also required to be recognized by AICTE besides the affiliating University. The nomenclature for Part Time Programmes could be MBA / MHRDM / MMM / MFM / MIM .

MBA is also offered through distance learning mode . The programme is of 2 year duration. Executive MBA programme is also offered by many institutes for working executives .

One can pursue MBA after Hotel Management / Hospitality Management Graduation. Securing a good score in Graduation as well as CAT /MAT / CMAT / MH CET / Any other entrance test is very important. 

Based on the score and performance in Group Discussion, Interviews and other selection tests, one can secure admission in a premier and reputed institute as the competition is very intense. Preparation for the entrance test can be started during the final year of Graduation. The institute should be chosen based on the affiliation status, reputation and brand, infrastructure, faculty and quality placements in the Industry.

Hotel Management / Hospitality Management Graduates with MBA qualifications can find placements in Hotels in the functional areas of Sales & Marketing, Human Resources , Learning & Development , Finance , Public Relations and Corporate Communications .  However, in Operational areas like Food & Beverage Service, Front office , House Keeping , Food & Beverage Production , MBA is not essential in the entry level positions . It would be desirable for the middle management and senior management operational positions.

Hospitality degree with MBA is a good qualification to join the services sector .Armed with an MBA degree, the growth is much faster in the industry and the knowledge of business and environment will change one's perspective and expands the horizon.

Pursuing MBA while working in Hotels is  an option for many. In my personal opinion, it would be extremely difficult for balancing both as each one has its own demands and requirements. In this case, a full time MBA is preferred.

MBA qualification is essential in the long run as one has to plan his or her career for at least 40 years .The business environment is highly dynamic and one needs to stay relevant to face the challenges of change.  

Learning through apps

Smart Phones have changed the way we communicate and update. With data prices coming down and WIFI becoming popular, Smartphone has become an important personal gadget. These are few apps that can be downloaded for updating and keeping oneself well informed.

Economic Times  : An comprehensive application from Economic Times  for economic  updates and articles.

NDTV  : Good app for real time news and current affairs. 

Inshorts : An application which is more like an aggregator for news. It provides news inputs from various sources and can be read within  a minute .  

YourStory : If you have an entrepreneurial aspiration , YourStory is a good app to have .

Current affairs test book : An app to update on latest happening on current affairs with quiz as an option.

If you enjoy Spirituality, Speaking Tree is an good app to download .

The Power of Networking

While, I interact with my young students of Hospitality, one thing is common to all.  Everyone wants to grow quickly in their professional careers.  With my 20 plus years of experience in nurturing young minds, I have witnessed that few of them have reached the top positions in the Industry and many are yet to establish and create an identity for themselves.  What is the difference?  Is it luck, or hard work or someone who has worked smartly to his way up. I believe it is all to do with knowing the right people, creating the right impressions at the right time. In simple words, its known as Networking. The best jobs in the world are not advertised.  They get filled up through good and powerful networks.

So what is this networking all about?

Networking is about connecting with people internally and externally to share information and build mutually beneficial relationship. Networking is all to build the right connections with people. No person in this world can be underestimated. All human beings are important and can be of great help and support. Never know when the tables turn. Networking is a two way relationship. Its a relationship of giving and receiving. The more one gives the more one receives. The most critical part of any networking is to build relationships. All relationships need to be nurtured as we nurture a small sapling. If we ignore this, the relationship fails .Many fail to understand this. They assume that once a contact or a connection is established, it stays for life time. Sorry! This does not happen in the real world.

How to network.

The best way to network is to audit one’s current contacts. Nurture these contacts. Leverage on social media and technology to connect and reconnect. Build new contacts. Its important to prepare on a 30 seconds introduction. A quick introduction that can make an impact. I once met a person in a flight while I was travelling from Delhi to Bangalore. As we were nearing Bangalore, I quickly introduced myself and we starting talking. As the flight landed, this gentle man handed over his visiting card. He happened to be a senior bureaucrat in the government and we are still connected till date.

Where can I meet the right people

Its is good to prepare well for a networking events. Most conferences, workshops, conventions, training progammes have networking lunches or dinners.Also,one meets many people in these events. It is good to go well prepared. Carry enough visiting cards if you have or one can make personal visiting cards. Another place to meet the right people could be social gatherings, industry and trade exhibitions & events, college alumni association events, neighbor hood associations, gyms and sports clubs, residential apartments including every day transport mode like the local trains and the metro trains in Mumbai.

Being connected

Once the network is established, its important to keep connected. Today, it is much easier as technology is a great enabler. Wish the person on his birthday. Send greetings on important festivals and occasions. Speak to the person at least once every quarter. Record this in your personal diary. This is the way to build and nurture relationships. Always remember it is out of sight, out of mind. Keep letting the world know that you exist and you can add value to the world.

No person wants to do business with strangers. People like to do business with known acquaintances and friends. Same principle is applied to jobs as well. If you are in touch, the other person will be comfortable to recommended or suggest your name for potential jobs, business or any assignments or offer a job in his or her organisation. It is important to be grateful and reciprocate when the times comes.

Most jobs are offered to known people. Almost all organizations do the reference check .It is important to be known as person of integrity and value driven. Remember, the world is small and it is a network of networks.

For professional advise connect with me @: gmbhuvan@gmail.com

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 

Being Relevant !

I always wondered Iam I relevant to this world today ? What is the difference between two human minds. One has excelled in all spheres of his life and other is struggling. One dies and the world mourns and other remains as a mere number. What make someone to excel and grow. Why is that they are more accepted than others. Is it any thing to do with the human body ,the hard ware or the human brain, the software.

It is all to do with the mind. All of us receive the same or similar hardware. Some look after them and some don’t. It matters to some extent. All that matters is the software. Our human mind is like a software. I compare this to the ever changing technology. Technology is not static. Its highly dynamic. It is the outcome and manifestation of creative minds. In the year 2011,I switched from a normal mobile phone to a smart phone. It was a great smart phone. The charm lasted about 2 years. I moved to Android. Still managing with it. May be will buy a new one soon. I always think, why should I change my smart phone. But ,we change due to better specification. We always look for new features.

Most of us who have crossed 40 or nearing 40,completed our Graduation and may be Post Graduation almost 20 years ago. Have we upgraded our software ? I mean ,have we updated our minds or we still exist in version 1990,the year we Graduated and stopped studying. Most of them are highly contented with one qualification. They expect the qualification and their work experience would take care of them and their families to the rest of their lives.Most get into their comfort zone and become obsolete over a period of time. The world needs highly talented, educated and creative minds.  I have witnessed that the greatest competitor to us is not our peers. Its someone who is almost 10 years younger to us. They take away our jobs as they possess the right specification as on that day.

It is the matter of survival. The only way to be relevant to this world is through education. Acquire new knowledge and skill sets. Change your attitude and perception. Learn form anyone who can add value to your life. Enroll for new courses. Attend Seminars, workshops, conferences, training and certification programmes. Never underestimate the power of knowledge .Upgrade your version from 1990 to 2015 and so on. Its a constant process. Change yourself now and be relevant in order to be accepted.

For Professional advise connect with me @ : gmbhuvan@gmail.com 

10 Alternative career options for Hospitality Graduates

Hospitality Management also  offered as Hotel Management by many institutions affiliated to an approved board/university is of 3 year or 4 year duration after the class 12^th. Besides having career opportunities in Hotels, Hospitality Graduates have many other alternative career options .Many Graduates have opted for alternative careers by acquiring the right skills and knowledge and have been successful. The alternative careers are

1.Food Photography

2. Travel & Tourism

3. Teaching & Research

4. Entrepreneurship

5. Mall Management

6. Retail Management

7. Hospitality Journalism   

8. Food Critic

9. Event Management

10. Technology

For Professional advise connect with me @ : gmbhuvan@gmail.com 

Skills for Sustainability

Being a trainer to the batch of Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT) an initiative from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for Skills Development of the young Indians. Our institute, Apeejay Institute of Hospitality in Navi Mumbai is an empanelled institute by India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to offer the 6 weeks course in Food & Beverage Service skills, House Keeping Skills and 8 weeks course to offer Food & Beverage Production Skills.Over the last few months, my involvement as a Faculty for these school dropouts was enriching and challenging as well. The minimum qualification requirements is 8^th pass and the candidate should fit in the age group of 18 years to 28 years.I enjoy teaching these youngsters the basic concept of Hospitality, Service Attitude and Etiquette required for the industry . Most of them come from the rural areas .Understanding and communicating in English is a challenge. I use Hindi as a language medium to teach and communicate. At the same time teach them basic English as well.
Most of them enjoy being in a college class room after a long gap in their education. They are hardworking, sincere, punctual and humble. They take down notes in their own language and ask plenty of questions to understand .They go through intense practical sessions besides receiving the theory inputs which are subject specific. With neat and clean uniforms provided free as part of the course, they also receive free toolkit, study material, lunch, refreshments and stipend of Rs.1500.The final examination is conducted after the completion of 6 weeks and they receive a course completion certificate from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.In 6 weeks time ,they are groomed to take up entry level jobs in the Hospitality Industry. Many Hospitality companies visit us to recruit them .They are offered a salary between Rs 7000- Rs 11 000 per month along with statutory benefits like Provident Fund, ESIC, Insurance, Bonus, Maternity Benefit, ,Paid Leaves etc. Most take up employment and move into organized sector. They are performing well in their jobs. It has given me immense satisfaction and fulfillment to make them employable and achieve sustainability in the professional and personal lives.
For more details visit: www.aih.edu.in

For Professional advise contact :

gmbhuvan@gmail.com

Business Introductions ,handshakes & eye contact

While meeting someone, always extend your hand boldly .In case of a lady,if she extends her hand, then return the gesture. Other wise a smile and courtesy will suffice.If you are introducing two individuals present the junior person to the senior. Gentleman to the lady.In a gathering/function of unknown people you may introduce yourself and exchange cards.

Handshakes

A vital component in any interpersonal encounter.Those few seconds you “shake” can empower or weaken a relationship. Men’s handshakes are typically strong and firm because they naturally have a stronger grip.The following are different types of handshakes

Controller

Sandwich

Dead Fish

Limp Fingers

Eye Contact

Focused eye contact displays confidence

It helps you understand what the other person is really saying verbally.

Looking someone in the eye shows you are paying attention.

Listening is the most important human relations skill, and good eye contact plays a large part in conveying our interest in others.

n  When to look

–        When you engage someone in a conversation or

–        When trying to get someone’s attention.

n  Where to look

–        Imagine an inverted triangle in your face with the base of it just above your eyes descending down to the nose. That’s the suggested area to “look at” during business/professional conversations.

n  How long to look

–        Suggested about 80-90 percent of the time.

–        Less can be interpreted as discomfort, evasiveness, lack of confidence or boredom.

–        Longer can be construed as being too direct, dominant or forceful and make other person uncomfortable.

Cellphone Etiquette

Cell phones have become integral part of human lives. Today,more and more cell phone users are carrying smart phones to work.There are advantages and disadvantages of using cell phone. These are certain cell phone etiquettes that needs to be kept in mind while using them.

In a meeting with the client put your cell on silent mode

Do not answer your phone in the middle of a conversation.

If you must, first excuse yourself, move/turn away and be brief.

Do not keep looking at your cell, play games and read or send sms messages in company.

You do not have to shout into your phone to be heard.

Personal affairs need not be shared with the public.

Maintain your callers privacy, keep the volume on low, avoid the speaker phone.

Before calling, sms for permission to call and wait for a response.

If you call during someone’s work hours, ask if he/she is free to speak, if so ask for the right time to call.

Never intrude into a persons after office hours time with official work unless it is important. Try the land line first.

During functions/performances/lectures keep your cell on silent mode

Creating positive first impressions

Creating positive first impressions It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. And once the three second appraisal is over, the content of your speech will not change it. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

With every new encounter, you are evaluated and yet another person’s impression of you is formed. When you make the best possible first impression, you have your audience in the palm of your hand. When you make a poor first impression, you lose your audience’s attention, no matter how hard you scramble to recover it.

These first impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo, making those first encounters extremely important, for they set the tone for the all the relationships that follow. So, whether they are in your career or social life, it’s important to know how to create a good first impression. Success comes to those with integrity, those that are resourceful and those that make a fabulous impression. These first impressions count. Your appearance and behavior speak volumes about who you are. Knowing how to convey the right image can make all the difference to your personal and professional success.

 What differentiates a successful organization is its people. Effective, professional and motivated employees are key to gaining the competitive edge and personal image plays a vital role in achieving this. First Impressions has an extensive corporate client list and has helped many individuals and organizations to get ahead.

Social & Corporate Etiquette and its importance in the Hospitality Industry

In today’s Global Village, Guests belonging to different nationalities travel and stay in Hotels and use the services of the Hospitality Industry. It’s imperative that the Hospitality Service Providers should be aware of the internationally accepted social and corporate etiquette.

In Webster’s New World Dictionary, the word etiquette is defined as follows: "The forms, manners, and ceremonies established by convention as acceptable or required in society, or in a profession." Therefore the manners established as acceptable for a society are referred to as ‘Social Etiquette’.

 It is essential and important for every individual employee to behave in a socially acceptable way. Etiquette refers to good manners and behavior demonstrated while dealing with people. An individual should be aware of his or her behavior in the work place. A work place demands highly Professional Behavior. The individual should respect his workplace and maintain accepted decorum. Corporate Etiquette refers to behaving sensibly and appropriately at the workplace to create an everlasting impression.

The formula for Good Etiquette can be written as  Manners + confidence + Style= Impressive impact

The social and corporate has gained its importance   because within the first 3 seconds of an encounter, you are evaluated….. even if it is just a glance.

And here is where you make an indelible impression on others.

You may have hardly said a word, but you will still be appraised.

How to create positive first impressions ( Watch out for my next blog)

Importance of English Language in the Hospitality Industry.

Over the years, I have witnessed  that  many hospitality  students secure good placements and few find difficult to get good jobs. The reasons could be plenty. However, one of the important reason is their English communication skills.

Communication Skills can be verbal or written .In Hospitality Industry Context; it is the English speaking and writing skills. The industry demands for these skills as they are extremely important for Guest & work place interaction. Guests or customers are of different nationalities and English Language has become an common medium for communication. Learning these skills are as important as the technical skills. Efforts should be taken by Hospitality students to enhance English Language .These pointers could help the Hospitality students.

1.Identify and accept that the problem  to speak and write  good English exist.

2.Once accepted, set a target. The target can be 12 months to 18 months to enhance  your skills.

3.Always speak English with your peers.

4.If you still find it difficult to cope, join good English speaking courses. These could be online or offline courses.

5.Watch good  English Movies and English Programmes on Television .

6.Focus to learn neural English without any accent.

7.Read Good English Novels, Newspapers, Magazines and so on. Go beyond text books.

8. Practice to speak and write Good English without grammatical errors.

9.Find a good teacher or mentor who can guide you.

10.Be focused ,determined and work hard.

Being a Chef

As I interview new set of students for the Hotel Management course at our Institute, I always ask them the reason to choose Hotel Management. Most students tell me that they love cooking and would like to become a Chef. But the reality is only few choose careers in Culinary after they complete the 3 year Hotel Management course. Most of them are inspired through the television cookery shows and celebrity chefs. However, during the 6 months internship in a star hotel, as they go through their kitchen training, most realize that their core strength is not cooking and look for other options in the Hotel or in the service Industry.

Working in kitchen is not an easy task. Its plenty of hard and physical work. Domestic cooking for 2 to 4 pax is different than cooking for large numbers. One should have the real inclination and passion towards food and cooking. Its highly technical and skill based. Cooking cannot be learnt overnight or going through recipe books. It involves constant practice.  Only such passionate individuals can be a successful Chef. So next time if you decide on becoming a Chef based on a television show, think again!!!!!

Learning through Travel

I remember a proverb in Kannada which states  Desha Suttu Kosha Odu which means Travel the places and Read the books .Education is all about knowing.  Just reading the books and acquiring the knowledge is incomplete. It is said that The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.  I have learnt a lot through travelling.

Travelling can be local, regional ,national or international .Visiting new places ,interacting with people ,experiencing cultures and traditions, understanding the socio, economic and business dynamics enhances ones knowledge and brings  changes in attitudes and perspectives. Travelling opens up the mind. It widens ones horizon and builds confidence. Travelling teaches life skills .These life skills are essential in today’s world. Most institutions organize study tours and field visits.  My suggestion to the students is to participate in these activities.

At Apeejay Institute of Hospitality, Navi Mumbai, we have integrated travel component into the curriculum. The students are taken to Fish Markets, Vegetable Markets, Vine Yards, Cheese Farms, Emu Farms, Food & Beverage related industries and many more. The institute also organizes international tour to the students. Gaining International Exposure takes a long way in their careers. Never underestimate the value of travelling. So next time when you have an opportunity, just pack , get set and go…………………

Angles of white space:

Many times, we wish we had more than 24 hours as we are unable to give time to many of our personal or professional activities . However, I have observed that many will balance their personal and professional life beautifully without any compromises. It is all about managing oneself effectively and achieving all the domains of life. One concept I have read and I practice is about ‘Angles of White Space’ which Mr.Subroto Bagchi writes in his book ‘The Professional’.

White Space according to Mr.Bagchi is the empty space that we find every day. Be it while travelling to work in a coach, waiting for meeting to start or waiting for a flight at the airport. There are many instances in a day where we can discover white space. This white space can be proactively used to complete many unfinished tasks such as reverting to all the messages, phone calls, reading & replying mails to reading books, listening to music ,  connecting with a old friend ,family  and many more…… This is the best space that can be utilized to complete several unfinished tasks. It requires little planning and organizing.

The best thing is to carry a small pocket size diary  or just a note pad will do. Write ‘things to do’ . Keep updating the diary or the pad at regular intervals. Once the task is achieved, keep ticking YES .The ones that are still NO, do it the next day. Use technology to your advantage. Evaluate the number of tasks completed before going to bed. You will be surprised to see that you have completed more than 90% of your listed tasks. That’s an achievement. It gives you immense satisfaction. Life is all about managing time which is giving time and receiving time .Remember that little steps taken everyday adds up to big results. Never procrastinate any task for lack of time .Do it today and do it now.

Graceful Exit

In this competitive world, most receive job offers or apply for jobs with other organizations. However, few of them leave the present organization without proper notice or hand over. Its not wrong to leave your present job for other prospects. However, the way one leaves matter the most .In this blog, I have penned down few points about ‘Graceful Exit’.

1.Its important that one leaves the present job gracefully. Follow the terms and conditions in the letter of appointment. Most organizations have minimum of one month notice period and at senior positions ,it may be two or more months.

2. Serve the notice period fully. Leaving abruptly will affect the organization and your credibility .Remember it’s a small networked world.

3.Work with the same enthusiasm, commitment and motivation till the last relieving date. Do not keep taking leave just because you need to exhaust the pending leave.

4.Hand over everything to your boss, colleague  or the person who has replaced you. It may be even a small thing like a company badge or a borrowed book from your company library.

5.Introduce people  and share all the contacts that you have developed to the person who has replaced you.

6.Never demotivate your colleagues   just because you are leaving .

7.Its not right to bad mouth about your present organization. Always remember, the present organization have taken care of you and also contributed towards your growth and career.

8.Thank every one on  your last relieving day. This can be done verbally or a nice mail can be sent .Also, furnish your contact number and personal email id.

9.Complete all the relieving procedures .

10 .Its always good to leave  gracefully so that you are welcome again to your previous organization  .

The 3 C’s for Effective Communication

In today’s competitive environment, the success of an individual depends largely upon they way one communicates. Communication is an integral part of any process.  The mantra for effective  communication depends on these 3 Cs which are Content, Confidence and Communication. Each ‘C ‘is most critical and vital. The absence of any one ‘ C ‘can lead to  poor communication. These 3 Cs can be applied while making Presentations, Public Speaking, Group Discussions, Interviews, Meetings , Formal or casual conversations.

1.Content: The quality of communication is based on content. Content is the subject matter which comes from Knowledge, Skill and Experience. Good Communicators work on good content. They best way to acquire content is through reading, research and constant updation.

 2. Confidence: The next important aspect to effective communication is the confidence. Communicating boldly and confidently in front of audience with positive body language creates great impact. Confidence comes from experience and constant practice.

3. Communication: This is the 3^rd C which is the most critical and vital. The effectiveness   of communication depends the chosen language, expertise in the language, grammar, clarity of thoughts, speed, body language, gestures and voice modulation.

Though these 3 C’s looks simple, each one have important role to play. Keeping these pointers in mind will certainly lead to effective communication.

Internship in a Hotel : A Great way to learn

Recently ,I submitted by  my Thesis on Internship Experiences of Hotel Management students in Mumbai for my Masters in Philosophy (M Phil ) programme.  As I was collecting the data for my research, I interacted with more than hundred students and captured their experiences. Every student of Hotel Management undergoes six month internship in a star hotel as part of the hotel management degree course curriculum. The students were from different colleges and were studying 3 year hotel management or hospitality studies. The exposure to real life situation is priceless .These are some of their positive experiences

·         Learning new skills and enriching knowledge

·         Interacting with real guests who belong to different nationalities and cultures

·         Experiencing a 5 star property which offers various products and services

·         Working with people which has enhanced the people management skills

·         Friendly Work environment & employee facilities

·         Meeting Celebrities

·         Being part of events and festivals

·         Opportunity to experience different cuisines

·         Developing Leadership & Team Management Skills

·         Change in perception and attitude

·         Taking up responsibility and being accountable

·         Enhanced career prospects

Hotel Management is one of the few courses which offers compulsory internship.  Its a great way to learn  for a career in the hospitality sector.

Hotel Management Programme : Transforming Ordinary to Extra Ordinary

I would like to share a real case study in this blog.

Case Study:

Sanjay  had scored just 40% in his class 12^th and was struggling to secure admission in a good professional college. He choose to join hotel management programme. He was just an average student in academics but possessed great attitude .He worked hard during college practical classes and participated actively  in all the college activities. He managed to secure second class in his examinations and completed his 6 months industrial exposure training in a reputed 5 star Hotel in Bangalore. He also worked in the evenings in Food Production Department and specialized in Indian cuisine. 

After completion of the course, Sanjay  joined a 5 star Hotel in Food Production Department and worked for 3 years. He acquired the right skill sets and knowledge during his course and work. He was offered a job in a 5 star Hotel in UK . Today,Mr.Sanjay is working as an Executive Chef and earning a great package. He is professionally successful.

My opinion:

Choose a course that offers a long term career. Hotel Management is one such course which offers enormous career opportunities not only in India but across the Globe .A 3 year degree course offers practical training besides the theatrical inputs. Students with average capabilities have been successful through this programme.  It has transformed ordinary students for a great career in the hotels and services sector. This course develops skill sets, managerial abilities and excellent   people management skills.

 The 6 months on the job practical internship in Hotels adds value to the programme. The programme develops positive and proactive Attitude to work in Hotels. Being a customer centric programme , the placement opportunities are plenty. As the industry is labor intensive, there is a demand for skilled and qualified manpower worldwide. Being a degree programme, there are options for higher education. Also, this course opens doors for entrepreneurship. Hotel Management is a good career option that can be explored. 

Hotel Management courses with multiple nomenclatures in India.

Over the last two decades, Hotel Management courses have gained its popularity in our country. Prior to 1990s,Hotel Management was offered as 3 year Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology by Institute of Hotel Managements (IHMs) .The 3 year Bachelors  Degree course in Hotel Management( BHM )was first introduced by Mangalore University in Karnataka and later started by other Universities in India. Today, there are hundreds of colleges that have mushroomed and offer courses in Hotel Management. However, the problem that lies is with the multiplicity of nomenclatures of these courses which creates confusion in the minds of students, parents, recruiters and general public. For instance, the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHM) are affiliated to Indira Gandhi National Open University ( IGNOU) and National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and offers 3 year BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration. The University of Mumbai offers 3 year BSc in Hospitality Studies. The Bangalore University & University of Pune  offers 4 year Bachelors in Hotel Management & Catering Technology, recognized by All India Council for Technical Education. There are Universities that also offers BA in International Hospitality Administration and B Com with Hotel Management. The real challenge is to choose a course that is widely accepted by the hospitality industry and facilitates placements & higher education for the students.

Choosing the right programme:

An aspirant should choose a course that is either 3 year duration or 4 year duration .The minimum eligibility for hotel management is 10+2 in any discipline. Some of the Universities insist on 50 % marks in standard 12^th.A 3 year  course should be affiliated to a university in India and recognized by University Grants commission (UGC) .The four year course should be affiliated to a University and recognized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

(Also, refer to my earlier blog on choosing the right institute).