Today, the hospitality industry is facing a serious dearth in the number of qualified professionals at the entry level. The major reason for the shortage can be conferred to inability of the industry in providing an attractive salary package and the prolonged work timings which is not fixed like 9 to 5 jobs. So, the students from the hospitality industry get easily lured to the jobs given by the IT industry which includes BPO and KPO jobs. They take the cream of the students into their company and the left ones are mostly unaware of the industry requirements and lack basic communication skills. Hence, the industry is left with no choice but to recruit them as they are in need of a workforce. So, I'll pen down some of the key points which will help the hospitality aspirants and the students to understand the industry.
Choosing the right institute
The students must ensure that they take the course which encourages for a one-year internship with the industry apart from a formal training of three years. The students must select institute which provides them with the facility to work with the industry or have good industry tie-ups. Because there are institutes which demands a good fortune from the students as fees and don't facilitate them with sufficient training. So, it is better to contact the alumni of the Institute beforehand for getting more information on the training offered.
Communication Skills
As most of the students don't possess basic communication skills, the institutes which are rendering them formal training in hospitality must also ensure that they are given personality development training. We don't expect the students to be an expert in the field of communication but at least have a basic standard of communication competency is required. Recruiters in this industry look out for candidates who have a charming personality imbibed with necessary skills.
Usage of the Internet
The students get a lot of new updates on the industry from the internet every day. With unlimited information available on the new updates in hospitality, the students must keep their ears and eyes open for more knowledge. They should be ready to dedicate themselves to the industry, then only they will tend to become successful in this field.
Keeping the Focus till the end
Optimum students joining the hotel management degree fail to carry the same spirit till the end of the semester. They get wooed by BPOs and KPOs which offer them with higher salary package compared to the hospitality industry. They should keep in mind that although the initial 4-5 years is going to be difficult, later they with their hard work and passion would be able to attain higher ranks in the industry which will eventually make their journey interesting. It is important to ask students to give more emphasis to their passion than money.
How to Prepare for an Interview
Most of the students appearing for interview must have a basic knowledge of the organization. For instance, if they are going to Hilton, they must be able to know more about the organization and how it operates. Additionally, they must be prepared and versed to answer questions related to their subject. Most of the organizations expect hospitality students to be master of one and jack of all.
To the Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Hospitality is a fast-growing industry which provides the students with an opportunity to establish their own startup after a formal education. But, the students must be aware of the advanced technologies existing in the industry. Technology has to be used to the maximum to save cost which is absolutely important for the contemporary industry scenario. For instance, Energy is a huge cost in the hotel. But, if we can find a means to get renewable energy like solar power, then the cost of electricity usage will be reduced.
Shaffer Ahmed, Director & CEO
Shaffer Ahmed is currently the Director and CEO of the Purpletree Hotels and Hospitality Services. He completed hospitality management degree from Asan Memorial Institute of Hotel Management and worked with leading hotel chains of India. After years of experience, Shaffer joined Purpletree which is a professional hotel management company conceptualized by experts of the industry.
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