Kamal Kumar tells you that for the right candidate, the sky is the limit when it comes to job opportunities and pay packages. Excerpts from an interview with Avenues
How has the hospitality industry evolved in the last few yearsIJ
Hospitality is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. It has to exceed the expectations of the guests in given circumstances. Some trends which reflect changing perceptions in hospitality industry are: Increased concern and provision for safety and security (post Mumbai terrorist attack). Anticipating the needs of the guest, not just meeting them, increased level of hygiene and sanitation, see-through kitchen and customised cooking, etc are some areas of change.
What are the job prospectsIJ
The industry is the largest employer in the world today. It is going to be the same in India also. The services sector is growing fast. Hotel management courses prepare students to fit into any branch of service Industry. A student can expect to get employed not only in hotels and restaurants but in malls, resorts, banks, corporate hospitals, cruise liners, airlines, BPOs, etc.
What are the challenges and opportunities in this fieldIJ
The biggest challenge is unpredictability. Every day is a new day and given the circumstances, one has to perform his best to keep the guests satisfied. The industry revolves around the theme — Guest is God — and one has to anticipate the guest’s needs to satisfy him. Opportunities are endless and it is up to a candidate to grab these. Sky is the limit in terms of employment and earning opportunities for the right candidate.
What are the different kinds of courses that are on offer todayIJ
The most popular course after Class XII is the degree course offered by a number of institutes. Barring these degree courses, there are a few short-term/certificate courses like food production, F&B service, bar-tending, housekeeping, front office, etc. However, these courses are not seen as career-oriented courses. They are seen more as skill-development courses for unskilled employees.
It is a pity that in India, hotel management is still not considered a respectable and dignified career option. Even though India is known for its hospitality worldwide, people still perceive hotel management as not one of the prime career options like engineering, medical, doing an MBA, etc. However, perceptions are changing and in the coming few years the profession will be among the top career choices.
At present, however, there is hardly any institute in the country that offers courses beyond post graduate in the hospitality sector.
What are the criteria for selecting a good instituteIJ
Students must look at the following points before joining an institute: legality and validity of degree, quality of faculties, practical infrastructure, and links with industry, placement records and track-record of the institute. If it’s a new one, then a thorough knowledge of the background of promoters as well as faculties is important.
What about pay packagesIJ
Excellent scope for career development, lucrative remuneration, glitz, glamour and travelling to some extent are some of the factors which have played a major role in drawing the attention of the young generation towards this career. As an executive or management trainee you can earn in the range of Rs10,000-Rs15,000 per month. If you know your spices you can work in the kitchen, where the growth can be very exciting. An executive chef in a five-star hotel earns Rs80,000 or more per month plus perks.
The earnings of some other positions are as follows: Food & Beverage Manager: Rs15,000, Front Office Manager: Rs15,000-Rs30,000. lobby managers: Rs10,000-Rs20,000, Executive Chef: Rs15,000-Rs60,000, Executive Housekeepers: Rs20,000-Rs50,000, Assistant Housekeeper: Rs15,000-Rs25,000, Pantry Supervisors: Rs10,000 -Rs20,000.
