The hospitality industry is on the verge of an expansion. There will be a corresponding increase in job opportunities and rapid growth for those who are already a part of this industry as experience will be the key, says Mohit Nirula
The hospitality industry in India stands on the verge of exponential expansion. The new Government has announced that tourism — both international travellers visiting India and domestic tourism will be a strong area of focus. The facility of being able to get a visa on arrival is being considered and the processes finalised. It is an established fact that countries which introduced this facility have seen inbound tourist arrivals double in the first two years.
It is estimated that the number of hotel rooms will double in the next five years. This expansion is across all segments and in all cities and States in the country. It naturally follows, that there will be a corresponding increase in new job opportunities and rapid growth for those who are already a part of the industry as new hotels will chase experienced staff to lead their businesses.
Hence, should an individual fulfill his/her part of the bargain by demonstrating capability, being mobile and willing to relocate for growth, it is almost a given that there will be many opportunities for career growth.
For any student, choosing a career is a life defining moment. In the Indian context important decisions are rarely taken individually. Parents, extended family, neighbours, friends and even friends of friends will often have a say in what is the correct choice of career for the individual.
Hence, for an industry to attract the best talent, it becomes important that all the opinion makers who influence career choices have a favourable impression of the industry and the opportunities it has to offer.
Thankfully, the global success of Indian hotel companies, the exposure to the hospitality industry via food, travel and lifestyle television channels and the increasing number of success stories of Indian hoteliers has resulted in the hospitality industry being viewed as a realistic option for students.
The Oberoi Centre of learning and Development, established in 1966, through its three-year STEP programme (designed for high school graduates) and the two-year Post Graduate Management Programme (designed for undergraduates) grooms associates through a combination of academic instruction and comprehensive on the job training.
The programme combines practical on the job learning with study towards a Bachelor of Tourism Studies degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University.
Trainees are provided with assistance in the form of study materials and dedicated time to prepare for the exams for their undergraduate degree.
Now in its eleventh year, the programme offers students the opportunity to acquire all round and specialised skills and knowledge in all departments of a hotel.
The Hotel Operations Programme offers training in the three operations departments of Food and Beverage, Front Office and Housekeeping. The Kitchen Operations Programme includes training in the Western and Indian kitchens besides orientation in specialised sections such as bakery, pastry and the cold kitchen. The focus is on practical training in hotels.
Associates are groomed through a structured curriculum of academic study which includes general management and hospitality. The programme also provides practical experience at a popular chain of hotel.
The Post Graduate Management Programme is designed to facilitate the personal and professional growth of associates into consummate hoteliers.
Since its inception in 1966, the post graduate management progrmme has developed managers who today are senior executives in top hotels and industry leaders in India and overseas.
The hotel industry has a variety of openings offering a number of portfolios. Such as hostess, stewards, front office assistant, counter sales executive and guest relation executive for fresh graduates. There are also many openings as per experience of the individual.
There are academic courses which groom students who wish to make the hospitality industry their home. There are many specialised courses for different profiles. The qualification will help you to promote or upgrade yourself in your profile. One should have smart and pleasant personality and excellent communication skills to be able to make a mark in this set-up. You should also be willing to meet and network with a wide range of people.
(The writer is dean at The Oberoi Centre of learning and Development)