The hospitality industry operates in a highly competitive environment. It is important that those seeking careers as professionals develop a strong business foundation and customer service skills, says Kamal Kumar in an interview. Excerpts
How has the hospitality industry evolved over the past few yearsIJ
Hospitality is a dynamic and ever-evolving. It has to exceed the expectations of the guests in given circumstances. Some trends which reflect changing perceptions in hospitality industry are: Anticipating the needs of the guest, not just meeting them, increased level of hygiene and sanitation, see through kitchen and customised cooking etc.
What are the job prospects in this fieldIJ
The industry is the largest employer in the world and it is going to be so in India as well. 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 opportunitiesIJ
The biggest challenge is unpredictability. Every day is a new day and given the circumstances; one has to perform his/her 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 or her. 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 is the eligibilityIJ
For one-year diploma: Class X or XII with minimum aggregate performance of 50 per cent or three or four-year bachelor degree programme: Class XII or equivalent pass with a minimum 50 per cent. For two-year PG Diploma, the applicant must be a graduate of any stream. MSc in Hospitality Administration: BSc in Hospitality Administration. For certificate courses one needs plus II or equivalent. The selection process comprises of an entrance test followed with group discussion and personal interview.
What are the courses that come under it and institutions/collegesIJ
The most popular course after plus II 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, House-keeping, Front-Office though they are not seen as career-oriented courses.
These courses 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, medicine etc. However, perceptions are changing and in the next few years the profession will be among the top career choices.
What about pay packagesIJ
Excellent scope for career development, lucrative remuneration, glitz, glamour and traveling 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 Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. If you know your spices you could work in the kitchen, where the growth can be very exciting. An executive chef in a five-star hotel earns about Rs 80,000 or more per month plus perks.
The earnings of some other positions are as follows: Food & Beverage manager beginner: Rs 15,000, Front office manager: Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000. lobby managers: Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, Executive housekeepers: Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, Assistant housekeeper: Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 and Pantry supervisors get around Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.