The hospitality industry in India has been growing exponentially and is one of the major employment providers in the country. The industry has been projected to reach a share of GDP to the extent of 9.16% in India by the end of 2020.
Hospitality is a highly competitive and dynamic industry. Job opportunities are huge and there is substantial scope for career growth, but surviving in this industry can be tough. The hospitality business demands special skills like toughness, perseverance, multi-tasking, and long hours.
So, for those who have the grit and passion to serve the hospitality industry, here are some tips that will help you get started.
What are the sectors in Hospitality?
Before plunging into the hospitality business, you must first understand your key area of interest. The hospitality industry can be divided into four main sectors namely:
- Food and beverages.
- Accommodation and lodging.
- Travel and tourism.
- Recreation.
Planning and Preparation
• Choose Your Area of Interest
The hospitality business can be very demanding and each sector requires specialized skill sets and professional degrees. If your ambition is to be a five-star hotel chef, then get ready with a culinary degree from a reputed institute. Similarly, if you have good supervising and management skills, you may opt for a hotel management course.
• Do Adequate Research
The hospitality business is ever-changing and you must keep yourself updated with all the latest news and career options. Identify and understand your passion and choose the right mentor who will guide you through your career path.
• Set Your Goals
Hospitality is a tough business. Set your long-term goals. To achieve success, one has to understand all the nitty-gritty of the profession. Start from entry-level and learn the basics of your profession. The only way to achieve success in this industry is through hard work and perseverance.
• Polish Your Soft Skills
Be proactive and meet new people, potential employers, and career advisors. To thrive in this industry, you need to be cordial and communicative and open to new ideas. Be open to customer feedback and do the adequate study of consumer behavior and social trends.
• Acquire Proper Education
An adequate degree or a professional course from a reputed university will help you land the right job with a high salary. Look out for courses that are certified and have good feedback from students and peers. Consider further study if you want to specialize in a particular sector of hospitality.
Career Scope in Hospitality
• Hotel Operations Manager
Every hotel has different operational departments like food and beverage, security, guest relations, front office, housekeeping, human resources, etc. A hotel’s operational manager ensures that each department is running smoothly within the stipulated budget and time. He/she needs to have strong interpersonal qualities along with strong business management skills. The expected initial salary is INR 6 to 7 lakhs a year.
• Event Planner
An event planner plans and executes events on behalf of an individual or a company. He/she is responsible for the conceptualization of the event, planning, taking care of the décor, food, and coordinating with the guests of the event. This is a detailed job and one needs to execute the event within the prescribed budget allotted to him. The average annual salary in India is between INR 6 to 7 lakhs.
• Line/Prep Cooks
The role of a line or prep cook is multifaceted. He is responsible for preparing and cutting vegetables and meat, purchase of raw resources, preparing sauces, and following the orders of executive chefs. Average earning can be between INR 2 to 3 lakhs in India.
• Concierge
A concierge interacts directly with the guests of the hotel. He/she is a “do it all” person. He/she takes care of all the demands of the guests starting from the booking of tickets, room services, resolving complaints, etc. In other words, this person is the “problem solver” who takes care of all the customer needs. A concierge should be physically strong as this job requires high physical stamina. This is a typical entry-level job and annual salary can be between INR 3 to 4 lakhs.
• Housekeeper
A housekeeper is responsible for ensuring cleanliness in the hotel rooms and other common areas in the hotel. He/she should stock the rooms with all the necessary supplies including food, beverage, linen, and washroom supplies. The annual salary is between INR 2 to 3 lakhs.
• Sommelier
A sommelier is a person who helps guests to select wines. He is also responsible for stocking wines in the cellar. Adequate knowledge about wine selection based on different settings and food menu is a prerequisite for this job. The annual salary can be between INR 2 to 3 lakhs in India.
• Tourist Guide
A tourist guide works in hotels, history and heritage sites and provides information regarding the tourist site to individuals or a group of people. Tour guides may earn up to INR 18,000 to 20,000 a month.
Where to Study?
• Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Kolkata
IHM, established in 1963 is one of the premium universities in India.
Courses:
- B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration.
Duration: 3 years.
Eligibility: 10+2 and must pass NCHMCT JEE.
2. Post-Graduate Diploma in Accommodation Operation and Management.
Duration: 1 year.
Eligibility: Graduation.
3. Diploma in Food and Beverage Service.
Duration: 18 months.
Eligibility: 12th pass.
4. Diploma in Housekeeping.
Duration: 18 months.
Eligibility: 12th pass.
• International Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata
IIHM is one of the biggest chains of hospitality and hotel management institutes and holds branches in India and abroad.
Courses:
1. B.A. in Hospitality Administration/Tourism Studies and Advanced Diploma in International Hospitality Administration.
Duration: 3 years.
Eligibility: 12th pass and must pass the IIHM eCHAT Admission Test.