Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
After completing my senior secondary education, I didn't know about hotel management. I was listening to this course with my friend. I was filling out the form and got admission at IHTM, MD University – Rohtak. From IHTM, I started my journey. I decided to make my teaching career during my bachelor's degree and then got admission to my master’s. I started my industry career with SayaJi Hotel and further worked with Hotel City Park, Motel Gajraj Continental, Lite Bite Foods Pvt. Ltd., and IHG. I started my teaching journey with the Ganpati Institute of Hotel Management – Yamunanagar, an affiliated institute from Kurukshetra University. And presently working with the School of Hotel Management, Starex University – Gurugram, and a Doctorate from IHTM, MD University – Rohtak.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Knowledge, good communication skills, and a hunger to learn are what one needs to succeed in this industry.
What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?
Training time is a learning time for the Students about how systems and processes work in a particular department/section. So keep three words in mind; learn, learn and learn as you can. Moreover, asking more and more questions about something you don't know/understand.
What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Every individual, every institution, every workplace, and every organization changes with time as trends come and go. Digitalization, artificial intelligence & automation, and sustainability are the trends impacting the hospitality industry and will continue in the future.
Two things you would like to change in the industry.
The industry is suffering from attracting and retaining a talented workforce. Long working hours, no social life and low salaries are the main reasons for that. These things need to be changed as the priority so that the industry's negative image can change.
What do you expect the industry to do to support academics?
Closely work with the academics in attracting the youth to start their career in the hospitality sector.
