Exclusive Interview | Pramod Verma, Restaurant Manager,The World Residence at Sea
/“Managing your time wisely is the key to success”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My first experience in hospitality was working for “Uncle Chips” as a part-time sales staff after my 12th standard exam in 1994.
In 1997, I passed out from IHM Mumbai where I did my Training in Oberoi Mumbai and started working for Hotels like Marina Plaza, Mumbai, and Le Royal Meridien, Mumbai.
My first stint at Cruise Ships was in 2003 with Airtours UK for a contract.
In 2004 I joined Cunard Cruise lines “The Most Famous Ocean Liners” in the World.
In 2016 I got an opportunity to work for “The World” The largest private residential ship on the planet, home to only 165 Residences.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Attitude
Resilience
Knowledge
Great people skills,
Exceptional attention to detail,
leadership
Teamwork skills
Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
Meet your coworkers. Introduce yourself to everyone in your department.
Set goals.
Watch and learn.
Be professional.
Keep busy.
Stay organized.
Manage your time wisely. Write everything down.
Keep track of your projects.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Mobile app for easy access.
Tech Explosion.
Self-check-in to minimize guests' waiting time.
Voice-activated virtual assistants for anything, and everything.
Technology to run hotels and bring bookings.
Sustainability efforts affecting the environment.
Increase efforts on health and well-being of a guest.
Real-time damage control,
Unique Perks.
Catering to Millennials.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
Hospitality staff needs to be paid well in India if we need to encourage the new generation to stay in the Industry.
A modern approach to Indian cuisine to make a global phenomenon.
Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?
Why should we hire you?
Because the answer to this question summarizes the whole interview process.
