Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

I am Souvik Sarkar, Assistant Professor from the Department of Hospitality in Assam Don Bosco University. I was born and raised in Kolkata ( The city of Joy), India. I got inspired by my father since he was a  successful  Hotelier and very passionate about his work. In my childhood, I decided to be like him. He worked in a reputed brand like ITDC Ashoka Kolkata. I pursued my dream course by enrolling in hotel management at The Meridian School of Hotel Management Kolkata. Upon graduation, my first journey as an f&b associate was at Costa Coffee, Delhi in 2008. In 2010 I moved to Kolkata at Swissotel a pre-opening property. l worked there from 2010-to 2012. As I was part of the pre-opening hotel team and gained lots of f&b operations insights. Then I decided to move from operation to training so I enrolled myself in the MBA ( Specialized Human Resource) Programme from Sikkim Manipal University in the year 2013. After compilation of the program, I shifted to   Academics and I continued to undertake more roles in different Colleges and universities across the countries such as Lovely Professional University, Nimes Group, Inspiria Knowledge Campus as Assistant Professor (Specialized in Food & Beverage Service ). Presently I am associated with Assam Don Bosco University as an Assistant professor.  The journey was beautiful but not easy at the same time.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

 I think a Positive Attitude and Passion to deliver is something that is essential for success. Hunger for learning  & quick adaptability is the most important thing to be successful in the industry.

Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?

During the time of internship Learn and grasp the knowledge as much as you can, this will stay with you forever.

Never shy away from asking questions about something you don’t know/understand.

Better to clarify doubt and get it right than assume and make mistakes. Capitalize the opportunity and make it count in every aspect wherever you get posted/assigned. 

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality education industry?

After the covid pandemics industry has taught us new ways of doing things, the introduction of online classes is one of them in the education industry and it has a deep impact on a hospitality program or courses. The industry needs multitasking candidates nowadays so, preparing them as per industry standards is our major focus. Due to pandemics, the past two years weren't good neither for the hospitality industry nor for Hospitality courses as well, bringing back the confidence and encouraging the new aspirants/ talents is the major goal I believe. 

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

Work-Life balance & right working culture for sure  Standard pay package for the young/fresh hoteliers across the country. 

Editor: What do you expect the industry to do to support academics?

One thing the industry should start immediately is a Faculty Development Programme to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the hospitality academician in terms of modern trends, which will be a win-win situation for both parties.