Mr. Pranay Srivastava has been working as the Marketing Head of Ananta Institute of Hotel Management & Allied Studies, Jaipur, Rajasthan. He is a highly experienced professional with an amazing 14 years of work experience in the education sector. Also, he has established himself as a trailblazer in the field of academic counseling and is consistently delivering exceptional guidance to students. As part of his education, he has done MBA in Marketing, Masters in Human Resource Management and an M.Com from the prestigious University of Rajasthan.

His extensive knowledge and expertise are complemented by excellent organizational skills, enabling him to effectively manage counseling sessions and provide tailored advice to students. Mr. Srivastava possesses a unique ability to connect with students effortlessly, creating a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Throughout his career, Mr. Srivastava has demonstrated a passion for empowering students and facilitating their personal growth. Additionally, he plays an influential role in fostering their social development, encouraging them to thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Ananta Institute of Hotel Management

What are some of the best practices which your institution has adopted for courses they are offering to students?

We have adopted several key practices to deliver finest quality education to students through our courses. First and foremost, as we know that effective communication is crucial in every field, so we have made report writing, presentations and interpersonal interaction an integral part of the curriculum to enhance verbal & written communication skills of students so that they can confidently express themselves, build strong connections and convey their ideas more effectively. In addition to this, we regularly teach unique techniques to students on how to manage time effectively, eliminate time-wasting activities, delegate when necessary, set realistic goals and prioritize tasks for maximum productivity. We also educate students about how to collaborate with others, leverage team members strengths and foster a positive and inclusive team environment, because in today's interconnected world, working effectively as part of a team is essential. 

Then we have suitable resources and events such as conferences and professional development programs to help students upgrade their knowledge, learn about trends of the industrial world. Additionally, our courses are focused on developing one's ability to analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, resolve conflicts, navigate challenging situations with ease, manage emotions and handle stress & make informed decisions and through them we even inculcate life skills like self-awareness, flexibility, resilience, problem-solving skills and empathy as it's a well known fact that emotional intelligence plays a significant role in personal and professional success. 

Students will also get to learn about skills, traits and tools to become an effective leader so as to provide constructive feedback, inspire others, drive innovation, and create a thriving work environment along with strategies on how to effectively network both online and offline, leverage social media platforms, and cultivate relationships with industry professionals. Last but not the least, students are educated about key presentation skills and strategies for using visual aids effectively so that they can learn how to structure their presentations, engage audiences, & deliver messages with confidence. 

Which factors make the HM program of your college worth pursuing for students?

The industry oriented and comprehensive curriculum of our Hotel Management program makes it a best option for students, as it has been carefully curated to cover all the essential knowledge & skills that students need to succeed in their chosen field. We have also integrated new technologies & teaching methods into the curriculum and we even offer a lot of opportunities including internships to students for much needed practical exposure so that they can apply their classroom learning to real-world projects and enhance their subject understanding.

Apart from this, we have an amazing team of highly knowledgeable and experienced faculty members who bring with them a wealth of industry expertise and academic qualifications to ensure that students receive a high-quality education and personalized guidance and mentorship as and when needed to navigate their academic journey and develop the necessary skills. Events such as workshops, laboratory sessions and guest lectures are organized too from time to time to make students industry ready. Then we have a strong network of Alumni and industry professionals who help us a lot in enhancing the overall learning experience of students and provide them good job opportunities.

We have also maintained a state-of-the-art infrastructure, ultra-modern research facilities and supportive & inclusive learning environment on campus so that students from diverse backgrounds can thrive and can collaborate with their peers, teachers and industry experts and build professional relationships that will benefit them in the future.

Being the Marketing Head of Ananta Institute, what is your philosophy of leadership?

I strongly believe that the philosophy of leadership encompasses a set of principles and beliefs that guide individuals in their approach to leading others. And it also involves understanding the importance of influencing and inspiring others, & promoting a shared vision towards achieving common goals. And if I talk about my own approach, I have adopted a collaborative way of working with people and empowering them. Other than this, I have maintained such an environment on campus where everyone feels heard, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. I even encourage open communication and actively seek inputs from my team members so that I can provide them necessary guidance and encourage them to take ownership of their work and make independent decisions. 

Apart from this, trust & transparency are at the core of my leadership approach, as I believe they are crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a positive work culture. Therefore, I strive to lead by example, demonstrating integrity, empathy, & resilience in the face of challenges. Lastly, I value the idea of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs and development of their team members above their own personal interests. And all in all, leadership is actually a continuous learning process, where I am constantly seeking opportunities to grow and improve as a leader.

Check Ananta Institute of Hotel Management & Allied Studies Courses & Fees

What are some valuable insights of the programs students are pursuing from your college at present?

There are several key aspects which make our program truly valuable. First and foremost, it covers a wide range of subjects related to hotel management, including hospitality operations, finance, marketing, human resources, and customer service. And this comprehensive curriculum in return ensures that students gain a holistic understanding of the industry and are well-equipped with required knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career. Then we have hands-on learning opportunities like internships and industrial visits for students so that they can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and build valuable connections within the hospitality industry. Other than this, our course is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated for the success of our students and go above and beyond to ensure that they receive the guidance they need to thrive in their studies and future careers. 

We also conduct resume building workshops, interview preparation sessions, guest lectures and invite industry professionals to share their experiences and insights of current trends, challenges, and best practices of the hotel management industry with our students. Other than this, from industry conferences to alumni events, students have the chance to expand their network that can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship. And we even offer international exchange programs and cultural immersion activities to educate our students about different cultures, customs and business practices to thrive in a globalized hospitality industry. Apart from this, we have amazing amenities on campus in the form of modern classrooms, fully functional hotel rooms, a mock reception area, and a fully operational kitchen. These facilities allow students to practice their skills in a realistic setting, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges they may face in their future careers. 

Our college has also collaborated with leading hotels and resorts, both locally and internationally to offer internships to students. Lastly we have a dedicated Placement Team which works closely with students to help them identify their career goals, polish their job search skills, connect them with potential employers and organize job fairs and recruitment events. And we have even established strong partnerships with leading hotel chains, resorts, and hospitality organizations to ensure that our students receive the most relevant and up-to-date training, then be it managing a front desk, overseeing restaurant operations, or organizing events. And we also provide personalized mentorship to students as we understand that every student is unique and has different goals and aspirations. 

How do the courses of your institute ensure the future preparedness of students?

The Hotel management program of our college goes above and beyond to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the hospitality industry. Firstly we have a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of hotel management, including front office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage management, event planning, and financial management. This ensures that students have a solid foundation in all areas of hotel operations, making them well-prepared for the diverse challenges they may face in their future careers. Then we have a team of industry-experienced faculty members who provide in-depth subject understanding and knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to students. Then we offer cool internships to students wherein they work with leading hotels and resorts to develop a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, which are essential qualities for success in the hospitality industry. 

Then there are Professional Development Workshops which we conduct regularly to develop communication, leadership, teamwork, and customer service skills of students. Personalized career guidance is also available for students so that they can identify their strengths and interests and align them with the right opportunities in the hospitality industry. We also offer opportunities to students to study abroad and gain exposure to different cultures and hospitality practices that can give them a competitive edge and open doors of international career opportunities. Last but not the least, we have maintained good infrastructure and a vibrant Alumni network and strong industry partnerships to further enhance the learning experience for students. Also, to ensure that our training programs are aligned with the broader goals and objectives of our institution, we actively engage with school administrators, department heads, and other relevant staff members through regular meetings to understand their expectations and incorporate their input into our program. 

Then, we regularly collect feedback from both faculty and students and also utilize surveys, focus groups, and interviews to collect qualitative and quantitative data on various aspects of the program, including curriculum content, teaching methods, and overall satisfaction. Last but not the least, we have implemented a system of recognition and rewards to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of our faculty members. And these rewards serve as a tangible expression of our appreciation for their dedication and hard work. 

How do you build a strong connection between your college courses and industry demands?

For the purpose of enforcing a strong connection between our college courses and corporate requirements, we actively seek out partnerships with hotels, whether they are independent establishments or part of a larger chain in order to identify areas of mutual interest and develop initiatives that benefit both parties. Apart from this, events and activities such as industry conferences, trade shows, and networking sessions are organized by us as and when required, wherein we invite hotel professionals to come together and exchange ideas, best practices and forge new connections. These events also provide a platform to students to interact with industry experts, suppliers, and potential partners, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the hotel industry.

And we also collaborate with experts through research projects to stay updated about the latest trends and innovations of the hotel industry and include the same in our courses curriculum. Furthermore, we have established a dedicated support team that is available to assist hoteliers with any questions or concerns they may have, whether it's addressing operational challenges, implementing new technologies, or navigating industry regulations.

As part of our ongoing commitment to support the hotel industry, we are continuously exploring new avenues and partnerships to further expand our program. We are actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with industry associations, educational institutions, and technology providers to bring additional value to our hotel partners. And we also invest heavily in training and development programs to equip our young and ambitious minds with the much needed knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today's dynamic hospitality landscape.

Check Ananta Institute of Hotel Management & Allied Studies Placement

What challenges have you faced while inculcating the Hotel Management program in the institution curriculum?

One of the main challenges we faced while inculcating the Hotel management program into our curriculum was the need for extensive collaboration and partnership with industry professionals. And since we had recognized that simply incorporating theoretical knowledge into the curriculum would not be enough to prepare our students for the practical challenges they would face in the real world. Therefore, we sought to establish strong relationships with local hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments to provide valuable opportunities to students in the form of internships and mentorship programs. 

Another key hurdle was convincing industry professionals to invest their time and resources in supporting our program as many hotels and resorts were initially hesitant about the idea of collaborating with an educational institution and their core concern was that their operations would be disrupted and additional responsibilities would come with hosting interns and providing training opportunities. So we highlighted to them that collaborating with us would provide hotels and resorts with a pool of well-trained and knowledgeable graduates to recruit from and we also convinced them that we would work closely with them to minimize any disruptions to their operations. Furthermore, we implemented a structured mentorship program to ensure that industry professionals felt supported throughout the process. We assigned a dedicated faculty member to each partnership, who served as a point of contact for the hotel or resort. This faculty member acted as a liaison between the institution and the industry professional, addressing any concerns or issues that arose during the collaboration.

What career options would be available to students after pursuing a Hospitality and Hotel Management course from your institute?

After successfully completing a course in Hospitality and Hotel Management, students would be getting a wide range of career options as the Hospitality and Hotel Management industry is global and offers you the chance to work in various locations around the world. Whether you dream of managing a luxury resort on a tropical island or running a boutique hotel in a bustling city, this field provides endless possibilities to explore different cultures and destinations. And to be more specific, students can work in hotels, resorts, casinos, cruise ships, event management companies as Hotel Manager, Restaurant Manager, Event Planner, Front Office Manager or Food and Beverage Manager and can even start their own hospitality business. 

Also with a plethora of jobs comes job stability as the hospitality and hotel management industry is a thriving one, with a constant demand for skilled professionals. So as long as people travel and seek accommodations, there will always be a need for individuals with expertise in managing hotels and providing exceptional guest experiences. Apart from this, students will get attractive salary packages and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans and employee discounts. Also, as we know that no two days are the same in this field, so students will constantly be faced with new challenges and opportunities and working in the hospitality and hotel management industry also allows one's to continually develop and enhance their skills then be it through on-the-job training, attending seminars and workshops, or pursuing higher education in the field. Students will also get opportunities to build relationships with professionals from various backgrounds and industries through industry conferences, trade shows, or even interacting with guests and colleagues. Last but not the least, one of the most rewarding aspects of working in the hospitality and hotel management industry is the ability to create unforgettable experiences for guests and seeing the joy and gratitude on their face when their expectations are fulfilled.