Mr. Ajay Pal is the Head of the Accommodations Department at SERVO Hospitality School. At present, he is pursuing a Masters in Tourism and Travel Management from Uttarakhand Open University. He has over 14 years of experience of working in the Hospitality industry.

SERVO Hospitality School

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/ dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

We look for Rooms Division programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum, emphasizing practical skills and technology integration. Programs should foster industry connections, providing networking opportunities and internships. Professional certifications, a global perspective, and soft skills development are crucial for standing out in the competitive hospitality sector. Consider institutes with research opportunities and faculty expertise. Check for current industry relevance, such as the incorporation of the latest hotel management software. Ultimately, a program that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, international exposure, and industry partnerships will best prepare students for success and set them apart in the competitive job market.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

The program stands out as the best choice for students due to its comprehensive curriculum, emphasizing practical skills and technology integration. With strong industry connections, including networking opportunities and internships, students gain real-world experience. The program offers the chance to earn relevant certifications, a global perspective through international exposure, and focuses on developing essential soft skills. Additionally, it provides research opportunities and benefits from faculty expertise. Regular updates ensure current industry relevance, while student support services, modern facilities, and a successful alumni track record contribute to a well-rounded and impactful educational experience, setting students apart in the competitive hospitality sector.

What are the best practices in the course you’re offering?

The best practices in education involve clear learning objectives, active engagement through discussions and hands-on activities, timely feedback, technology integration, diverse assessments, real-world applications, inclusive teaching, continuous improvement through feedback and updates, collaboration opportunities, faculty professional development, accessible resources, and community building. Emphasizing practical skills, industry relevance, and creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment contribute to a comprehensive educational approach. These practices ensure student engagement, address diverse learning needs, and foster continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the educational experience.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/ dept.?

The program offers valuable insights through an interdisciplinary approach, aligning content with industry trends for real-world readiness. Emphasis on practical application, research opportunities, and professional development fosters critical thinking and skill acquisition. A global perspective is cultivated through international integration, while staying technologically relevant ensures a cutting-edge learning experience. Adaptive learning methods cater to diverse student needs. Career support services, continuous improvement based on feedback, and a student-centric approach prioritize success and engagement. Ethical and sustainable practices are woven into the curriculum, preparing students not just for careers but also for responsible contributions to their fields.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

The program prioritizes future readiness by staying abreast of industry trends, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering soft skills essential for adaptability. Industry connections, internships, and global components provide real-world exposure and networking opportunities. Emphasizing ethics, sustainability, and continuous learning, the curriculum instills a sense of responsibility and adaptability. Research opportunities empower students to contribute to evolving fields. Robust career support ensures a smooth transition to the job market. Utilizing diverse teaching methods accommodates varied learning styles, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the future job market and societal expectations.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Faculty are trained for program delivery through ongoing professional development, ensuring they stay abreast of industry trends and teaching methodologies. Engaging faculty with industry professionals, conferences, and collaborative projects brings real-world insights to the classroom. Workshops on technology integration equip instructors with the tools to enhance the educational experience. Soft skills training, peer collaboration, and feedback mechanisms encourage effective teaching practices. Supporting faculty in research projects fosters professional growth and knowledge currency. Inclusive teaching practices and community building contribute to a supportive and diverse learning environment, ensuring faculty are well-prepared to deliver a comprehensive and impactful program to students.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program?

Forge industry connections by establishing advisory boards, inviting guest lectures, and organizing networking events to bridge students and professionals. Facilitate internships with industry partners, offering practical experience and networking opportunities. Engage alumni for mentorship and networking, leveraging their success to benefit current students. Integrate industry projects into the curriculum and encourage collaborative research between faculty and industry experts. Arrange field visits, maintain an online presence, and seek partnerships for program support. By actively involving industry professionals in various aspects of the program, students gain valuable insights, practical skills, and networking contacts, enhancing their readiness for the professional landscape.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

In implementing the program, challenges included designing a curriculum aligned with industry standards, securing resources for faculty training, facilities, and technology, and gaining stakeholder buy-in. Navigating accreditation requirements, fostering student engagement, and overcoming resistance to change were critical. Building industry collaborations, ensuring compliance, and addressing technological integration challenges were also key aspects. Ongoing evaluation and feedback mechanisms were established for continuous improvement. Successfully overcoming these challenges required strategic planning, effective communication, and a commitment to adapting to evolving needs, ensuring the program's relevance and success within the educational landscape.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Students in the program engage in diverse projects, including revenue management simulations for optimal pricing strategies, initiatives to enhance guest experiences, sustainability projects promoting eco-friendly practices, and efforts to improve operational efficiency. They undertake event planning, technology integration, and crisis management simulations, developing practical skills for real-world scenarios. Market research and analysis projects identify industry trends, while cross-cultural competence initiatives address the diverse backgrounds within the hospitality sector. Collaborations with local businesses and industry partners provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities, ensuring students graduate with a well-rounded skill set applicable to various facets of rooms division and hospitality management.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Pursuing a course in rooms division or hospitality management provides industry-specific skills, global opportunities, and versatile expertise. Graduates benefit from practical knowledge, networking, and enhanced leadership and communication skills. Career options include roles in hotel management, event planning, tourism, consulting, cruise line management, entrepreneurship, corporate hospitality, resort management, and food and beverage management. This diversity allows individuals to specialize based on their interests, leading to rewarding and dynamic careers in the vibrant hospitality sector, offering opportunities for leadership, creativity, and global engagement.