Professor Abhipsa Patnaik is the Principal of BIITM School of College Management. She has 20 years of experience in the education sector, of which 19 years are in classroom teaching, counselling, educational leadership, and supervision. Being the principal, she wants to create a generation of skilled people who can work hard.

Professor Patnaik started her professional journey in 2005 with the BRM Group of Institutes, then shifted to Vizag as head of administration and legal cell at HSBC Bank. Thereafter, in 2013, she joined the Swosti Institute of Management and Social Studies as the secretary, where she was promoted to vice principal of the college.

BIITM School Of Hotel Management

Being the principal, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

“First of all, I am not a leader, I am a team player.” I have a good team, and my style is not to be very strict with students because, in this era, students think differently than in old times. I try not to be a teacher but to be a friend to the students to get to know what's going on inside their minds.

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

The key factor that kept me connected with the education sector was the students. Every year, I get to see new students with new and unique minds. It is a challenge for me to shape them and educate them as per the college’s vision. To get adapted to that atmosphere is a challenge, and this has kept me connected to this sector.

How does the BIITMHM curriculum ensure the industry's best practices?

We do a lot of things to ensure we are meeting the industry’s best practices, such as not just teaching the students but making them good workers and upstanding human beings. Our curriculum does not focus only on deep studies but also on co-curricular activities. We put a lot of emphasis on hands-on learning through internships and workshops.

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What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the college and the students are?

My roles and responsibilities are immense but also hard to manage, as I have to keep everyone associated with the college happy. Students with different mindsets and different thoughts are my responsibility. I need to make sure they are comfortable here and are getting all their needs fulfilled. With the faculty members, I try to always be there to answer queries and be supportive.

When you first came to BIITMHM, what was your vision for the college?

When I joined the college, the quality of education was good, but the quality of students was not up to par. So, my motto and vision are to create quality students rather than quantity. Many students also join hotel management as a last resort. I want to change this mindset and make them aware of the opportunities they can experience with this degree.

What do you see as BIITMHM’s greatest strengths?

BIITMHM’s greatest strength is our team of faculty members. My faculty members are experienced and young, which helps them understand young minds. Our faculty members are designated to one subject of expertise. We do not make our teachers handle multiple subjects and classes at once.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your college?

Establishing a healthy relationship depends on the ideology of the particular person. A disciplined atmosphere is perfect for someone like me, but students need to be free and should be given the freedom to express themselves. They should be disciplined but also be more creative at the same time. Maintaining a balance of this will keep a healthy relationship and environment in my college.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

In the hotel management sector in Odisha, we always welcome students from economically poor backgrounds. We want students to apply to our college not as a last resort but as a means to build a successful life and a sustainable career. My goal is to change the mindset of not just the students but the parents to opt for our college and courses. 

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

My suggestion to the youth is that while choosing a career, you should be very careful and do research before opting for something. Choose a field that will give you happiness and that you are passionate about. You shouldn’t feel regret after getting into that field and get burned out after a while. Listen to yourself and grab your happiness.