HOTEL MANAGEMENT DEGREES: EXPLORING SPECIALIZATION AND CAREER PATHS

In India today, there is no shortage of choices when choosing a destination or College for studying for a Degree Course in Hotel Management. The Course itself is in effect extremely versatile in content and knowledge; where, for example, would one learn about the intricacies of French cuisine while studying alongside the vagaries of Sales and Marketing, Hygiene and Sanitation, Entrepreneurship Development, (Hotel) Law, (Hotel) Engineering and Facility Planning to name a few!! Subjects are as diverse and apart from each other as the course itself!

So let me list out some of the benefits one can derive out of Hotel Management degrees:

ONE: Why do a Hotel Management degree?
An increase in international travel, new tourist destinations, in-country promotions, more disposable income, and increasing emphasis on guest experiences have led to a high demand for qualified hotel management professionals resulting from an unprecedented growth in the hospitality industry.

TWO: Growth..
As an example, in 2024, Accor, a global leader in hospitality based out of Paris, France, is taking bold steps to redefine the guest experience while championing sustainability across its diverse brand portfolio. With over 57 years of expertise, Accor boasts a remarkable array of 45+ hospitality brands, catering to the evolving needs of travelers worldwide. Accor proudly oversees four of the world’s seven centennial global hospitality brands, including Pullman, Orient Express, Raffles, and Fairmont, brands that continue to set new standards in hospitality while preserving their rich legacies. Except for Orient Express, all the others have marked their presence in India.

The world's third-largest hotel chain, Hilton, is bullish on the Indian market and plans to expand to a portfolio of 75 hotels from the present 15 by 2027. Hilton has already signed an agreement to bring the first iconic ‘Waldorf Astoria brand to India by 2026 to be based in Jaipur. Similar are the stories of other Indian and Overseas Hotel Companies; expansion and further expansion!

THREE: Career Choices in Hotels…
A degree in Hotel Management offers a diverse range of career choices for growth and specialization such as front desk management, accommodation operations, sales, marketing, event planning, human resources, food and beverage management, kitchen management, etc.
By showcasing your skills in leadership, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences you can climb the ladder of success in the hotel management industry, and take on higher managerial roles.

FOUR: Job stability and security.
In this evolving job market, seeking a career that offers job security is something that most of us would be happy to find. And the hotel industry stands out as an excellent choice, to provide stability and resilience even in times of economic uncertainties.
For example, during the ‘COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, many hotels lost the footfalls they were used to; clientele decreased to low levels; however, hotels tried to remain open giving their staff 50% salary and accommodation within.
So, provided one is efficient and determined to succeed, the hotel job is secure.

FIVE: Overseas opportunities…
If you have a desire to travel overseas, explore different cultures, and build a global career, then hotel management can provide you with unparalleled opportunities. Attracting a skilled workforce from all over the world, hotel chains can provide you with lucrative packages and perks. Because they employ individuals from various countries, hotels create a multicultural and diverse work environment.
Working in different countries not only provides you with the chance to immerse yourself in diverse cultures but also enhances adaptability and flexibility. The travel experiences gained through a career in hotel management help you gain exposure to different hotel operations, management styles, and industry practices. You learn to cater to a wider range of cultural expectations and guest preferences.
Overseas appointments usually have a lucrative package for the Hotel Management graduates; Oberoi hotels for example, when they recruit or transfer an employee to an overseas hotel, all meals, medical expenses, accommodation, return tickets to and fro, and other welfare perks are included beside the salary.

SIX: Skills development.
For those who want to branch out into other related fields, a hotel management graduate is usually a preferred choice among ‘retail’, event management, healthcare, and consulting industries or firms. Skills such as leadership skills, decision-making skills, and communication skills are at the core of hotel management and are in demand in other industries as well.

SEVEN: Networking and relationship building…
The environment in a hotel gives a person very good opportunities to meet people from different walks of life, many of them successful in their own right; guests arrive and stay from all parts of the globe, allowing the personnel of the hotel to interact and give them service; this often leads to a bond forming with guests; which in turn leads to job offers being made to employees with whom the guest is impressed with, and for overseas assignments too. Also, connecting with colleagues in the industry and creating a support system can help one exchange knowledge, and gain valuable industry insights, career advice, and potential mentorship opportunities.

EIGHT: Entrepreneurship opportunities:
This is one of the most exciting perks of hotel management, the potential for entrepreneurship. Hotel management professionals possess a deep understanding of the industry and its operations which helps them contribute to the growth of the hotel. This knowledge and expertise lay the foundation for entrepreneurial ventures within the hospitality industry, so one can start one’s enterprise, and many have been successful this way. Owning a successful hotel business can help you follow your passion and build something that aligns with your vision and values. Career is an important aspect of anyone's life so to choose the right place, a person can pursue a Hotel Management degree at the Kukreja Institute of Hotel Management.

CONCLUSION:
Highlighted above are 8 key benefits that hotel management graduates enjoy. So if you want to fulfill your dreams of going overseas, enjoying work in an exciting work environment where every day brings you new experiences, maybe one day owning your own business or just working your way up to the coveted post of General Manager of a hotel, a Hotel Management degree is made for you. The right place and guidance would be the Kukreja Institute of Hotel Management, a proper place for learning new skills in this industry. Go for it!