Mumbai is increasingly becoming a haven for tourists around the globe. It’s a no-brainer as to why, because the commercial capital of India shows great promise for luxurious living and tourism. The booming tourism business in the city lies in hands of those qualified to be hospitable, professionally.

The Course
The B.Sc. in Hospitality is a three-year undergraduate degree course, which trains pupils in different areas of the service industry. Besides this, there are other diploma courses like HAFT, craftsmanship in bakery and patisserie and cookery. Students who complete this course stand a greater chance of securing jobs in a various fields:
1. Hotels—national and international
2. Entrepreneurship
3. Airlines
4. BPOs (at the reception)

Many think the industry is glamorous. Aditi Kamat, chef and co-owner of Food Unlimited and Square One Hospitality, among other outlets, clarifies, “This is a misconception. People often think we get to mingle with the rich, but there’s a lot of hard work behind it.” Moreover, as Kamat points out, this industry seldom has a 9-to-5 desk job, which makes it all the more challenging.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To get admission into an institution offering a B.Sc. in Hospitality, you need to have passed the 12th standard with at least 45%. Thereafter, you have to take the Central Entrance Exam from the National Council For Hotel Management And Catering Technology (NCHMCT). On qualifying, admissions are granted on the basis of your rank in the entrance test and your 12th standard score. Admissions are strictly merit based.

CHANGING TRENDS
Hospitality courses have been around for decades and have sprouted many a successful professional in different areas. Roysten D’Souza, Deputy House Keeper, Taj Lands End, says people are now spoilt for choice, “As the tourist inflow into the city increases, we need better hotels. Hospitality in a hotel isn’t the last stop. Nowadays, the new trend is to personalise services, as per the guests’ needs.”

Over the years, as consumer demands have changed, hotels have had to step up their game to meet their needs. “Expectations are higher, so there are changes in the management hierarchy. While the levels in the hierarchy have reduced, responsibilities have increased and employees are expected to multi-task, in order to be far more efficient and productive,” he explains.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Different professions have varying degrees of rewards. However, in the hospitality sector, it is essential to note that there are no instant rewards. “Engaging yourself in the hospitality sector is more of an investment. You start off and grow with the company. A lot of patience and endurance is required to pursue a career in this field, but you reap the rewards over the years,” Royston shares.

Aditi adds, “If you’re ready to give up a few years of your social life to pursue a job in this industry, then your career becomes a piece of cake, as it opens doors to other opportunities, as well”. Weekends are seldom free and bank holidays are the busiest days, the professionals tell us.

“Institutes teach, nurture and sow the seeds of hospitality in the individual. The world is your market and the customer, your advertisement. Whether you are a receptionist, an air hostess or counter staff at the check-in facility of an international airport, the principles are the same,” concludes Adrian Pereira, Proprietor, LOBEAD, who’s been involved in the hospitality field for almost 35 years.