BEHIND THE FRONT DESK: EXPLORING HIGHS AND LOWS OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT: A REPORT BY; SENIOR REPORTER-SUNITI GARG.
SUNITI GARG: How would you explain the key advantage of working in the hotel management industry?
CHEF TEEKARAM SINGH: Working in the hotel management industry is like hitting the Jackpot. Let me break it down for you. First of all, there is a whole world of career opportunities within hotels. One may dive into front desk management, get your hands on the culinary arts, rock it in housekeeping, plan epic events, and make sales. Hotels are everywhere! You can work in exotic locations, soak-up diverse cultures and broaden your fish tank. Say goodbye to dull routines and hello to exciting challenges that’ll sharpen your problem-solving skills and test your decision-making abilities.
In hotel management, you’ll interact with all sorts of people, from guests to colleagues, that help you become a pro to develop interpersonal skills, teamwork and leadership. And here’s the icing on the cake: hard work pays off big time in this industry. You can start from the bottom and work your way up to managerial and executive positions. If you’re passionate about hospitality and guest services, a career in hotel management will take you on a wide ride full of adventure.
Chef Teekaram Singh in the Netherlands.
SUNITI GARG: What are some of the challenges or drawbacks that individuals may encounter when pursuing a career in hotel management?
CHEF TEEKARAM SINGH: When it comes to working in hotels, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Let’s be real, there are some challenges and drawbacks one should know about. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride! As you know, hotels never sleep, which means saying goodbye to regular working hours. As a hotel manager or staff member, you’ll work long and unpredictable shifts, including weekends, holidays and even overnight shifts.
Stress-O-Rama; you’ll be juggling tight deadlines, angry guests, conflicts to resolve and surprises popping up which might suffer your work-life balance. In the hotel industry, people come and go like there’s no tomorrow. The turnover rates can be pretty high. You’ll work with a diverse bunch of folks, including students, part-timers and those just passing through. This constant flow of new faces can disrupt team dynamics. It’s like trying to build a sandcastle with the tide coming in. Despite these drawbacks, many people find the industry rewarding and thrive in its dynamic environment. Just keep your eye on the prize and be prepared for whatever comes your way!
SUNITI GARG: In your opinion, what are some potential future trends or changes in the hotel management industry that professionals should be aware of and how might these impact the overall pros and cons of the industry?
CHEF TEEKARAM SINGH: In the hotel management industry, you’ll find a bunch of cool trends and changes that can shape your career. From tech advancements to eco-friendly practices, it’s all about staying ahead of the game. On the positive side, embracing technology and sustainability can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve guest satisfaction. Personalization and guest engagement can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business.
However, these trends may also require professionals to continuously adapt their skills, invest in training and stay updated with industry developments to remain competitive. Additionally, the hotel industry is all about making guests feel like VIPs. They want experiences tailored just for them. Overall, being aware of these future trends and proactively responding to them can help professionals in the hotel management industry seize opportunities, navigate challenges and maintain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving marketplace.
INTERVIEWED AND PICTURE COURTESY: Chef Teekaram Singh.
INTERVIEW TAKEN BY: Ms. Suniti Garg (Senior Reporter).
