Constantly updating its course structure to match international standards, Amity School of Hospitality aims to offer to its students global exposure. Dr Vaskar Sengupta, deputy director of the institute talks about his college and the changing trends of hospitality education in India
With an aim to offer global exposure, a practical learning platform and a diverse range of hospitality courses to Indian students aspiring to enter the hospitality market, the Amity School of Hospitality, started its first course in Bachelors in Hotel Management in 2003 with a strength of 24 students. Only few years into operation, the college now offers a range of courses receiving more than 500 applications per year. The range of courses include – Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management, a three-year programme; Bachelor of Hotel Management, another three-year programme; MBA in Hospitality Management, a two-year postgraduate programme; and PhD in Hospitality for two years when attending full time or three years when participating part time. “We wanted to offer students the chance to complete their PhD in Hospitality itself as not many institutes provide this facility,” states Dr Vaskar Sengupta, deputy director, Amity School of Hospitality, Uttar Pradesh.
Bridging the gap
The college is constantly updating its course structure to match international standards. “We review our programmes every year in order to bridge the gap between Indian and global standards, and implement changes whenever the designated committee feels is necessary,” opines Dr Sengupta adding, “Although our course follows the India market standard, we have set few benchmarks globally. We select two or three international institutes and upgrade the course accordingly, keeping the Indian scenario in mind.” Apart from its degree programmes, the college also offers various diploma courses in Food & Beverage Services, Food Production and Front Office Management which can be obtained under 18 months. “These courses are mostly skill based programmes with almost 70 per cent focus on practical knowledge, thus making the students extremely desired for recruitment everywhere,” he boasts.
Moreover, the college offers its students flexibility to choose the desired subjects. “Our Choice Based Credits System lets students choose the extra subjects they want apart from the core subjects. There are also Non Teaching Credit Courses which ensure that students are learning even if they are not in the classroom with the help of projects and assignments,” mentions Dr Sengupta. Behavioural skills and communications skills are also an integral part of a student’s educational development since the hospitality industry is about customer satisfaction. “To achieve this we have included specific and compulsory subjects regarding the same,” he adds. The college placement starts from August and September with companies coming from all over the country. “When companies come to our institute, they are already well aware of the quality standards of our students due to our alumni, who are a part of the hospitality sector,” states Dr Sengupta.
Regarding the attributes that employers look for in students during recruitment process, he opines, “Since the results don’t come out till later, the management looks for technical skills, a positive attitude, an outgoing personality or at least the ability to conduct oneself among the candidates, all of which are part of the education process at Amity.”
Having institutes in Dubai and Mauritius, the Amity School of Hospitality also provides an international platform. “We provide internships abroad for anyone who opts for it at no extra cost,” he adds.
Changing trends
Speaking on the present hospitality trends in India, Dr Sengupta opines, “The mindset of Indian parents and students is changing. Earlier people would choose the hospitality sector only if they weren’t able to clear anything else. But now students with 80 and 90 per cent marks come to us, wanting to become chefs out of choice.” Talking about future plans, he says, “We want to become the best institute for hospitality in India, achieve global recognition and standing and that’s why we feel proud to have one of the best infrastructure facilities as well as a developing course present.”