Don’t Let the Wrong College Derail Your HM Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Hotel Management College

Quality Matters - Accreditation & Affiliation: 

Many colleges offer flashy degrees that lack proper recognition. While the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) was once popular, its relevance is fading. Many top universities and colleges now offer better programs with even better curriculums. Always verify affiliations and approvals from UGC & AICTE to ensure credibility and job market value. 

Outdated Curriculum Can Harm Your Future 

Some colleges still teach a 70-year-old syllabus that fails to prepare students for today’s industry. Instead of shaping future leaders, they treat students as headcounts and prepare them for low-level operational jobs. Look for colleges that offer: 

• Updated hospitality technology & software training 

• Leadership & managerial development programs 

• Personality development & crisis management training 

• Placement in Management Trainee Programs 

Internships: Are You Learning or Just Cheap Labor? 

Many colleges send students for internships but fail to monitor their progress, leaving them to do menial tasks like dishwashing or cleaning instead of learning guest management or revenue strategies. 
Ask these questions before choosing a college: 

• Do faculty track student learning during internships? 

• Is there a structured evaluation system? 

• Are students placed in hotels that provide real training? 

• Do they rely on outdated logbooks or modern assessment tools? 

Meet the Faculty: Experience Over Fancy Degrees 

A strong faculty must have real-world experience, not just academic qualifications. Before enrolling, check if the professors: 

• Have worked in five-star hotels or hospitality brands 

• Publish research in reputed journals 

• Actively mentor students and conduct industry-relevant workshops 

Do Your Own Research: Don’t Fall for YouTube Marketing 

Colleges invest heavily in paid promotions through YouTube videos and influencers, often making exaggerated claims. Instead of relying on promotional content, do your own research: 

• Visit the college website and read student testimonials 

• Check LinkedIn for alumni success stories 

• Talk to current students directly 

• Compare the curriculum with industry standards. 

Campus Life & Extracurriculars: More Than Just Studies 

A good hotel management college should provide a balanced environment where students grow beyond academics. Look for: 

• Industry networking events, guest lectures, and workshops 

• Student clubs, hospitality competitions, and leadership opportunities 

• Exposure to real-world hospitality scenarios 

Placements: It’s Not Just About Getting a Job 

Colleges often claim 100% placement rates, but placements should be about quality, not just numbers. 

• Are students placed in top hotels or just any random job? 

• Does the college have strong industry tie-ups? 

• Are graduates getting managerial roles or just entry-level jobs? 

Infrastructure: See It for Yourself 

Never rely on brochures - visit the campus. Check if: 

• Training kitchens, front office setups, Restaurants and housekeeping labs are fully functional 

• The college has real hotel-standard equipment, not outdated or dummy machines 

International Collaborations: Real or Just for Show? 

Colleges love to boast about foreign tie-ups, but do these actually benefit students? Investigate: 

• Have these partnerships influenced the curriculum? 

• Do students get exchange programs or internships abroad? 

Beware of Fake Awards and Accreditations 

Many colleges display meaningless awards to attract students. Verify if: 

• The college is accredited by genuine organizations like UGC & AICTE 

• The awards come from reputable institutions, not self-created honors 

Colleges Are Equally Responsible for Hospitality’s Struggles 

While the industry is blamed for poor working conditions, colleges are also at fault. Many prioritize profits over quality education, leaving students underprepared. If colleges truly cared, they would: 

• Update their curriculum to match industry trends 

• Ensure internships lead to real learning 

• Train students for leadership, not just operational jobs 

Final Thought: Your Future is in Your Hands 

Hospitality is full of opportunities—but only if you choose the right college. Do your research, ask the right questions, and don’t fall for marketing gimmicks. Your career deserves a real education, not just a degree. 

“In the rush to fill their plates today, people are consuming the future of hospitality.” 

About the Author:

 

 

 

Yazuvendra Singh is an Assistant Professor at Vedatya Institute with expertise in hospitality, tourism management, and business administration. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Management and has qualified for UGC-NET in Tourism Administration and Management.  

 

 

 

 

He holds a Master of Hotel Management (MHM), an MBA in Finance, Banking & Marketing, and a BHM, where he was awarded the MDU Gold Medal for his academic excellence, as well as a B.Com from Delhi University. With a combined experience of around 9 years in industry and academics, he has received multiple Best Teacher Awards and is an active researcher with publications in reputed journals and patents in hospitality automation, hygiene monitoring, and customer experience enhancement. His work bridges academia and industry, shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals.  

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha