We impart practical knowledge through an in-house training five-star-like hotel, says Director VMSIIHE

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Director V M Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) Irfan Mirza talks about industry-ready curriculum that the institute offers to ensure students are well-prepared for the corporate world. He also emphasised on learning beyond classroom boundaries which gives real exposure to students. Mirza has rich experience of over 20 years. He has worked as a project consultant and has set up many hotel management institutes across the globe.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: What are the five things that your institute is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from competition?

A: We believe learning happens beyond classroom boundaries. Along with the curriculum, there are many other factors that help us differentiate from the competition. Some of them are:

• Curriculum designed is in line with the industry standards which provides academic rigour and practical exposure to the demanding needs of the hospitality industry and education. 
• Emphasis is laid on personality development, professional attitude and training in leadership skills to enable students to be successful leaders in their chosen field.
• Students are trained in an environment on par with that of the Industry. The Institute has an in-house training hotel with mock departments built like that of a five-star hotel.  Hands-on practical sessions are conducted with a small group of students in order to ensure that all the students get individual attention.  Faculty on board have vast teaching and Industry experience and have worked in India and abroad
• Focus on developing the full intellectual and human potential of the students through a commitment to excellence in learning, teaching and collaboration with the Industry.
• In academic support with Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland, Exchange program with Turismo De Portugal & International Study tours to Switzerland and other European countries.

Q: What are the top three initiatives undertaken by you that are helping your students become more industry-ready?

A: Not just three, but there are a lot of initiatives we have taken to help students become more industry-ready such as regular update of curriculum with advices and inputs from industry leaders, training students to participate in various national level intercollegiate academic events related to food, hospitality, workshops  and guest lectures by visiting faculty and professionals across industries and globe.

Q: What are the key attributes that a student should have in order to qualify for your institution and get top grades in your institution?

A: Other than eligibility criteria, the most important factor to qualify for admission at VMSIIHE is the passion. Students having zeal and willingness to learn and grow can easily make this possible. Besides that good communication skills are equally important. And, to perform well and score good grades, student has to be open-minded, hard-working, dedicated, focused and versatile.

Q: Which programme would you say is your best? What is it that helps your institution differentiate itself for this programme?

A: Our flagship programme, BSc in International Hospitality Management is the best programme. VMSIIHE intends to utilise all the resources that it has, to create world-class leaders with the right knowledge, skills and attitude and ready to handle responsibilities across all departments of the hospitality industry.

Q: What are you doing to improve better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your college (observed over the past five years)?

A: We have a dedicated placement cell that works throughout the year to drive better placements towards the end of curriculum.

• They enhance networking with the industry to get in more placement opportunities for our students.
• Facilitate guest lectures to allow students to interact with the industry leaders during the academic year. Also, by sending them for ODC/internship at five-star hotels as well as esteemed fine dining restaurants so that the industry can then see the caliber of our students.
• The promoters of the Institute owns the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa and have support from Marriott International INC. The Institute also has a strong network with leading hotels of the world such as The Taj, The Oberoi, Hilton and Marriott. The Institute also has strong ties with some of the leading hotels in Portugal where the student’s intern and are also considered for the Management Trainee program.