Why Internship Is Important for Hotel Management Students?

An internship in hospitality management is kind of like a real-life practice time while you study. You get to try out the things you were taught in class, but this time you doing it in a actual workplace. Sometimes you learn more faster here because you see how people really work in hotels or restaurants daily. You might meet different professionals around you, talk to them, learn small useful tricks, and slowly grow your confidence too. Also, this whole experience makes your resume look stronger when you start applying for jobs later, because companies like when someone already have practical learning and experience. It’s basically a simple way to learn, improve, and get ready for future hospitality jobs.

Internships play a important role in shaping careers of hotel management students. Beyond classroom learning, internships provide valuable hands-on experience, exposure to real-world hospitality operations, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. This article explores different benefits of internships for aspiring hoteliers and why they are essential for their educational journey. 

Also Read: List of IHMs in India: Rankings, Admissions and Courses

Courses offered by Hotel Management Colleges in India

Academics for BSc Hospitality & Hotel Administration and ten other courses of study offered at IHMs are run and regulated by the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT) which is an autonomous body that falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Except, IHM, many private colleges conduct their entrance exams to enroll students in hotel management courses.

Maharashtra Hotel Management Common Entrance Test for example is conducted by Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell. MAH HM CET will be held for admission to UG and PG Hotel Management and Catering Technology (HMCT) course. The common entrance test for a four-year UG HMCT course is called BHMCT CET, and for two-year PG HMCT course, it is called MHMCT CET.

Meanwhile, if we talk about IHMs then it offers undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes to aspirants in the field of hospitality and travel as well as baking and confectionery. Some popular hotel management courses offered at IHMs are mentioned in the table below:

Note: Candidates are informed that all the above-mentioned courses are not offered at all the IHMs.

Importance of Internship in Hotel Management:

An internship in hospitality management is kind of like a real practice time while you studying. You get the chance to use the things you learned in your classroom, but now you doing them in a real hotel or workplace setup. Sometimes you learn faster here because the work is happening in front of you, not just in books. You might also meet many professionals, talk with them, see how they handle guests, and slowly pick up useful small skills that books can’t always teach. This also makes your resume look better later when you applying for jobs, because companies mostly prefer candidates who already did some practical work experience.

Also, internships help you get real-world experience, make new contacts, and understand how the hospitality industry actually runs on a daily basis. In a hotel management programme, internships have a very big importance because this field is more about doing than only reading. Through internships, you get confidence, you understand teamwork, and you start learning how to deal with guests and staff in real situations. So, internships become like a main part which helps students grow properly while studying hotel management.

Practical Application of Knowledge:

In internships, hotel management students get to use what they learned in class in real hotels. You work with real guests and staff, so you see how hospitality operations actually happen, not just written in books.

Also Read: Top 5 choices for Hotel Management Internships

Skill Development:

During internships, you slowly pick up skills like talking clearly, solving small problems, working in groups, and sometimes leading tasks. These skills are needed every day in the fast-moving hospitality industry.

Industry Exposure:

You get to see many sides of the industry like restaurants, resorts, hotels, events, and tourism places. This helps you understand what area you feel more comfortable with and what career path fits you best.

Also Read: Hotel Management: UG courses one can study

Networking Opportunities:

While working, you meet supervisors, managers, mentors, and other trainees. These people can guide you later or even help you get job chances because the hospitality sector values good connections.

Resume Enhancement:

Having an internship on your resume shows that you already have some real experience. Employers like to see that you tried to learn practically, not only study theory.

Understanding Customer Expectations:

Internships teach you how guests think and what they like or dislike. This makes you better at giving service in front office, guest relations, or any guest-facing role.

Adaptability and Resilience:

Real hotel work is sometimes busy and stressful, and you learn to stay calm and adjust quickly. This quality becomes useful in every hospitality job later on.

Cultural Awareness:

Hotels have guests and staff from many cultures. Working with them teaches you to speak kindly, understand differences, and handle situations respectfully.

Also Read: Top 10 Hotel Management Colleges in India 2024

Professional Mentoring:

Experienced people in the hotel guide you, show you small tricks, and help you grow. Mentors in internships often give advice that becomes useful throughout your career.

Confidence Building:

When you complete tasks on your own, your confidence increases. You start believing that you can handle responsibilities in real job situations.

Hands-On Learning Environment:

Internships give learning by doing, not just reading. You learn how things actually run behind the scenes in a hotel.

Career Exploration:

You get a chance to try different departments and see what feels right for you. This helps in choosing your future direction clearly.

Time Management and Prioritization:

You learn to balance work, studies. Slowly you understand how to manage time and finish tasks before deadlines.

Personal Growth:

Internships teach patience, discipline, and the habit of working sincerely. You grow not just professionally, but also personally.

Bridge between Education and Employment:

Internships connect your classroom knowledge to real work. They make your shift from student life to job life smoother.

Long-Term Career Advancement:

The experience and contacts you make during internships can help you grow into better job roles later or even start your own business someday.

Continuous Learning and Growth:

Internships are not the ending point. They are just the beginning of your learning journey in the hospitality industry. The lessons stay with you long after the internship is finished.

In conclusion, internships are essential for hotel management students as they provide valuable opportunities for practical learning, skill development, industry exposure, networking, and personal growth. By actively participating in internships, students can gain a competitive edge, enhance their employability, and lay the groundwork for successful careers in the dynamic and rewarding field of hospitality management.

Read More:

• IHM Courses - UG and PG Courses offered at Central IHMs, State IHMs, and Private IHMs in India
• IHM Placements - Highest Package, Top Companies, Past Recruitment Reports
• All about NCHM JEE 2024 - Eligibility, Admission Process, Cut off