Exclusive Interview | Suraj Yadav, Training and Placement Officer, D Y Patil School of Hospitality, Kolhapur-Maharashtra.
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
A rightly said by Zig Zigler“Success is not a destination, it’s a journey” .The every step and challenge is the beginning of new journey.In point of fact the journey started from my hospitality graduation period only.The training tenure with Hilton hotels taught me many superior things.The first career step with Oberoi Group made me more capable and implementing these exceptional skills at renowned educational brand D Y Patil Group from last four years in the role of faculty & Training & Placement officer. During this tenure completedMBA in Hotel Management & Tourism as well published around 10+ researchpapers and book chapters through national and International journals and Conferences.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Turning out to be a successful hospitality professional is not a matter of sheer luck but of hard work, planning and determination altogether.Many individuals feel that working as a hotelier is more than just a profession..Many assert that it is a philosophy rather than a profession.Have a vision for adaptability and growth, bring your creative side, and have a passion for what you do are my success mantras.
What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?
In todays highly competitive environment adapt and maintain a skilful workforce by learning a new thing is the foremost activity for trainees at the same time to understanding the needs, physical and mental appearance of millennials/Gen Y and Gen Z are the key responsibilities of hotels.
According to research around 22% Indian hospitality students quit industrial training for the reason of high working hours and many more factors. Maintaining healthy working environment is biggest challenge for hotel management personnel.
What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
In recent decades automation and machine industry integrating new technology and revolution for business development with digital technological aspects. Many innovative methods are adopted by hotel industry for specialized guest service and for the advancement. The hotel industry, where comfort-defining advancements are most rapidly incorporated, has sophisticated its entire system with the adoption of many innovative methods used for providing satisfying customer service. The hospitality industry enhancing and adapting new modern technology and digital aspects in hotel operations. The computer technology prospects artificial intelligence through various ways. Hotels are increasingly using artificial intelligence for the smooth functioning of department operations.
Two things you would like to change in the industry.
The every hotel employee will change the two constant things about hotel industry are excess working hours and lower salary structure.To retain employee in organisation recognizing and awarding the hard work of teammates could buildup better relation.
What do you expect the industry to do to support academics?
Collaborations between industry and academics is critical for promoting research and understanding and creating a competent workforce.A sense of achievement within hotel management institutes increased that deficiency of current industry demands and trends of the hospitality industry remains the single thoughtful factor for the gap between what is necessary and what existing.At the end every academician requires a beneficial support form industry management for recruiting a talent from institutes at right time and have to be more focused and supportive.