Meet Priya Harit, a hospitality and hotel administration professional with a deep-rooted passion for the industry. Armed with a Bachelor's degree from the Institute of Hotel Management, Shimla, Priya's career journey began in the Housekeeping department at Le Merdien, where she honed her skills as a Supervisor. Fuelled by a thirst for knowledge, Priya remains dedicated to staying updated on industry trends and technologies. Inspired to share her expertise, Priya ventured into teaching and training, collaborating with institutions to nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals. With her commitment and skills, Priya Harit continues to inspire and empower aspiring individuals in the dynamic realm of hospitality and hotel administration.

How has your educational background in Hospitality & Hotel Administration shaped your career path, particularly in the context of teaching and training?

As I was intrigued by the hospitality industry since young age, I had a notion of understanding hospitality professionally, followed by which I continued with pursuing Bachelors in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from Institute of Hotel Management, Shimla. While going over my bachelors, I later on a realization of leaning more on the side of Housekeeping department. Later on, I started my career into this industry as Housekeeping Supervisor in Le Merdien. While supervision, I attained the skill of social interaction and it was very pleasant to engage with other employees. Throughout my educational journey, there were many concepts that I had insights on. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry developments in hospitality and hotel administration, fascinated me and I wanted to incorporate the latest trends and technologies into my teaching methods. This conception led me to believe that I want to impart my knowledge and findings to other scholars who are capable and interested to build a career in hospitality industry. A combination of formal education, practical industry experience, and effective communication skills are key factors that can shape a successful career in teaching and training within the realm of hospitality and hotel administration. Thereafter, I marked my conception of training young geniuses. Throughout these years, I have worked with many institutions for the same.

Can you describe your teaching philosophy and the methods you employ to engage and inspire your students in the classroom?

There are very general principles that I incorporate into teaching philosophies and teaching methods to engage and inspire students like  student centered approach where focusing on the needs and interests of students is crucial because tailoring the curriculum and teaching methods to match the learning styles and preferences of individual students can enhance engagement and motivation. Adding onto that, connecting the subject matter to real-world scenarios and practical applications helps students see the practical value of what they are learning. This can increase motivation and interest in the material. We also have to consider technology integration because incorporating technology into teaching methods can enhance engagement, especially for digital-native students. Utilizing multimedia, interactive tools, and online resources can make learning more dynamic. Lastly it is important to build relationships. Establishing positive teacher-student relationships can create a supportive learning environment. This involves showing empathy, being approachable, and demonstrating a genuine interest in students' success.

In your experience, what are some of the key skills and knowledge areas that students must develop to succeed in the hospitality industry, and how do you foster the development of these skills in your teaching?

Customer service skills, communication skills, cultural competence, problem solving skills, attention to details, industry knowledge and technology proficiency are some of the key skills that a student must develop to succeed in the hospitality industry. These skills can be fostered by following teaching approach like role-playing exercises, case studies, and simulations that mimic real-life customer service scenarios. Emphasis on empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving. Group discussions, presentations, and written assignments. Providing feedback on communication styles and strategies for improvement. Integrating cultural diversity into case studies and examples. Encouraging students to explore and appreciate different cultural perspectives. Case studies, scenario-based learning, and critical thinking exercises. Encouraging students to analyse situations and propose viable solutions. Assignments with a focus on precision, attention to detail in project work, and activities that require meticulous planning. Guest lectures by industry professionals, field trips to hospitality establishments, and assignments that require research on current industry issues. Hands-on training with industry-specific technologies, incorporating digital tools into coursework, and discussing the role of technology in hospitality.

In your opinion, what are some of the emerging trends or developments in the hospitality industry that you believe are important for students to be aware of?

I can highlight some emerging trends and developments in the hospitality industry. However, the industry is dynamic, and new trends emerge every now and then. Influence of social media and marketing, health and safety protocols, culinary innovations, sustainability practices, remote work amenities and technology integration are some of the trends that is important for students to be aware of. It's essential for students to stay informed about these trends and developments, as they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to learning about new technologies and industry shifts will be valuable for their professional growth.

How do you incorporate real-world industry experiences and case studies into your curriculum to provide students with practical insights and prepare them for their future careers?

Incorporating real-world industry experiences and case studies into the curriculum is a valuable approach to providing students with practical insights and preparing them for their future careers. Strategies like Guest Lectures and Industry Speakers, Site Visits and Field Trips, Internships and Work Placements, Case Studies, Professional Development Seminars, Collaborative Projects, and Industry Research Assignments can be followed. By integrating these strategies, educators can create a curriculum that not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also equips students with the practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and industry awareness needed for success in their future careers.

As a mentor to aspiring hospitality professionals, what advice do you offer to your students to help them maximize their learning experiences and excel in their academic and professional endeavours?

Encouraging a mind-set that views challenges as opportunities for growth. Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience in the dynamic hospitality industry can support in academic endeavours. Seeking diverse experience, building network and relationships, developing soft skills, seeking feedback and learning from mistakes, time management and organization, balancing theory and practices as well as staying informed about industry trends is something that I always advise to my students to navigate their educational and professional journeys with confidence, resilience, and a strategic mind-set.

Outside of academic pursuits, what extracurricular activities or initiatives do you encourage your students to participate in to enhance their holistic development and prepare them for success in the hospitality field?

To enhance holistic development and prepare students for success in the hospitality field, encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and initiatives is crucial. We organise many  Extracurricular  Hospitality Competitions in various fields such as Floral decorations, Tray Landscaping, Rangoli Competitions for floral, stone or powder rangoli to bring out their talent and in interest into field of creativity in housekeeping. Language and Cultural Programs, Leadership Roles in Student Organizations, Culinary Events and Tastings, Technology and Innovation Initiatives, Entrepreneurial Endeavours, and Participation in Conferences and Seminars are major activities to enhance their holistic development. These extracurricular activities and initiatives contribute to a well-rounded and prepared hospitality professional. They not only provide additional skills and experiences but also demonstrate to employers that a student is proactive, engaged, and committed to their personal and professional development.

What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to pursue careers in hospitality and academia, particularly in light of Women's Day?

In celebration of International Women's Day and with a focus on empowering young women aspiring to pursue careers in hospitality and academia, I would advise women to Believe in Yourself, Seek Mentorship, Build a Support Network, Prioritize Education, Challenge Gender Stereotypes, Balance work life and personal life, and to Promote Inclusivity. On International Women's Day and beyond, it's essential to celebrate the achievements of women in all fields, recognize the challenges they may face, and work towards creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

This Interview is Published Exclusively in HospitalityNews.in.