The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) has unveiled its new ‘Career LEAP’ Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience in the hospitality industry. Supported by Marriott International, this program promises to transform the career trajectories of young hospitality professionals.

The Career LEAP Programme (CLP) focuses on Leadership, Excellence, Aspiration, and Professionalism (LEAP), and aims to equip students with the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in hospitality. Marriott International has committed to offering 36 pre-placement offers (PPOs) to ISH postgraduates, providing a clear career path and a strong start in the industry.

The CLP includes a comprehensive pathway for career advancement, combining a six-month academic curriculum at the ISH Gurugram campus with a six-month On-the-Job Training (OJT) experience at Marriott International. This dual approach ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills to meet the dynamic challenges of the hospitality sector.

Upon completing the CLP and passing their Marriott assessments, students will receive the ISH Postgraduate Programme Certification in partnership with Les Roches. This certification opens doors to full-time employment in various roles such as sales, revenue, and culinary management within Marriott International hotels across India. Additionally, graduates can further their education by pursuing a Master’s or MBA at Les Roches in Switzerland or Spain, leveraging their PGP credits and gaining Les Roches Alumni status.

Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ISH, emphasized the program’s impact: “In forging this partnership with Marriott International, we’re opening a broader horizon for our students, expanding traditional education boundaries. The Career LEAP Programme doesn’t just educate; it propels the next generation of hospitality professionals into a world of global opportunities, professional growth, and career readiness. This initiative is pivotal in broadening the scope of hospitality education, inviting a wider audience of students to explore and excel in this vibrant industry. It announces a new era for graduate employment programs, addressing the immediate need for quality talent within the hospitality sector and shaping the blueprint for future education-to-employment pathways.”

Ranju Alex, Area Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, echoed these sentiments: “We are delighted to support this initiative introduced by the Indian School of Hospitality. This program holds immense potential as a launching pad for students seeking to embark on and progress in their careers within the ever-evolving hospitality sector. The Career Leap Programme boasts a curriculum meticulously crafted to meet the demands of the contemporary hospitality landscape. Marriott International prides itself on its depth and diversity of talent, believes in the importance of training and value of upskilling, and is honored to help the next generation of hospitality leaders hone their skills and achieve their full potential.”

This partnership between ISH and Marriott International represents a significant advancement in hospitality education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the industry’s demands and future opportunities. The Career LEAP Programme sets new benchmarks for integrating academic excellence with practical experience, shaping the blueprint for future education-to-employment pathways in the hospitality sector.