Why Internship Is Important for Hotel Management Students?

Why Internship Is Important for Hotel Management Students?

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Anupama
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 12:47 IST

An internship can be compared to a practical learning opportunity during a course in hospitality management. Here, you may put everything you've learned in the classroom into practice by working in an actual workplace. You may meet professionals, pick up useful skills, and strengthen your resume in preparation for future employment.

Why Internship Is Important for Hotel Management Students?

Why Internship Is Important for Hotel Management Students?

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

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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 ambit of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Except, IHM, many private colleges conduct their entrance exams to enroll students in hotel management courses.

Q:   What is NCHMCT JEE entrance exam?

A:

The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE) is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to various undergraduate programmes in the field of hospitality and hotel management. NCHMCT JEE is one of the most prestigious entrance exams for candidates seeking admission to hotel management and catering programs offered by participating institutes across the country. This entrance exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) on an aunnual basis. 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous organisation in India that was established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education) to conduct various national-level entrance exams for admission to higher education institutions. NTA is responsible for organising a wide range of examinations, including NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination), UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test), and many others, ensuring fair and transparent assessment processes for millions of students across the country. It has played a pivotal role in streamlining the examination process and improving the efficiency and reliability of high-stakes exams in India.

Q:   What is the language of the NCHMCT JEE exam?

A:

The NCHMCT JEE exam accommodates both English and Hindi speakers. Except for the English Language section, all questions are provided in both languages. During registration, candidates can select their preferred language. The English Language section is solely in English to assess candidates' English proficiency fairly. This bilingual policy expands the exam's accessibility, particularly for non-English speakers, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

Q:   How many times is NCHMCT JEE conducted in a year?

A:

The NCHMCT JEE is conducted once a year, typically in the month of May. The exact dates for the exam are announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) well in advance. The NCHMCT JEE 2025 is expected to be held in second-week of May 2025.

The Maharashtra Hotel Management Common Entrance Test for example is conducted by the 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.

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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:

List of UG courses offered at IHMs

BSc in Hospitality & Hotel Administration

BSc Culinary Arts

List of Diploma courses offered at IHMs

Diploma in Food & Beverage Service

Diploma in Bakery & Confectionery

Diploma in Front Office Operations

Diploma in House Keeping

Diploma in Food Production

 

List of PG Diploma courses offered at IHMs

Post Graduate Diploma in Accommodation Operations & Management

Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics & Hospital Food Service

List of Craftsmanship & Certificate courses offered at IHMs

Craftsmanship Course in Food Production & Patisserie

Craftsmanship Course in Food & Beverage Service

Certificate Course in Bakery

Certificate Course in Cookery

List of PG courses offered at IHMs

MSc in Hospitality Administration

MSc in Hospitality & Hotel Administration

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 can be compared to a practical learning opportunity during a course in hospitality management. Here, you may put everything you've learned in the classroom into practice by working in an actual workplace. You may meet professionals, pick up useful skills, and strengthen your resume in preparation for future employment.

Q:   What is the mode of NCHMCT JEE?

A:

NCHMCT JEE is conducted online in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. A Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode is a method of conducting examinations where candidates take the test on a computer, typically at a designated test center or in some cases, remotely from their own devices with remote proctoring. Here are some key characteristics of a Computer-Based Test mode:

1. Online Testing: In a CBT mode, the test questions are presented on a computer screen, and candidates select their answers by clicking with a mouse or using a keyboard.

2. Navigation: Candidates can navigate between questions, review and change their answers, and mark questions for review later during the examination.

3. Immediate Scoring: In many cases, CBTs provide immediate scoring, and candidates receive their preliminary scores as soon as they complete the exam.

4. Adaptive Testing: Some CBTs use adaptive testing algorithms, where the difficulty of questions can adjust based on the candidate's performance. If a candidate answers questions correctly, the test may present more challenging questions.

5. Security: CBTs often employ security measures to prevent cheating or unauthorized access to test content. This can include secure login procedures and proctoring, both in-person and remote.

6. Convenience: CBTs offer flexibility in terms of test scheduling and locations. Candidates can choose from available test dates and centers, making it convenient for many test-takers.

7. Practice Tests: Many organisations provide practice tests in CBT format to help candidates become familiar with the online testing environment.

Q:   What is the sectional weightage in the NCHMCT JEE?

A:

The NCHMCT JEE exam consists of five sections, each with a different weightage. The weightage determines the importance of each section in the overall exam score. The higher the weightage, the more important the section is.

The English Language section has the highest weightage, at 31.58%. This means that this section is the most important in the exam, and you should spend the most time preparing for it.

The Reasoning and Logical Deduction and Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude sections each have a weightage of 21.05%. These sections are also important, and you should spend a significant amount of time preparing for them.

The General Knowledge and Current Affairs and Aptitude for Service Sector sections each have a weightage of 13.16%. These sections are less important than the others, but you should still spend some time preparing for them.

Here is a table that summarizes the sectional weightage for the NCHMCT JEE:

SectionWeightagePercentage
English Language6031.58%
Reasoning and Logical Deductions3015.79%
General Knowledge & Current Affairs2010.53%
Numerical Ability & Analytical Aptitude3015.79%
Aptitude for Service Sector2910.53%

Q:   What all IHMs comes under Central Government?

A:

Candidates can check the list of IHMs that comes under Central Government:

Institute

TotalSeats

AIHM Chandigarh (Central Government IHM)

303

IHM Bengaluru (Central Government IHM)

300

IHM Bhopal (Central Government IHM)

360

IHM Bhubaneswar (Central Government IHM)

303

IHM Chennai (Central Government IHM)

365

IHM Delhi, Pusa (Central Government IHM)

321

IHM Gandhi Nagar (Central Government IHM)

353

IHM Goa (Central Government IHM)

444

IHM Gurdaspur (Central Government IHM)

247

IHM Guwahati (Central Government IHM)

243

IHM Gwalior (Central Government IHM)

316

IHM Hajipur (Central Government IHM)

300

IHM Hyderabad (Central Government IHM)

300

IHM Jaipur (Central Government IHM)

243

IHM Kolkata (Central Government IHM)

400

IHM Lucknow (Central Government IHM)

360

IHM Mumbai (Central Government IHM)

480

IHM Shillong (Central Government IHM)

169

IHM Shimla (Central Government IHM)

400

IHM Srinagar (Central Government IHM)

213

IHM Thiruvananthapuram (Central Government IHM)

314

Total

6734

Q:   How many times is NCHM MSc JEE conducted in a year?

A:

The NCHM MSc JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Master of Science in Hospitality Management Joint Entrance Exam) is typically conducted once a year. This exam is primarily for admission into the Master of Science in Hospitality Management programs offered by various institutes across India.

Key Points:
- Annual Examination: The exam is usually held annually, with specific dates announced in advance by the National Council for Hotel Management (NCHM).
- Application Period: The application process generally opens a few months before the exam date.
- Result Announcement: Results are typically declared shortly after the exam, with counseling and admission processes following.

 

Q:   How many times a year is NCHMCT JEE exam conducted?

A:

The NCHMCT JEE is conducted once a year, typically in the month of May. The exact dates for the exam are announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) well in advance. The NCHMCT JEE 2025 is expected to be held in second-week of May 2025.

Through internships, one can gain real-world experience, make new contacts, and put theoretical knowledge to use in a practical situation. In the hotel management programme, internships are especially important. Let's examine the benefits of internships for students enrolled in hotel management programmes.

Practical Application of Knowledge:

Internships offer hotel management students the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts learned in classrooms to real-world hospitality settings. By working alongside industry professionals, students gain practical experience in hotel operations, customer service, and event management.

Also Read: Top 5 choices for Hotel Management Internships

Skill Development:

Through internships, students have the chance to develop and refine essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for success in the dynamic and fast-paced hospitality industry.

Industry Exposure:

Internships provide students with firsthand exposure to various sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, event management companies, and tourism organizations. This exposure helps students gain insights into different career paths and make informed decisions about their future endeavors.

Also Read: Hotel Management: UG courses one can study

Networking Opportunities:

Internships allow students to build valuable connections with industry professionals, mentors, and peers. Networking during internships can open doors to future job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations within the hospitality sector.

Resume Enhancement:

Having internship experience on a resume significantly enhances a hotel management student's employability. Internships demonstrate practical skills, industry knowledge, and a proactive attitude towards professional development, making graduates more attractive to potential employers.

Understanding Customer Expectations:

Internships provide firsthand exposure to guest interactions, allowing students to understand customer expectations, preferences, and service standards. This insight is invaluable for future roles in guest services, front office management, and guest relations.

Adaptability and Resilience:

Working in a real hospitality environment exposes students to the challenges and demands of the industry, helping them develop adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive under pressure. These qualities are essential for success in the competitive hospitality landscape.

Cultural Awareness:

Internships in diverse hospitality settings offer students the opportunity to interact with guests and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. This exposure fosters cultural awareness, sensitivity, and cross-cultural communication skills, which are increasingly important in today's globalized hospitality industry.

Also Read: Top 10 Hotel Management Colleges in India 2024

Professional Mentoring:

During internships, students often receive guidance and mentorship from experienced industry professionals. Mentors provide valuable insights, advice, and support, helping students navigate their internship experiences and develop professionally.

Confidence Building:

Internships provide students with opportunities to take on responsibilities, make decisions, and contribute to real projects. Successfully completing internship tasks and projects boosts students' confidence in their abilities and prepares them for future leadership roles.

Industry Trends and Best Practices:

Internships offer students exposure to industry trends, best practices, and innovations. Staying updated on emerging trends and technologies during internships ensures that students are well-prepared to adapt to evolving industry demands upon graduation.

Hands-On Learning Environment:

Internships provide a hands-on learning environment where students can gain practical skills and knowledge that cannot be acquired through traditional classroom instruction alone. This experiential learning approach enhances students' understanding of hospitality operations and industry dynamics.

Career Exploration:

Internships allow students to explore different career paths within the hospitality industry and gain insight into their areas of interest and strengths. Exposure to various departments and roles helps students make informed decisions about their career aspirations and goals.

Time Management and Prioritization:

Balancing internship responsibilities with academic coursework teaches students important time management and prioritization skills. Learning to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines prepares students for the demands of a career in hospitality management.

Personal Growth:

Internships provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Students often encounter new challenges, overcome obstacles, and develop resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic during their internship experiences.

Bridge between Education and Employment:

Internships serve as a bridge between classroom learning and professional employment, allowing students to transition smoothly from academic studies to the workforce. The practical skills and industry knowledge gained during internships prepare students for successful careers in hospitality management.

Long-Term Career Advancement:

Internships lay the foundation for long-term career advancement in the hospitality industry. The skills, experiences, and connections gained during internships provide a solid footing for students to pursue leadership roles, entrepreneurship, or specialized career paths in the future.

Continuous Learning and Growth:

Internships mark the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and growth in the hospitality industry. The lessons learned, experiences gained, and relationships formed during internships contribute to students' ongoing professional development and success throughout their careers.

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.

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About the Author
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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio