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WWW.HOSPITALITYBIZINDIA.COMIn the world of hospitality, education is more than classroom learning; it%u2019s the foundation that prepares students to meet the demands of a fast-paced, customer-focused industry. And as the industry grows, so do the expectations of those at the forefront of hiring%u2014hotel recruiters. At the core of this evolution are the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) in India, renowned for supplying talent to top hotels. But, to meet the new demands of the industry, IHMs must stay relevant and strategic in their approach to education.Why Recruiters Are Key to Hospitality EducationPicture this: a hotel recruiter walks into a campus, looking for the next generation of hospitality talent. They%u2019re on the hunt for candidates who not only know their way around a hotel but also have the leadership, adaptability, and interpersonal skills to deliver exceptional guest experiences. In many ways, recruiters are the bridge between education and the industry, selecting those who will shape the future of hospitality. And as expectations grow, recruiters are no longer satisfied with graduates who only meet the basics%u2014they%u2019re looking for standouts who bring fresh perspectives and skills.For IHMs, understanding these evolving expectations is vital. By aligning their offerings with industry demands, IHMs can strengthen their reputation, making themselves the preferred recruitment ground for top hotel brands. Recruiters notice everything: from the curriculum to the facilities to how well-prepared the students are. They%u2019re not just evaluating students%u2014they%u2019re assessing the entire educational experience and deciding if it%u2019s worth returning to the campus next year.Service Quality, Satisfaction, and Service Value: What Recruiters Look ForAt its core, hospitality education is about service. IHMs strives to deliver %u201cservice quality%u201d through high-calibre teaching, modern infrastructure, and a curriculum designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills. But it%u2019s not just about quality alone%u2014satisfaction and perceived value play equally significant roles in whether recruiters see IHMs as ideal hiring grounds.Satisfaction isn%u2019t just based on the skills of the students. Recruiters value a seamless and supportive campus experience. From clear communication to well-organized interview processes, IHMs have numerous ways to ensure that recruiters have a positive experience, directly impacting their decision to return. And when it comes to service value, recruiters want to know they%u2019re getting the best return on their investment in time, effort, and resources. Given the high demands on their schedules, a smooth, efficient recruitment process and a strong talent pool from IHMs can make all the difference.To gain deeper insights into the behavioural intentions of recruiters toward IHMs, a comprehensive study was conducted involving representatives from over 100 leading hotel brands located in Tier-1 cities across the country. The participants included General Managers, Department Heads, and Learning and Development Managers from these prestigious hotels. Interestingly, our study found that satisfaction was the strongest predictor of recruiters%u2019 likelihood to return. They%u2019re looking for an experience that%u2019s easy, positive, and filled with potential hires who meet their high standards. For IHMs, this underscores the importance of not just preparing students for interviews but also refining every aspect of the campus recruitment experience.How IHMs Can Step Up to Meet Recruiter ExpectationsSo how can IHMs keep recruiters coming back year after year? The answer lies in strategic improvements that directly address recruiters%u2019 priorities. For instance, our study highlighted that the recruiters value competencies such as ethical behaviour, critical thinking, and the willingness to take calculated risks%u2014qualities that don%u2019t always come from textbooks. IHMs can help students build these competencies by incorporating real-world scenarios, role-playing exercises, and industry mentorships into their programs. Additionally, it was revealed that adopting cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, deep learning, blockchain, and digital marketing can transform how students are trained. By embedding these 21st-century skills into their programs, IHMs can prepare graduates to navigate the evolving demands of the Hospitality Career through IHMs: The Next Generation of Exponential GrowthBy Mr Gyan Bhushan, (IES) Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and Chief Executive Officer, National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) Government of India and Dr Pratik Ghosh, Head of Department, Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition, ChandigarhGyan Bhushan (IES) Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and Chief Executive Officer, National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) Government of IndiaDr Pratik GhoshHead of Department, Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition, Chandigarh12 EXPERT SPEAK HOSPITALITY BIZ n JANUARY, 2025