By Dr S. Sri Kumar Sivakumaran
COLUMN: Employability skills are an especially vital attribute for Hospitality graduates with regard to career readiness. Nevertheless, many studies have noted the gap between graduates’ employ-ability skills and industry needs. Industries need graduates who possess communication skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills.
Employability skills are also closely related to career readiness. Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, supporting one in 10 jobs (330 million) worldwide, and generating 10.3% of global GDP. Over the past five years, one in four new jobs were created by the sector, making Travel & Tourism the best partner for governments to generate employment.
Are Malaysian Hospitality Graduates ready to make a successful career in this Industry? Many Graduates who enter this profession at the beginning is taken up by the Industry glamorous approach without really understanding the needs and wants of this industry. Out of 10 young Malaysians to undergo this program nine would not join this industry stating the challenges and demands this industry has to offer.
Graduates who complete their studies are required to undergo their early life in the operations department of this industry. Many are blinded with the Degree or Diploma they have thinking it offers managerial positions directly. Working in the tourism and hospitality industry has some significant spin-offs to your health and well-being.
The industry is demonstrating to offer one of the better-paying jobs available. It is the perfect time to pursue a career in the service sector. One can take different paths with a career in Tourism Management from Hospitality management, hotel and resorts, travel arrangement, food and beverages, and the list goes on.
A career in Tourism and Hospitality Management prepares you with the potential to grow into several significant operation level positions. The absolute diversity of the industry implies that you’ll never be restricted in your job hunt.
If you’re seeking a career with plenty of room for advancement and a variety of roles to choose from, then hospitality management might just be the right pick for you.
People working in the tourism & hospitality industry can reap the creative advantages that come with the jobs in the sector. No two days are ever the same in hospitality, and getting away from the monotonous routine can help you broaden your thinking.
Regularly handling work of dynamic nature that encompasses last-minute changes helps to manage every unforeseen outcome smoothly.
Overall, tourism and hospitality industry carries enormous possibilities. Sacrificing your time and practicing discipline plays a crucial role to prepare you for the industry. It provides the technical knowledge, and practical skills required in the sector, which ultimately ensure your tomorrow.
Dr S. Sri Kumar Sivakumaran is the President Malaysian Hospitality Association and Founder DHS Hospitality Academy Sdn. Bhd