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For Students of Hotel Management: How to Improve Time Management Skills?

Time management is one key skill to excel in the hospitality industry. But how to master this skill? This is one question that concerns most hotel management students.
Here, are simple tips to help you improve time management skills:

1. Prepare a checklist

The best way to get started in improving your time management skills is to prepare a checklist. You can either prepare a checklist just for the day or for the entire week.

A checklist can help you manage your tasks. You can use your phone’s notepad/memo as a checklist or simply download a checklist app. Make sure to check them off as and when you complete the task. Doing so will give you a sense of accomplishment as well.

2. Use a timer

Using a timer to complete tasks is a good way to improve your time management skills. Using the timer on your smartphone can help you track your progress.

3. Eliminate distractions

Distractions make you lose your focus on the task you’re working on and delay its completion. Get rid of anything that distracts you. While completing assignments or studying, put your phone, tablet in silent mode or simply turn them off.

4. Time for planning

Preparing a plan is crucial to avoid getting stuck or running short on ideas in between a task. Take time to process new information and plan your tasks accordingly. This way you don’t have to revise the information which, in turn, can help you save time. At IIHM, one of the best colleges in Kolkata for hotel management, we ask students to focus on planning ahead so that they can manage their tasks efficiently and on time.

5. Take breaks to clear your head

Believe it or not, taking breaks to clear your head can help you boost your concentration and efficiently complete your tasks. Taking breaks in between tasks may seem like a waste of time for many, but doing so can help you focus and be more productive.

6. Schedule rewards

Rewarding oneself after successfully completing a task on time is one trait often overlooked by many. Do something you enjoy or treat yourself with your favourite food items after completing a task on time. Doing this can motivate you to improve consistently.

Pursue hotel management in IIHM – one of the best hotel management colleges in India

Learn time management and all other skills essential to excel in the hospitality industry at IIHM. Learn more about our admission procedure at http://iihm.ac.in/admission-procedure/.

14 Fast Facts you Didn’t Know About Us

The hospitality industry has evolved and grown as never before. Considering the changing requirement of skill sets in the industry, hotel management students need to stay abreast of all the trends in the industry.

IIHM is one of the best colleges for hotel management in India which has a curriculum that is on par with the industry demands. At IIHM, students are meticulously trained to be valuable assets in the hospitality industry.
Here are 14 fast facts about us that will get you interested:

1. International degree in hospitality management

IIHM, in collaboration with The Edinburgh Napier University, UK and tie-up with University of West London, London, offers students a degree in hospitality management which is valuable all over the world.

2. Flexibility to study abroad

Students can study in the UK at the Edinburgh Napier University, University of West London, London or at KBU campus in Bangkok.

3. Largest hotel school chain

IIHM is the largest hotel school chain in International Hospitality Management.

4. IIHM campuses

IIHM has its campuses spread across India in cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bangalore, Pune, and Delhi.

5. Organiser of Young Chef Olympiad

IIHM organises Young Chef Olympiad which is the biggest culinary event in the world. Young, aspiring chefs from 50 different countries participate in the event every year.

6. Over 3000+ alumni network

IIHM graduates have been placed at some of the highly renowned hotel chains across the world.

7. International internship

IIHM offers international internship – a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to enhance their skill set by gaining a hands-on experience in the international hospitality industry.

8. Faculty

The faculty at IIHM comprises of over 300 Indian and international tutors, professors, and mentors.

9. Multicultural environment

With a multicultural environment, IIHM invites students from South Africa, Singapore, Bangladesh, South Korea, Armenia, and Thailand.

10. Wine education tour

IIHM organises a 10 day trip to the vineyards of France, Spain, and Italy for an educational tour. Deserving students are selected for the trip and all the expenses are carried by the college.

11. Dual degree

IIHM offers a dual degree advantage. This is a unique opportunity for students to get a national as well as an international degree.

12. Awards

IIHM has been conferred with several prestigious awards, including the awards for “Best Education Brand 2017” presented by Economic Times.

13. Certification in wine studies

IIHM is one of the few institutions in India to provide a certification in wine studies.

14. Extracurricular activities

Apart from the academics, IIHM also embraces the passion of students.

Join IIHM to pursue a rewarding career in the hospitality industry

At IIHM, you get the opportunity to learn all the necessary skills that are valued in the hospitality industry. Learn more about us at http://iihm.ac.in/about/.

Career Opportunities After Completing Hotel Management

Hotel management has emerged as one of the most popular courses among students in Kolkata. This is because, the hospitality industry offers some of the most amazing career opportunities. Here’s a list of career opportunities that await you after you complete your hotel management course:

1. Hotel managers

Hotel managers have one of the most interesting job roles. To ensure a smooth customer experience, they forward new instructions to the operation team including the chefs, front office executives, housekeeping staff, and catering department.

Hotel managers prioritise guest satisfaction over everything else. It entirely depends on hotel managers to improve the staying experience of the guests at the hotel. Hotel managers also need to look into any issues that the guests face right from the check-in to completing their stay at the hotel.

2. Chefs

Chefs have a major role in improving guests’ experience by preparing tasty and healthy recipes. Hotel managers may request chefs to prepare special recipes for special occasions such as guests’ birthdays and anniversaries and even the hotel’s anniversary.

Being a chef, you can work for renowned international hotel chains. Chefs even get the opportunity to travel overseas, meet celebrities, and get featured on reality TV shows.

3. Hoteliers

With an in-depth knowledge of hotel management, you can either become an individual hotel owner or work with other hoteliers to run a chain of hotels or restaurants.

Being a hotelier, you can build a good rapport with celebrities, politicians, and other prominent personalities once you have them as guests. You also have the opportunity to win awards as a successful hotelier in the community or for high-quality services offered in your hotel.

4. Teacher/professor

After gaining experience in the hospitality industry, you can choose to become a teacher or a professor at a hotel management college. You can share the years of experiences you’ve had and teach your hospitality skills to students to help them succeed in the industry.

5. Retail sector

Hotel management graduates have the option of pursuing their career in the retail sector as well. Some of the areas in the retail sector suitable for hotel management graduates include malls, reception, and back office.

Pursue a successful career in the hospitality industry by joining IIHM – a leading hotel management college in Kolkata

By joining IIHM, you can learn all the necessary skills that are highly valued in the hospitality industry. Our faculty at IIHM provide industry-relevant knowledge to our students. We also provide practical training sessions and offer international internships to give students a hands-on experience in the industry.

To know more about our admission procedure, check http://iihm.ac.in/admission-procedure/.

15 Techniques to Master for Success in Hospitality Management

The hospitality industry rewards passionate and creative people. If you are pursuing your career in the hospitality industry, then your success counts on more than determination.

Here are 15 (secret) techniques to master for success in hospitality management:

When studying hotel management:

1. Guest satisfaction

Keeping the guests happy and satisfied is the bread and butter of any hotel. As a hotel management student, you have to learn the skills to deal with guests including politeness, care, and attention to details.

2. Be open to internships

It is through internships that you get the opportunity to get a hands-on experience.

3. Participation in culinary events

Participating in culinary events/competition helps you gain real-life experiences and people skills.

4. Building good rapport with teachers/mentors

Your college years are the best time to learn as much as you can. Get close with your mentors to learn the real skills from them.

When you start working (after getting placed):

5. Remember guest names

Guests feel truly welcomed and appreciated when you call them by their names.

6. Body language matters

Correct body language cues such as eye contact and smile are important for a positive interaction with the guests.

7. Gratitude serves best

Expressing gratitude to guests by thanking them make them feel appreciated and valued.

8. Smile when on the telephone

All successful hotel managers have a common trait, they smile when talking to guests over the phone.

9. Strong greetings

There’s no better way to make guests feel welcomed than to greet them with lines such as, “Hello, how was your day?”

10. Pet service

Guests appreciate it when their pets are taken care of during their stay in the hotel.

11. Recreational games for kids

Often, kids get bored during their stay with their parents at the hotel. Successful hotel managers include recreational games and activities for kids to keep them entertained.

12. Offer surprises to regular guests occasionally

Regular guests love when they are offered free upgrades to suite-style rooms.

13. Record guests’ preferences

Recording guests’ preferences help in tailoring services such as favourite food items, and room and amenity choices.

14. Celebrate special occasions

Celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries of guests.

15. Keep elevator floor clean

Cleanliness in elevator floors is an important concern. Make sure you train the staff to clean them occasionally.

Pursue a rewarding career in hospitality management by joining IIHM

The world of hospitality management welcomes you with wonderful career prospects! Join IIHM and pursue a hotel management course to be part of the rewarding and growing industry. Learn more about our hotel management course and fees at http://iihm.ac.in/admission-procedure/.

9 Interesting Food Facts

Sure, we enjoy our food, especially when it’s our favourites. But have you ever wondered about the reasons why different food items have peculiar tastes, colour, and smell? Here, we have listed 9 interesting facts about which are surely going to fascinate you:

1. Why mint tastes cold?

Mint contains a chemical known as menthol which tricks the brain into sensing that the food is cold.

2. The reason for chilli peppers to taste hot

The hot taste in chilli peppers is due to the presence of capsaicin, an oily chemical which is odourless and colourless.

3. Orange fruit and colour

The colour ‘orange’ is named after the fruit of the same name. The old English word for the colour was ‘geoluhread’ which translated to ‘yellow-red.’

4. Difference between packaged and home-made cheese

Packaged, pre-shredded cheese has a different characteristic from home-made shredded cheese. The former is easy to pour as it does not clot while the latter can be sticky and not-so-easy to pour.

5. Why do food items become tastier with salt?

One of the primary reasons for salt to act as taster enhancer is the human tongue can detect five basic tastes, including saltiness. Salt tends to decrease bitterness in food items, making them more enjoyable in terms of taste perception. Salt also helps release molecules from food items into the air for enhancing the aroma of food items.

6. Holes in crackers

Have you ever wondered why there are small holes in crackers? Well, the tiny holes are made in crackers in order to bake them properly. The holes are also the reason your crackers are crisp.

7. Jelly is different from jam

Did you know that jelly and jam are not the same? Jam is prepared from crushed fruits whereas jelly is made from the juice of fruits. When preparing jelly, the fruit juice is boiled while adding pectin and sugar for a thicker consistency.

8. Asparagus makes pee smell

Some of the chemical compounds found in asparagus break down in a certain way after consumption. It is interesting to note that asparagus doesn’t smell bad when you are preparing it.

9. Garlic makes your breath smell bad

The sulphuric compounds found in garlic lead to bad breath.

Turn your love for food & cooking into a prosperous career

Love food and cooking? Join IIHM, one of the best hotel management colleges in India, to turn your love and passion for food and cooking into a rewarding career in the hospitality industry. Learn more about IIHM at http://iihm.ac.in/about/.

Choosing the Best HM College in Kolkata: 5 Factors to Consider

If you have decided to pursue hotel management as your career, then you will have plenty of options for that. However, choosing a good HM college in Kolkata is the first step. With so many hotel management institutes operating in Kolkata and West Bengal, choosing one is pretty tough. Here are the things you need to consider before choosing one:

1. Is the Institute Accredited and Affiliated with national or international bodies?

This is the first thing you need to check before you choose the best hotel management college in India. It’s because, without proper accreditation and affiliation, your qualification won’t be of any value. See if the course and the curriculum offered by that college are at par with the industry standards or not. International and national affiliations add more value to the degree that you will receive.

2. Placement assistance

This is important to check. See if the HM college provides placement assistance or not. If yes, then who are the recruiters? And what are the placement stats of the college? Check their website or just get in touch with their alumni. You may even try talking to the current students to evaluate the placement scenario.

3. Check the Quality of the Course Content

Before selecting any HM college, check their course content. The quality of academics matters a lot. Check the courses offered by them. Also, check the course content. Is the course industry friendly? Does the course give any scope of gaining hands-on experience in the industry? Find out if the college offers practical hours or not. This is important. Also, find out whether they offer internship opportunities or not.

At International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), they provide our students with the chance to study at the University of West London. This is one of the most renowned Universities in the UK. Here, you will also get the scope to work for at least 20 hours every week.

4. The teachers are important

The faculty is an important part of the college along with the course and the curriculum. They are the one who will be guiding you and shape your career. See if they are industry experts or not. Are they qualified enough? A strong faculty will help you gain both professional and technical skills.

5. Do they have Practical Laboratories?

And along with the labs, are the classes well equipped? How is the infrastructure? These are required to enhance your learning experience.

These pointers will help you choose the best hotel management college in India. If you are looking for HM College in Kolkata, check IIHM.

12 Things that Every Efficient Hotel Manager Does

Ensuring guest satisfaction is at the heart of what every hotel manager does. A contented guest is the biggest win for any hotel manager. Here we discuss 12 things that every successful hotel managers do to ensure happy guests:

1. Speaking with the right tone at the reception

Reception is where the journey of the guests starts. Hotel managers insist on training the staff at the reception desk to speak with a positive and enthusiastic tone. IIHM is the best hotel management college in India that offers the best hotel management courses.

2. Training employees to remember guest name

Guests like the personal touch when they are greeted by their name throughout their time in the hotel. Efficient hotel managers make it a must for the employees to remember guest names.

3. Using foreign language to greet customers

Hotels with international clientele should greet customers in foreign languages. Efficient hotels managers insist in using foreign language when appropriate.

4. Luggage assistance

Offering luggage assistance to arriving guests is important. This is a must under the watch of an efficient hotel manager.

5. Creating personalised experiences

Successful hotel managers walk that extra mile to create personal experiences for their guests. Many managers have started creating selfie zones, with interesting backdrops to create memorable experiences for digitally savvy customers.

6. Extra care for the guests

Providing superior care to guests is what hotel managers focus on. They strive to provide extra care for the guest such as help them relieve their stress with introducing services like aromatherapy.

7. Expressing gratitude

Hotel managers know how expressing gratitude to customers make them feel special. They train associates to thank their guests throughout their stay.

8. Offering welcome drinks

Hotel managers do the best they can to make guests feel comfortable. Offering infused welcome drinks to guests is a great way to show affection and welcoming them.

9. Treating the guests’ pet right

Guests love it when their pets are treated with love and care. Considering guests’ pet a part of the family is one good way to have the customers talking about the hotel in a good way.

10. Recording guests’ preferences

Recording guests’ (especially repeat guests) preferences is a good way to treat them more personally each time they visit the hotel.

11. Regular clean-up of vacant rooms

Hotel managers ensure that the vacant rooms are regularly cleaned.

12. Recognising special events

A successful hotel under an efficient hotel manager hosts parties for special events such as guests’ birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

Pursue a rewarding career in the hospitality industry

The hospitality industry welcomes you with a bright and a rewarding career. Pursue a hotel management course at IIHM to prepare for the growing industry that awaits you. Learn more about us at http://iihm.ac.in/about/.

8 Facts on Hotel Restaurant Managers

It goes without saying that hotel restaurant managers have one of the most interesting jobs. Why? Read the facts below to know:

1. Prioritising customers over everything else

Customers are always the first priority of hotel restaurant managers. They are always focused on improving customer experience and the quality of food. As hotel restaurant managers supervise the hotel’s main restaurant, they can set new guidelines and instructions, mainly to improve the processes.

2. Job role

Although restaurant managers supervise the work in a hotel’s restaurant, they have several tasks to perform. One common and important task of a hotel restaurant manager is to complete paperwork, including work hours, taxes, and wages.

3. Working with the chefs

Restaurant managers can assign menu prices by working with the chef. By building a good rapport with the chefs, managers can analyze the overhead costs of the recipe ingredients and labour. Restaurant managers may even change menu price from time to time.

4. Opportunity to travel

Managers who work for chain hotels’ restaurants often get the opportunity to travel to different locations.

5. Great perks

Hotel restaurant managers enjoy several perks, including reduced rates on hotels when they are on vacation or free on-site expenses.

6. Relationship with staff

Efficient and successful restaurant managers always build a healthy relationship with the staff. Such managers are able to create a positive and an enjoyable work environment which, in turn, reflects on the quality of the service and success of the restaurant.

7. Team leader skills

Restaurant managers are much of a team leader, responsible for the smooth operation of the restaurant. Hotel restaurant managers need to motivate the staff to make them productive.

8. Growth and success

Passionate and hard-working restaurant managers can grow by leaps and bounds throughout their career.

Achieve success in the hospitality industry with IIHM

Do you wish to be another success story in the hospitality industry? IIHM, one of the best colleges for hotel management in India, can make your dream come true!

We at IIHM provide consistent guidance to help our students embark on the hospitality career and be successful. Apart from providing placements at top hotels, we also give our students the opportunity of an international internship. Learn more at http://iihm.ac.in.

Discover the Exciting World of Hospitality at IIHM. 5 Quick Facts for You

Are you looking for an enthusiastic and rewarding career in hospitality? If yes, then embark on an exciting journey at International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). At IIHM we not only offer state-of-art learning facilities but also provide unique opportunities to students to help them get a deeper insight into the hospitality industry.

Here we discuss 5 unique facts about IIHM:

1. We organise the world’s biggest culinary event

We provide our students with the platform to connect with the masters and experts from the hospitality industry. Our event Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) attracts participation from over 50 countries. Students get the chance to showcase their skills and interact with the celebrity chefs, food bloggers from different corners of the world and learn from them. What could be more exciting than this? Know more about YCO here – www.ycolympiad.com.

2. International exposure

Students have the option to study at IHM at KBU Bangkok. Also, they can study at the UK in the Edinburgh Napier University or the University of West London, London. We also arrange for special training for our students in countries such as the USA, Middle East, France, Singapore, Mauritius, Malaysia, China, and the Maldives.

3. We organise the biggest competition for school students

Our initiative Young Chef India Schools on NDTV Good Times aims at giving a platform to the school students to showcase their culinary skills. Thousands of participants from schools all over the country take part in this competition. Initiated in 2011, it’s a platform for those who take immense interest in the culinary field.

4. Sponsored wine tours

Every year, we organise a 10-day trip for our students where we take them on a journey across various vineyards in France, Spain, and Italy. This gives them a deep understanding of the winemaking process, exploring all the iconic wineries. We also provide certification in Wine Studies which is recognised by Wine and Spirit Education Trust (UK).

5. Sneak a peek into the awards received by us

For our contribution to the world or hospitality industry, we were awarded Best Education Brand 2017 by the Economic Times. We also received Brand Excellence Award in Hospitality Sector, 2016 by ABP.

Grow your career with IIHM – the globally connected hotel management college in India

Your search for the best hotel management college in India ends here. Our hotel management courses help you get the best practical experience and learn the much needed theoretical skills. These experiences help in building a solid foundation for your career in hospitality industry.

At IIHM, we take pride in providing our students with the best opportunities and exposure to hone their skills further. For more details, visit iihm.ac.in.

10 Facts on YCO

What’s a better way to let young and aspiring chefs showcase their talent than to compete with other young chefs from around the world? Well, Young Chef Olympiad (YCO), organised by International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), is just about that!

Here are 10 interesting facts about YCO:

Fact 1.
YCO is the biggest culinary Olympiad on planet Earth!

Fact 2.
The first season of YCO was hosted in Kolkata in 2015. The event received immense support from the Ministry of Tourism (India).

Fact 3.
The opening ceremony of the first season of YCO was held at City Centre, Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Fact 4.
The countries participating in the first season of YCO were the UK, the United States of America, Switzerland, France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Fact 5.
The winner of the first season was from Malaysia; the 1st runner-up was from Spain and the 2nd runner-up was from the UK.

Fact 6.
The second season of YCO was held across four cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore in 2016. The event saw participation from 50 countries across the world.

Fact 7.
YCO 2016 was supported by Ministry of Tourism and the opening ceremony was held at the Talkatora Stadium on Delhi. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was the principal judge and mentor in YCO season 2. Other panel members included eminent chefs namely Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Udo Leick, Chef Andreas Muller, Chef Manjit Singh Gill, Chef Karen Anand, Chef Abhijit Saha, and Chef Shaun Kenworthy.

Fact 8.
The winner of YCO season 2 was Daniella Garmond from Canada who was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of $10,000.

Fact 9.
The 3rd season of YCO (which again received immense support from the Ministry of Tourism, India) was held in Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, and Delhi in 2017. Over 45 countries from around the world participated in the event. The opening ceremony of season 3 was held at the Talkatora Stadium. The winner of YCO season 3 was Jiajun Mathew from Singapore.

Fact 10.
The 4th season of YCO was launched in London on 9 November 2017. The event was supported by the Ministry of Tourism (India), and the Government of India.

IIHM apart from organising YCO, also hosts India’s biggest competition for school students on NDTV Goodtimes named “Young Chef India Schools”. Learn more about IIHM at http://iihm.ac.in/about/.

Embark On A Rewarding Career In The Hospitality Sector With IIHM

Want to pursue a hotel management course for a prosperous career? If yes, connect with IIHM, one of the leading colleges for hotel management course in India, to know how its industry based curriculum, field trips, and world renowned mentors can help you make a successful career in hospitality.