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1. Tell us more about your role & responsibilities at your college.
In my third year during graduation in Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management where was elected as the first general secretary. I have to represent the students as well as the college in various forums. In this role I was the chief student coordinator.
I am currently the director of the alumni association and in this role I need to ensure all the ex students are well aware of the activities that are being conducted by the institute and must ensure that there is full support and participation by all alumni members. Having graduated from Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management I was privileged to be invited by the principal and faculty to share my travel experiences and give a small talk on my experience in the tourism and hospitality industry so far.
2. How did you rise up to
your position and how can a student aspiring the same approach it?
I believe that I still
have a really long way to go. However the little that I have been able to
achieve is largely because of the fact that I am doing what I love to do. In my
view, the mantra of being happy and successful is doing what you love most. Sure
enough, it needs to be backed by hard work, sincerity and smart work.
3. What is it like to
juggle between a leadership role and normal college life?
Like in college, in
any field, it’s a must that your actions should speak louder than words. Its
imperative to be seen as someone who is a team player and someone who is able
to add value in his or her area of influence. Sure enough, once you are out of
college, you are expected to be well groomed to take up new challenging
assignments. Therefore, in my view, college days should be used to experiment
learn and grow.
4. How do your parents
look at you participating in extra curricular activities?
My parents have always
let me dream and follow my instincts which is why I am extremely content with
what I do be it in studies or otherwise. It is essential for every student to
be able communicate comfortably with their parents and at the same time they
must support their child with respect to all his or her aspirations.
5. Do you have a message
for parents to allow their kids to do things besides academics?
Academics and extra-curricular
activities must go hand in hand. While working towards being academically sound
one must also ensure they get enough time to pursue their hobbies. Parents must
encourage their children to do so.
My parents have always
let me dream and follow my instincts which is why i am extremely content with
what I do be it in studies or otherwise. It is essential for every student to
be able communicate comfortably with their parents and at the same time they
must support their child with respect to all his or her aspirations.
6. What are the top
skills that you have learnt with what you do?
I am uniquely poised
to have a fairly strong combination of both hospitality and tourism which has
helped me groom myself. While I have a fair strategic bent of mind, it is
always skewed towards implementation bias.
It’s very important to be well groomed, be a good listener and to lead by example.
7. What did you do in
your current role that makes you feel really proud of yourself?
A Hospitality and Travel professional- with
inclination to make a career, learn and contribute in the growing field of
Tourism and Hospitality.
A sincere professional and team player with
above average academics and a positive bent of mind with implementation bias.
Worked in Thomas Cook India Limited after
graduation from Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management for Desert
Adventures (Dubai Operations) as an intern for Travel reservations.
Was also associated with Trident BKC for a
brief period.
Selected as the Director of the alumni
association of Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management. Currently I am
pursuing my Masters in tourism management program from University of Mumbai.
While this is just the
beginning, I’ve been able to win the trust of my faculty and peers. I have also
taken the initiative of being active with my alumni and utilize the opportunity
of sharing my experience with them. I am very proud of pursuing and excelling
in the field that I am in love with.
8. What is your message to encourage students to do internships and attend
conferences?
Every student must
grab all possible opportunities for learning new things. While internships
provide practical learning experience, conferences help in networking in large
forums and gain from experiences by professionals in the industry.
- Shivani Arora
Interview By - Mayuresh Sangale
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