Gain the right footing in hospitality management
HIGHLY versatile and skilled professionals in the hospitality industry could command a promising future, since the reputation of a hotel or servicerelated enterprise is paramount.
Learning and practising the right skill sets
With passion comes determination – to put our best foot forward. But having the right knowledge and training is equally important.
“We offer three types of programmes – Culinary Arts, Hotel Management and Hospitality Management. In our degree programme, we have added several strategic business courses.
“This wholesome programme in hospitality management will groom our students for positions in management and operations,” briefed School of Hospitality and Tourism head, Datin Maimunah Sulaiman.
“Our courses include theory and practicum. Students learn how to lead and manage. Since we have the Flame Restaurant at Nilai University, students take on different roles and learn to be managers as well as team players,” said senior lecturer, Edward Felix Joseph.
Hotel Management diploma
The Diploma in Hotel Management covers six courses, including three practicum courses.
The programmes give students an overview of the four critical areas of hotel operations – food service (dining), food preparation (kitchen), front office and housekeeping. Students will also familiarise themselves with management and operational skills.
“From the feedback we receive, our students are selfstarters and perform well,” said Joseph.
BA (Hons) in Business and Hospitality Management
“A solid foundation in business acumen broadens our students’ scope for career opportunities beyond the hospitality industry. The hospitality businesses would likely require employees to be well acquainted with management, marketing and accounting skills.
“We strive to not only develop our students to be industry ready but also to be confident, self-sufficient and open-minded to create their own opportunities,” said Joseph.
A direct pathway would be to enrol into the programme after gaining one of the following tertiary qualifications:
> Diploma in Hotel Management or Diploma in Business Administration
> Foundation Certificates
> STPM or equivalent
>UEC
“Nilai University is well equipped with full-fledged facilities for multi-faceted learning. For students to develop their skills and mindset, we organise symposiums on-campus and practicum at the nearby Nilai Springs Resort Hotel,” said Maimunah.
The constant challenge to elevate customer experience is most crucial in the hospitality industry. Undoubtedly, technology affects the modern lifestyle and expectations of the market at large. Therefore, having a niche in providing a unique collaboration of people and technology would be an appealing approach.
Internship placements
“So far, our reputation in the industry is excellent. Many hotels are keen to recruit our students as trainees,” declared senior lecturer in charge of internship placements Junaida Harshah.
A pre-internship briefing is conducted a semester before students start their internships.
“I will guide the students in preparing their resume and organise career talks. We have invited Marriot Hotel Groups, Tune Hotel Group, Lexis Hotel Group, and Singapore Recruit Agency for a few career talks. After that, I will advise students on writing their internship reports,” said Junaidah.
“We will get established hotels to deliver presentations, and then select those that would give our students the best exposure. However, to earn an internship placement, the determining factor is communication. Students must be able to express themselves well in English. They need to speak fluently,” said Maimunah.
Junaidah is confident the experience gained during internship placements at renowned hotels will give students a head start; some are employed immediately after internship.
“Some students are selected to undergo their internships in Singapore. This is an added advantage. They will have a year of international working experience,” said Junaidah.
Nurture your dreams
Nilai University offers up to 100% scholarship to welldeserving students. Find out about the seven types of scholarships available. Nilai University’s education counsellors and experienced lecturers will assist students in applying for scholarships. Nilai University is open daily except on public holidays.
■ Call 06-850 2308 for an appointment or click on www.nilai.edu.my or visit the campus in Nilai.