A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between a hotel management training institute and a hotel chain, a key step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The MoU was signed between the International Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata (IIHM), and Marriott Hotels India on Wednesday.
“This will realistically bring the academia and industry work together to garner talent. We talk a lot in India but realistic work has not been done and a structured, formal arrangement has been put in place,” said Suborno Bose, founder chairman, IIHM.
Bose said at the programme that students of IIHM had worked in various Marriott hotels. The agreement, he said, will make the two organisations “work closer”.
The classrooms will be designed according to Marriott guidelines and there will be guest lecturers from the hotels’ leadership teams, Bose said.
“Students will be doing internships in Marriott and based on selection criteria and interviews, they will get placed,” he said.
“Marriott Hotels will also provide career guidance… assistance in project work to impart industry trends and enhance their learning exp-erience to the second and third year students of IIHM,” said a statement issued by the institute.
“This partnership celebrates academia and the hospitality industry. To see how we can bridge gaps for future talent is exciting,” said Gaurav Singh, market, vice-president, south and east India, Marriott India, who was present on the occasion on Wednesday.