On December 9, 2023, the Department of Marine Catering and Hotel Management organized a career guidance program titled “Career Opportunities in the Tourism and Travel Industry” for second-year students (37 students) to raise awareness about career opportunities in the tourism and travel industry. Mr. Vaidyalingam S (Batch 2003–2006), an alumnus of the department, is currently employed as a Senior Manager, Leisure (Karnataka), at Club7 Holidays Ltd., Bangalore. He briefed the students about how the tourism industry is currently dominated by youngsters, emphasizing the crucial role played by small and medium enterprises in the tourism and travel business. This industry requires young individuals with a pleasing personality, a smiling face, and good communication skills for employment. So, he advised the students to develop these qualities, as there are abundant opportunities in the travel and tourism industry. Additionally, he explained that tourism is one of the emerging academic disciplines in social science with promising employment and career prospects. Students can explore opportunities to work or develop their careers in various crucial areas within the tourism and travel industry, such as tour operations, event management companies, tourism boards, adventure tour companies, etc. At the end of the session, students were encouraged to ask questions and express their doubts. This program significantly boosted the confidence of the students.
