Learning in the new normal

The ongoing pandemic has made students realise the importance of upskilling at all levels and adapting to any situation in order to continue their growth trajectory.

- Neha Rawat

KULMOHAN SINGH

Professor of French and English, In-charge of Placement and International Internships & Member of the Outreach Programme Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School

With hotels losing 90% of their business, do you think students would still be interested in a course in hotel management?

In order to reinforce a promising future for those who pursue a course in hotel management, we have conducted several webinars in which experts and professionals have expressed a concerted opinion that COVID is merely a ‘pause button’ – the industry will surely bounce back. Yes, the admissions might be slower at this time, but we are optimistic and will fill up our capacities as usual.

What careers do you expect students to make in this crisis?

There is a marked increase in demand for young graduates in Europe, especially in the UK, France and Germany. Our students, who are proficient in foreign languages, stand a bright chance in hotels, airlines, travel trade, event management and retail.

However, once the domestic markets reopen, several new doors will open for them. Healthcare is emerging as a new domain.

Your students have been attending classes from home since almost four months. how have you maintained the academic rigor in your practical classes?

The dynamics of internet and YouTube have made everything possible. We have been conducting theory and practical classes, marking attendance, checking assignments, holding exams and declaring results the same way as before the COVID-19 virus erupted. Even our college meetings, staff trainings and appraisals have been conducted online.