On Monday 14th October 2024, the School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management at Mount Kenya University (MKU) Main Campus had the honour of hosting a distinguished guest from EUHOFA, The International Association of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Schools in Australia, a representative from one of the world’s leading hotel schools Mr. Gerald Lipman. His insightful talk focused on the essential components of quality hospitality education and the importance of producing well-rounded graduates for the global hotel industry.
Mount Kenya University is a member of EUHOFA which is a non-profit association of hotel school directors and deans of hospitality colleges and universities who meet and work continuously to ensure the highest quality of education in their institutes.
Global Recognition in Hospitality Education.
According to the guest, the top hotel schools are not only ranked as the best hotel schools globally but also operates one of the top-rated hotels in the world. This stellar reputation is built upon a commitment to delivering academic excellence, practical training, and professional integrity to students.
Balancing Classroom Learning with On-the-Job Training.
Mr Gerald Lipman also highlighted the significance of blending classroom learning with hands-on experience, known as “placement.” He pointed out that different countries offer varying environments for placements, with Australia being a notable example due to its competitive pay rates, where students can earn more than A$23 (US$16) per hour. However, securing placements in large cities can be challenging and costly.
Key Attributes of a Successful Hotel Graduate.
The speaker emphasized that a good hotel graduate should possess three key attributes:
- Good skills: Graduates should be adept at performing core hospitality tasks such as table service, setting tables, serving food and drinks, cleaning rooms and tables, and even checking guests into rooms.
- Academic education: Graduates should be well-versed in critical areas such as management accounting, finance, marketing, and strategic management. Schools should ensure that the skills taught match the current industry practices, allowing students to cross-check what they learn during their placement with real-world experiences.
- Professionalism: A key aspect of professionalism involves working harmoniously with colleagues, showing respect to customers, and effectively interacting with senior managers.
The session provided students with a global perspective on the hospitality industry and encouraged them to strive for excellence in both their academic and professional lives.
Visit the School website: https://hospitality.mku.ac.ke/
