Help, Tarun!

Q: I am an English (Honours) final year student interested both in journalism as well as the hospitality sector. How do I decide which one is right for me? Should I go for higher studies, which will give me clarity and focus on what I should do?
I can understand your dilemma, but what you need to understand is that journalism and hospitality are two very different fields. The former will utilise your language skills to some extent. It’s also about being interested in news and keeping up with what is happening all over. Hospitality, on the other hand, is a much wider sector. It is a people-oriented field. I suggest you either do a part-time (short-term) course in journalism or take up a part-time job in the hospitality industry.

Q: I am a 20-year-old and have recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. I now want to get into hotel management. What are the prospects? Also, do I need to get an MBA to rise in this profession?
Yes, you can do an MBA and then get into hotel management. Also, there are some courses in hotel management offered by various institutes. This might be a better bet in terms of giving you a clear perspective on the field.

Answers to your career concerns are contributed by Tarun Sheth (Senior Consultant) and Shilpa Sheth (Managing Partner, US practice) of HR firm, Shilputsi Consultants. Write to Help,Tarun! c/o Business Today, Videocon Tower, Fifth Floor, E-1, Jhandewalan Extn., New Delhi—110055.