Unleashing Opportunities: An Insider's Guide to Internships in the Indian Tourism Industry for MBA Students

 

Welcome to my blog about internships in the Indian tourism industry for MBA in Tourism students. 

As an MBA student pursuing a degree in tourism, you will have to do two months of summer internships after completing your second semester. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in the industry and apply the knowledge you have gained in the classroom to real-life situations. However, to make the most of your internship, it is important to do your homework well and choose a company that aligns with your interests and career goals.

The Indian tourism industry is diverse and has a lot to offer in terms of internship opportunities. From hospitality and travel companies to tour operators and government tourism departments, there is no dearth of options for students looking to gain valuable experience in the field. However, it is important to research and shortlist companies that are in line with your niche areas of interest.

Benefits of doing an internship in private companies:

1. Exposure to industry trends: Private companies are usually at the forefront of innovation and development in the tourism industry. As an intern, you will get exposure to the latest trends, technologies, and business models in the industry, which can be valuable knowledge for your future career.
2. Networking opportunities: Private companies usually have a larger network of industry professionals, which can be beneficial for your future job search. As an intern, you can leverage these connections to build your network and gain insights into different areas of the industry.
3. Real-life experience: Private companies are driven by profits, and as an intern, you will get the chance to experience the challenges and opportunities of working in a business environment. This can be an invaluable learning experience that will help you understand the dynamics of the industry better.

Disadvantages of doing an internship in private companies:

1. Longer working hours: Private companies usually have longer working hours, and as an intern, you may be expected to work for extended periods. This can be challenging for students who are used to a structured academic schedule.
2. Competitive work environment: Private companies are usually highly competitive, and as an intern, you may be expected to perform at a high level. This can be stressful for some students, especially if they are not used to working in a high-pressure environment.

Benefits of doing an internship in government tourism departments:

1. Exposure to policy and governance: Government tourism departments are responsible for formulating and implementing policies that regulate the tourism industry. As an intern, you will get the chance to learn about the policy framework and governance structure of the industry, which can be valuable knowledge for your future career.
2. Community outreach: Government tourism departments are responsible for promoting tourism in the country and ensuring that it benefits the local community. As an intern, you will get the chance to participate in community outreach programs and understand the importance of sustainable tourism.
3. Job security: Government jobs are considered to be relatively stable and secure, and as an intern, you may have a better chance of being absorbed into the department after your internship.

Disadvantages of doing an internship in government tourism departments:

1. Bureaucratic work environment: Government departments are often seen as bureaucratic and slow-moving, which can be frustrating for students who are used to a fast-paced academic environment.
2. Limited exposure to business practices: Government departments are focused on policy and governance and may not provide as much exposure to business practices and commercial operations as private companies.

It is important to note that both private companies and government tourism departments offer unique benefits and disadvantages, and the decision to choose one over the other should be based on your individual interests and career goals.

Choosing the right company for both your internship and on-the-job training is crucial to building a successful career in the tourism industry after your MBA. The six-month on-the-job training is an extended period that allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and develop the necessary skills to succeed in your career.

During your on-the-job training, you will be expected to perform tasks and responsibilities that are relevant to your future career aspirations. This is why it is important to select a company that aligns with your career goals and provides you with the necessary opportunities to learn and grow.

Moreover, your internship and on-the-job training provide you with the opportunity to build your network in the industry. Networking is essential in the tourism industry, as it is a people-driven business. Building relationships with industry professionals can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, provide you with access to job opportunities, and even help you start your own business in the future.

Choosing the right company for your internship and on-the-job training can also help you gain valuable experience in a specific niche area. Specializing in a particular area of the industry can be beneficial for your career, as it can make you stand out from other candidates and provide you with a competitive edge. Therefore, it is important to choose a company that specializes in your area of interest and provides you with the necessary training and exposure to gain expertise in that area.

Top Multi-National Companies in Indian Tourism Sector

Here are the names of the few top MNC tour operators in India that MBA students in tourism may consider for their summer internships:

1. TUI Group
2. Thomas Cook Group
3. Cox & Kings Ltd (check it's current status in India)
4. Kuoni Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd.
5. Abercrombie & Kent India Pvt. Ltd.
6. Intrepid Travel Pvt. Ltd.
7. Tour My India Pvt. Ltd.
8. MakeMyTrip Pvt. Ltd.
9. SOTC Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
10. Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd. and many more ..

These MNC tour operators offer a range of services, including international and domestic holiday packages, adventure tours, group tours, corporate travel, and more. It's worth noting that there are many other tour operators in India that offer internship opportunities to MBA students in tourism. It is crucial for students to do their research and shortlist the companies that align with their career goals and specialize in their areas of interest.

My Experience:

During my MBA summer internship, I worked with Le Passage to India Tours & Travel Pvt. Ltd. (LPTI) in New Delhi in 2008 (https://lepassagetoindia.com/). I was fortunate enough to work in LUXE, LPTI's luxury inbound travel division, where I learned about product designing and marketing for the inbound luxury tourism market. This experience gave me valuable insights into the workings of the Indian tourism industry and helped me develop a range of practical skills that I was able to apply throughout my career. I have included my summer internship certificate below to help guide and motivate other students who are interested in pursuing a similar career path.

In case readers have any questions or concerns about internships in the Indian tourism industry for MBA students, they can either post their queries in the comment section of the blog or reach out to me directly through email at jeetdograa@gmail.com

By sharing my personal experiences and insights into the Indian tourism industry and providing valuable tips and advice, my blog is a valuable resource for MBA students who want to succeed in this exciting and dynamic field. So keep reading.

All the very best..!!