What is ‘Practical Magic’? No, I’m not talking about the 1998 film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. I’m talking about the transformative power of Practical Arts studies in a hospitality education. The Practical Arts are a keystone of the world-famous Swiss-style hospitality education model.
Hands-on Learning vs. Academic Learning
Most university programmes focus on classroom learning. Students read textbooks and study theory and concepts with their instructors. This is the classic academic approach. Academics are still an extremely important part of a hotel school education. In academic studies, students learn management principles. They study the fundamental concepts of hospitality, economics, leadership and more. In addition to academic learning, the classic Swiss-style hotel school education also devotes significant time to hands-on learning. Hospitality management students learn the practical skills used by hotel employees day in and day out.
Of course, the goal of a hospitality management degree is to become a manager. Few managers spend their time brewing coffee and making beds, but these kinds of tasks are essential to the running of any hotel or resort. Managers need to understand what’s involved in the daily running of each department. Practical arts courses offer hospitality students hands-on experience in various areas, including culinary arts, baking and pastry, mixology, housekeeping and event planning.
A Foundation for Leadership
The hospitality industry is a dynamic and exciting field that requires a wide range of skills, including excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Practical Arts studies help students develop these essential skills.
At the same time, learning the Practical Arts allows students to understand the jobs of the team members they will one day be managing. As managers recruit and support team members, fine tune processes, and innovate new products, it’s important they have a strong understanding of the hard work carried out by various teams and the ways all valued team members bring the hotel experience to life. Hands-on learning through Practical Arts courses gives aspiring leaders the foundation they need to succeed.
An Exciting Start
At AIHM, we believe the Practical Arts are so important we devote the first semester of our curriculum to them. Many students love their Practical Arts courses. Who doesn’t love jumping in and trying their hands at something? As with any other art, you get to play with tools, flex your creativity and see the results of your work in real-time.
AIHM provides students with real-world experience from the very first weeks of their degree programme. Students enjoy exposure to industry professionals and actual hotel settings. Our campus is set within the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, and the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort is only steps away. Instead of waiting until their first jobs after graduation, AIHM’s students get to put their lessons into practice in real hotels from their first days on campus.
Benefits of Practical Arts Studies
1. Develops Technical Skills
Practical Arts courses provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills that are essential in the hospitality industry. For example, culinary arts courses teach students how to prepare and present food, while mixology courses teach students how to create cocktails and other beverages. Students who have mastered these skills are more prepared to succeed as they embark on their careers.
2. Enhances Creativity
Practical Arts courses also enhance creativity, a valuable asset in the hospitality industry. Students are encouraged to experiment with flavours, colours, and textures, which helps them to develop their own unique style. This creativity can be applied to many hospitality areas, including menu design, event planning and interior design.
3. Improves Communication Skills
Hospitality is a service-oriented industry, and effective communication is essential to providing excellent customer service. Practical Arts courses require students to work in teams, which helps them develop their communication and collaboration skills. By working with others to plan and execute events or prepare meals, students learn how to communicate their ideas effectively and work together to achieve a common goal.
4. Builds Confidence
Practical Arts courses also help to build confidence in students. By mastering technical skills and developing their creativity, students gain a sense of accomplishment that boosts their self-confidence. This confidence is essential in the hospitality industry, where employees often have to deal with demanding customers and high-pressure situations.
5. Provides Hands-On Experience
Finally, Practical Arts courses provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. By working in professional kitchens, bars and event spaces, students gain a real-world understanding of the industry and the skills required to succeed. Employers highly value this practical experience, and students who have completed Practical Arts courses are often more attractive job candidates.
Making Magic
Hotel and resort experiences can often feel magical. Hoteliers work hard to design experiences that feel a world away from daily life. The skills to create such amazing experiences don’t come from thin air. They involve careful training. At AIHM, aspiring hoteliers gain real-world experience from their very first semester as Practical Arts students through to two separate semester-long internships and numerous other occasions throughout their degree programme. AIHM immerses its students in the industry, providing golden opportunities for networking with accomplished professionals and executives.
The numerous practical, hands-on opportunities given to students at AIHM supplement their education and help them gain a competitive edge in the job market. And the fun students have while mastering the Practical Arts? Well, that’s an extra bonus. Furthermore, it’s part of our educational strategy. People learn more efficiently when they’re having fun and can see the real-world impact of their lessons. From their first semester dedicated exclusively to Practical Arts to the hands-on activities embedded throughout the BBA degree programme, the future leaders studying at AIHM get to roll up their sleeves, dive right in and start creating magic.
Where the Magic Starts
Are you dreaming of career that can take you to the world’s most amazing places? Start your hospitality management journey at AIHM. Explore the BBA Degree in Global Hospitality Management.
