Karan KAPOOR, MSc in Hospitality Management Alumnus, shares his experience...

In this interview we met with Karan Kapoor, a 2018 graduate of the M.Sc. in Hospitality Management program (IMHI - earlier known as the MBA in Hospitality Management). He has recently taken on new responsibilities of an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Hotel Management - Aurangabad in India.

Tell us about yourself: who is Karan Kapoor?

Karan Kapoor: A versatile hospitality professional with a curious mind to constantly learn and evolve, along with an appetite to take risks. At heart, I am a people person, who likes to help people as I can. I am also an avid reader, a home cook and a travel lover. I am an alumnus of the IMHI (Institut de Management Hotelier International) program which is M.Sc. in Hospitality Management now.

How would you define your experience at ESSEC Business School?

K.K : if I had to conjure a term for my experience at the school then it would be ‘transformative influence’.

And then let’s not forget that one of the best part of being a student at ESSEC is being part of its vibrant student culture, so right from having its own bar known as ‘Foys’ which is run by a student club to various other activities, shows and performances organized by other student clubs makes the entire experience a very holistic one. Personally, I was deeply immersed with my academic coursework but would make it a point to celebrate Indian festivals as well as festivals from other cultures, which gave me an opportunity to taste a slice of different cuisines as well as develop an understanding of other cultures and places around the globe.

Why did you choose the IMHI program?

K.K :The IMHI program is one of the most sought-after programs by industry enthusiasts who look up to this program either to diversify from their existing career path or to leapfrog in their existing discipline. I chose the IMHI program because my goal was to move from hotel operations and begin a career in Hotel Real Estate and I knew that getting into the IMHI program would enable me to realize my goal.

What sets the program apart from the other programs is that apart from its well-designed curriculum, the IMHI candidates can take up elective courses from other programs which adds so much value and depth to the learning curve, allowing candidates to either opt for a specialist approach or an inter-disciplinarian one. Thus, allowing IMHI candidates to work on case projects with other students and creating an unparalleled learning experience for themselves.

How did the program enable you to meet your challenges for the future?

K.K : During my term, I opted for an interdisciplinary approach, which allowed me to look beyond the realm of hospitality and helped me develop an understanding of real estate markets in Europe, learn the nuances of Digital Marketing and most importantly helped me develop skills in the domain of Business Intelligence.

What were your best moment(s) in the program?

K.K : For me, what made for a much more intriguing experience were the industry leader sessions organised at school, allowing students to engage with thought leaders and discuss about industry issues. More so, the IMHI administration - on campus organizes its own industry leader sessions, allowing IMHI candidates to meet these leaders in person and develop a strong network. And off campus organizes an alumni meet every month in Paris, thereby allowing the candidates to meet fellow alumni and discuss their respective career paths.

Thus, with such a rich academic program, its vibrant student culture, and a deep-rooted alumni network, as an alumnus, I am truly grateful for being part of this institution of excellence. And simply cannot thank the school enough, its administration, my professors and my colleagues who were part of this exceptional journey and who have helped me realise my professional goals and transformed me into a much more knowledgeable and skilful professional.

Tell us about your work experience prior to the program? 

K.K :I had a humble beginning in our industry as a Voyage management trainee with Marriott International in India and later progressed into a leadership role as an assisstant manager in Food and Beverage where my responsibilities included managing and leading catering operations and subsequently restaurant operations and sales, during this time I was also in charge of the event operations and sales team. Later, I worked independently as a wedding planner and events manager in Delhi NCR before joining ESSEC Business School.

Your advice to future applicants?

K.K : A singular focus, strong determination and collaborative approach is the way forward. Consider IMHI as a platform to create your own success story. And most importantly, Do not be a frog in the well! Leave the comfort of your space (city, country or company) to grow and evolve.

Any book/author you would recommend ? 

• Start With Why by Simon Sinek

• Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

• Platform Revolution by Geoffrey Parker, Marshall Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Choudary

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