Dr. Sonali Jadhav is the Principal at AISSMS College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology. She is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Coaching, Hospitality Industry, Team Building, and Management, she holds a Ph.D. focused in Human Resources from Savitribai Phule Pune University.

AISSMS CHMCT

What is your philosophy of leadership & its unbiased implementation?

“A transparent & adaptive style, which empowers my teammates to deliver better”

I can compartmentalize between professional ethics and the personal aspect of the faculty working with me. So while I may pull up people for not delivering as per the expectations, I am very accommodating and go out of my way to help in any way that I can. 

What can an inbound student gain from studying here in AISSMS?

“We offer content beyond the syllabus, & exposure to the Industry via internships”

Unlike other faculties, Hotel Management is a skills-based course and we teach application more than theory. In that sense, we as a faculty are different from other streams. Our students are employable and since it is a service industry, soft skills are what makes a difference. We incorporate a lot of simulation exercises for this purpose. Additionally, sending the students overseas for an Internship makes them well prepared for their future role in the global arena. 

How does your university welcome students of different backgrounds?

“Following the regulatory norms allows us to have a diverse group of students”

As per the government norms, the University follows the state reservation policy that is inclusive for caste, gender as well as defense, and handicapped students. Apart from this, there is a provision to accept students from Jammu and Kashmir as well as International Students.

Check AISSMS College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology Courses & Fees

What are your responsibilities towards the students of this college?

“Comprehensive growth that allows them to excel in this skill-based competitive age”

My biggest responsibility is to ensure that we impart quality education to the students and ensure their preparedness for placements. And while we do this, we also take responsibility for the holistic development of the students. 

What is the University’s top priority for the next 10 years?

“Skill development & focus on practical knowledge rather than just academic learning”

Quality Education, at par with the global desirable standards, is a goal that needs to be achieved. And shifting focus from rote learning to application-based education is the desired change that needs to be brought about in the next 10 years. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education?

“This mindset of relating degree education with social status needs to change”

The mindset about education in the masses has not evolved with time. Unfortunately having a degree is more of a status symbol especially in the rural part of India. So the certificate is seen as far more important than the knowledge acquired. The other challenge is rote learning is the norm rather than application-based education.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the aspiring students?

“To be an aspirational yet flexible individual to get the most out of career opportunities”

I would like to tell the students that the globe is shrinking and you need to be prepared to fit in wherever the opportunity arises. And to be able to do that, concentrating on the content rather than the certificate paper is far more important. Make the most of the resources available to you to enhance your knowledge and skills. 

Read AISSMS College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology Placement

What type of international opportunities are part of your institute's curriculum?

“Global collaborations with prominent institutes for students & faculty”

We have already collaborated with Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland for all staff and student exchange, along with joint research. I am happy that this has been executed by both Institutions. As we apply for autonomous status, I would like to collaborate with many more Universities across the globe.