COTHM’s Job Readiness Program continued with its third day focusing on Industry Reality, Employer Expectations and Work Ethics, giving students practical insight into the professional demands of careers in the hospitality sector.
The Industry Immersion Day featured Chef Subah Sadiq, Chef at Pearl Continental Hotel, as the primary industry guest speaker. The session provided students with an opportunity to understand workplace expectations directly from an experienced hospitality professional and explore the realities they are likely to encounter when entering the industry.
The discussion covered key aspects of professional life, including shift culture, commitment, punctuality, time management and workplace discipline. Students were introduced to the difference between their expectations of a hospitality career and the actual working environment within hotels and other hospitality establishments.
Particular attention was given to employer expectations and career development. Participants explored how employers assess candidates, the importance of professional conduct, and the time and commitment required to progress through different stages of a hospitality career.
The session also addressed the practical realities of working in hospitality, including shift duties, weekend schedules and public-holiday work. Through these discussions, students were encouraged to consider the flexibility and personal commitment required to build sustainable careers in the sector.
An interactive “A Day in My Shoes” activity further encouraged students to discuss how hospitality professionals manage their personal lives alongside demanding, shift-based careers. The activity helped participants reflect on work-life management and the importance of preparing themselves mentally and professionally for industry life.
The third day of the Job Readiness Program reinforced that technical knowledge alone is not enough to succeed in hospitality. Punctuality, commitment, adaptability, professionalism and a strong work ethic remain essential qualities for entering and progressing within the industry.
The Industry Immersion Day therefore gave COTHM students a more realistic understanding of hospitality careers while helping them prepare for the expectations of employers and the demands of the professional workplace.
