The Department of Employability & Career Services (DECS) at COTHM continued its six-day Job Readiness Program with Day Three focusing on Industry Reality, Employer Expectations and Work Ethics, giving students a practical perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a career in the hospitality industry.
The designated Industry Immersion Day featured Iqrar Hussain, a hospitality professional with more than 28 years of experience across leading international and local food and hospitality brands. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Barns Coffees Pakistan, Iqrar Hussain brought extensive operational and training experience to the session.
His professional career includes leadership roles as Regional Manager Operations & Training at Baskin Robbins Pakistan, Brand Manager Operations at P.F. Chang’s Pakistan, Head of Operations and Training at Gloria Jean’s Coffees Pakistan, and Manager Operations and Head of Training at Central Pizza Hut Pakistan.
During the interactive session, students explored the realities of professional life in hospitality, including working conditions, employer expectations, shift culture, commitment, punctuality and time management. The discussion provided students with insights into the difference between how a career may be perceived from outside the industry and the responsibilities that come with working within it.
A key focus of the session was career growth and employer expectations. Students learned that professional development is often built progressively through experience, consistency, workplace performance and a willingness to take on responsibilities. The session also addressed employer screening criteria and the qualities businesses look for when assessing potential employees.
The realities of hospitality work schedules were another important part of the discussion. Students explored the demands of shift-based work, including weekends and public holidays, and discussed how flexibility and commitment can influence professional success in the industry.
The “A Day in My Shoes” activity further encouraged students to think about the realities of a shift-based career. Through discussion and reflection, participants considered how professionals can manage personal commitments alongside demanding workplace schedules.
With expertise spanning food business establishment, business planning, franchising, operational excellence, QSR operations, coffee shops, desserts, business forecasting and feasibility models, Iqrar Hussain provided students with a broad industry perspective grounded in decades of professional experience.
The session ultimately helped students develop a more realistic understanding of hospitality careers before entering the job market. It emphasized that technical education is only one part of professional readiness, while commitment, flexibility, punctuality, time management and a strong work ethic are equally important.
Day Three reinforced COTHM’s commitment to connecting students with experienced industry professionals and preparing them for the realities of the workplace through practical, career-focused learning.
COTHM Job Readiness Program — Turning Industry Reality into Career Readiness.
