Anjum Gurung, FHSDHM 2016

Current Company: Vivanta By Taj, Kathmandu

Location: Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur

Position: Executive Assistant to the General Manager

About the Position: I basically keep a track of operations and daily execution of work on behalf of the General Manager. I report to the Head Office of IHCL based in Mumbai & New Delhi regarding monthly operation analysis and tracking. Furthermore, I manage all the social media handles on behalf of my Hotel including guest feedback sites like TripAdvisor & TrustYou. Concept building for various events, artwork and promotional flyers too fall under my Job Description.

Most notable success: 2019 is the third year of mine guiding interns in their final years of Diploma and Bachelors level from various colleges. Many of them are from IST. Introducing myself as an alumni and then taking them through their internship period is undoubtedly my notable success!

Career path to date: I would say my career kick started when I was promoted as an “Acting Supervisor” for Club Lounge during my internship at Intercontinental Sanya Resort, China back in 2016. After my graduation I joined Hotel Ambassador By ACE Hotels, Lazimpat as Junior Executive- Sales & Reservation in 2016 where I got promoted as Executive- Reservation & Event Management in 2017. I joined Vivanta Kathmandu in my current position in Late 2018, during the property’s pre-opening phase.

Year Ahead: With IHCL aiming to become the most iconic Hospitality brand in Asia by 2022, everyone’s year ahead at Vivanta Kathmandu will be occupied with working for the same.

Plan for Future: With preparation for Visit Nepal 2020 gearing up in full speed, international chain hotels entering the Nepalese market, tourism segment expanding and economy lifting up in general, I plan to continue my journey in Hospitality in Nepal itself.

My manager once asked me- “Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond?” To which I replied I would rather be a growing fish in a native pond.

About IST: IST has always been more than just a college for me. My mentors from when I first joined IST were the same ones who helped me ace my first interview after graduation. I still call them and get their opinion before I take any career step. IST not only focuses on curriculum but also on personality development. IST also focuses on the psychological wellbeing of each and every student, which is often neglected in countries like Nepal. Despite being one of the largest Hotel Management College in Nepal, providing the most advance and vast curriculum, IST still manages to give ample attention and tailor the teaching methodology for every individual students according to their strengths and challenges. These all are the reasons that no matter where you go, you will find an IST alumni striving for the highest standards!