Denzil Celestine Dcosta, senior lecturer and BEO Member at Milagres College is a dynamic faculty member, teaching in the Hospitality field for the last 13 years. He is a skilled Chef in food and beverage production. His interest in Hospitality Science led him to serve as a Lecturer at Milagres College. Under Mr. Dcosta’s guidance, various events have been organized by the Hospitality Science Department of Mangalore.

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What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills? 

We emphasise practical learning through our ‘Earn while you Learn’ scheme, which allows students to operate a bakery and sell their products. This initiative provides real-world business experience. Additionally, we conduct industry-oriented sessions, workshops, and webinars, where we invite experts to share their knowledge. Our curriculum includes hands-on training in fully equipped labs and participation in food festivals and team dinners, which helps students develop essential skills in a real-world context. 

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world? 

We prepare our students to cope with high competition by providing a comprehensive education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Our focus is on practical skills and ensuring that students are job-ready. We also offer career counselling and industry networking opportunities, helping students understand the market and build professional connections. Our college curriculum is constantly updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, giving our students a competitive edge.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/programs to enhance the skills of your students or expose them to real-world challenges?

We offer a variety of extracurricular activities, such as food, festivals, team dinners, and our annual fest, Avishkar. These events provide students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings, manage events, and work in teams. We also have the Navarang program where students participate in external competitions and workshops, gaining exposure to broader industry challenges and practices.

When you came to the college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same? 

My vision, when I joined Milagres was to create a department that excels in both theoretical and practical hospitality education, and to produce industry-ready professionals. To achieve this, I have focused on enhancing our practical training facilities, updating our curriculum to include the latest industry trends, and building strong industry connections. We have also introduced new programs and initiatives that emphasise hands-on learning and sustainability for students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers.

What valuable advice would you like to give to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

My advice to my students is to remain focused and be goal-oriented. It's very important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and work diligently towards it. Embrace both their theoretical knowledge and practical experience and be open to continuous learning. They should be developing strong communication and interpersonal skills because these are very crucial in the hospitality industry. They should also stay adaptable and resilient, as we can see the hospitality industry is constantly evolving.

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You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector? 

My passion for teaching and shaping future professionals keeps me connected to the education sector. I'm driven by the opportunity to impart knowledge and industry experience to students, helping them achieve their career goals. The dynamic nature of education, with its continuous evolution and the need to adapt to new trends and technologies, also keeps me engaged. In addition, the satisfaction of seeing students succeed and make meaningful contributions to the industry is immensely rewarding.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

I would like to suggest to my aspiring students that they be focused on developing a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of their field. Students should be proactive in seeking out opportunities for hands-on experience and internships. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, and continuously work on enhancing your practical skills. Also, networking is crucial, as it is important to build and maintain professional relationships. Be passionate about what you’re doing and remain consistent in your lifelong learning.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationships and environment in your institute? 

Establishing a healthy environment in the college involves clear and transparent communication. I believe in addressing issues directly, whether they are positive or negative, as building trust is key. I strive to be a mentor and friend to students by guiding them while maintaining professional boundaries. I encourage a collaborative and supportive culture among college faculty and students and also contribute to a positive atmosphere in the institution.

What do you think sets your institution apart from other colleges and universities and how do you communicate that unique value proportion to students and other Stakeholders?

Milagres College stands out due to our strong emphasis on practical learning and industry readiness. We also have state-of-the-art facilities for students, which include fully equipped labs and a modern kitchen where students can gain practical experience. We also have earn-while-you-learn schemes and various extracurricular activities that provide real-world business and management experience for students. We make sure to always communicate our unique values through active engagement with industry leaders, providing regular updates on our initiatives and showcasing success stories of our students.

How do you approach decision-making in your role and how do you balance the needs of different stakeholders when making difficult decisions? 

My approach to decision-making involves considering input from all stakeholders, which includes students, faculty and industry partners. I prioritise transparency and collaboration, which ensures that decisions are meaningful and balanced. Additionally, by balancing the needs of different stakeholders, we carefully evaluate the potential impact and find a middle ground that aligns with the institution's goals and values. Open communication and continuous feedback are very important in this process.

What new initiatives and collaborations has the University established with Industry Leaders to promote industry-specific courses?

We have established several new initiatives and collaborations with industry leaders which enhance our curriculum and provide students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. This includes partnerships with the top hotel chains and culinary institutions, from where we invite guest lectures and arrange internships and other workshops. We have also introduced industry-specific courses on topics like food, photography, molecular biology, gastronomy, and digital marketing in hospitality. This collaboration shows that our students receive an education that is relevant and up-to-date with industry standards.