Earn While You Learn: The RPH Advantage for Hospitality Students
In most college degrees, you spend three years paying fees before you earn your first rupee. In Hospitality, you can start earning before you even finish your first semester.
At Bunts Sangha’s Ramanath Payyade College of Hospitality Management Studies (RPH), the “Earn While You Learn” philosophy isn’t just a slogan; it is a lifestyle. Thanks to the college’s strategic location in Mumbai and its deep industry connections, students have unique opportunities to gain financial independence while studying.
Here is how RPH students turn their weekends into paychecks and their training into careers.
1. The “ODC” Phenomenon (Outdoor Catering)
If you join RPH, you will hear the term ODC on Day 1. It stands for Outdoor Catering.
Luxury hotels and banquet halls constantly need extra skilled manpower for large weddings and corporate events. They don’t hire random people; they hire hospitality students.
- The Opportunity: RPH students are regularly hired by 5-star properties (like JW Marriott, Sahar or Grand Hyatt, Santacruz) to work at high-profile events.
- The Pay: Students typically earn between ₹500 to ₹1500 per shift (depending on the role and hours).
- The RPH Edge: Because RPH enforces strict grooming and discipline, its students are often the “first choice” for banquet managers across Mumbai.
2. The “Buntara Bhavan” Advantage
Most colleges have to beg hotels for part-time work opportunities. RPH has a massive event venue right next door.
The college is located within the Bunts Sangha Complex, which houses Buntara Bhavan—one of Mumbai’s premier venues for elite weddings and cultural events.
- In-House Earning: RPH students frequently get priority access to work at these grand weddings.
- Zero Travel Cost: Since it is literally on campus, you don’t spend money traveling to the job. You finish class, change into your uniform, and start earning.
3. Paid Industrial Training (Internships)
The curriculum at RPH includes a mandatory 6-month Industrial Training at a top-tier hotel. Unlike many other fields where interns work for free, hospitality interns are paid.
- Stipend: Top chains like The Taj Group, Oberoi, and Marriott pay monthly stipends to interns.
- Savings: Many students use this stipend to pay for their final year fees or to buy professional-grade knife kits and equipment.
4. Financial Independence & ROI
The “Earn While You Learn” model dramatically improves the Return on Investment (ROI) of your degree. By the time an RPH student graduates, they have often earned a significant portion of their fees back.
- Self-Funding: We have seen numerous students who manage their own daily expenses and travel costs purely through weekend ODC work, taking the financial burden off their parents.
5. It’s Not Just Money; It’s a CV Booster
When you sit for a job interview at the end of your third year, what makes you stand out?
- Student A: Has a degree and good marks.
- Student B (RPH Grads): Has a degree, good marks, and documented experience of working at 50+ luxury events.
Recruiters hire Student B every time. They know this student already knows how to handle pressure, deal with guests, and stay on their feet for 8 hours.
Summary: The Earning Potential
| Opportunity | Earning Potential | Added Benefit |
| Weekend ODCs | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 / month | Networking with managers |
| Industrial Training | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 (Total Stipend) | Job Offer (PPO) possibility |
| Special Events | Varies | Learning Event Management |
What would you like to do next?
Would you like me to list the specific grooming requirements (like shaving kits, uniform standards) you need to be eligible for these ODC opportunities at RPH?
