Today education is one of the most important topics in our lives. So when dealing with something as intangible as education, every item on the list of ingredients is crucial to ensure that the recipe for a successful future goes according to plan.

While it’s impossible to know all the secret ingredients in the recipe for success, there are a few things we can keep in mind to stay on the right track.

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Conducting research: It is a key driving factor behind the growth of any industry, and our society in general. Colleges, universities and institutes of higher education that carry out their own primary research show that they have a team of skilled academicians working with them and ensure a fluid and up to date curriculum.

Experienced and involved faculty: Speaking of faculty, it’s important to know who’s going to be teaching what and why. One must consider their professional and academic achievements, published works and educational qualification or additional workshops and training undertaken to stay ahead of the andragogical curve.

A faculty that focuses on new teaching methods is a good indicator of a modern, future-focused institute.

Placement and internship options: Studies and theoretical knowledge is one thing – but what about the opportunity to build practical skills while you’re still in college? Look around a college’s partner page or industry affiliations to get a good sense of the type of internships they’re offering and if they’re relevant to your possible future career interests.

A great internship with a large or international company won’t just look good on your CV, it will expose you to the inner workings of your future industry and give you a great kick-start to your career once you graduate.

Engaging facilities: A college’s campus can often make or break a decision, especially since you’re spending the next three to four years of your life there. Book an open day to see if the college’s facilities are exciting, up to date and providing balance between work and play. A good campus should help evoke joy in discovery and learning.

Relevant curriculum: We’re living in a world that’s evolving faster than ever before and it’s important for our curriculums to keep up. Get a hold of the college’s prospectus and go over the module list.

Regardless of your education, the modules should still have relevance to the changes in today’s world, and be based on current research, patterns and trends.

A good indicator can be the bibliography — if the reading list hasn’t gotten any new additions in the last five years, it’s usually not a good sign.

The writer is founder and CEO, Indian School of Hospitality