That’s an interesting question! I love every day, mostly because they are so varied and fly by. On a given day, you will find me speaking to as many of my staff as I can, finding out – proactively – what going on in their day/week and making sure they are supported to carry out the tasks in front of them and smoothing out any problems we may be faced with. I have the responsibility of ensuring standards are constantly met across the businesses and have to work hard at driving our businesses forward, working on future improvements and changes. Not forgetting the day to day admin!
What do you think are the three most important skills to succeed in your career area?
The ability to be able to speak with anyone and be understanding of everybody’s view point.
To have a flexible attitude to deal with unplanned situations and to be able to solve problems.
To keep a cool head under pressure.
Was this something you planned to do or did you change direction at any point in the past? If so, what was that and was it easy to do?
I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career and just followed opportunities that have naturally presented themselves to me in my working life. I started as a waitress carrying plates and worked my way up through the different jobs in the hotel. I dipped out and tried different jobs, but I have always been drawn back to the exciting environment of the hospitality sector.
What do you love most about working in your career area?
There are so many elements in a hotel that translate into everyday life. They’re life skills. It’s made me the person I am. I think that’s what I love about working in hospitality, every day’s different, and every visitor is different. It really keeps you on your toes. You’re dealing with real people and real situations – anything can happen, and if often does!
Are there any negative aspects of working in your career area that people considering it should be aware of?
My job is varied and unexpected so I can’t say I enjoy it all the time, but even though it presents great challenges I can and must manage my decisions which continue to keep my interest and helps me achieve more. My job carries great responsibility and pressure and working
in hospitality does involve unsociable hours and I have had to structure my life around this, but this is how I have grown up and it makes me the person who I am today.
What training / qualifications did you undertake for your current role or are you currently undertaking?
Every day is training! – it’s not a role where you process the same tasks daily. So experience in the different roles I have done over
the years has been the biggest key and having started from the bottom carrying plates and now being an co-owner of our newest businesses. I look back and think I wouldn’t be in the position I am if I hadn’t worked my way up as I have had no major professional hospitality training.
Is there any other information that would be of interest to someone thinking of this career?
Working in hospitality can be so fulfilling and fun and has loads of benefits – generally you get to work and live in an Island hotspot and take your breaks on the beach! Food in work, free parking, the opportunity to for live-in accommodation which can save you a fortune! You get to meet different people from all over and the trade gives you the skills to travel and earn money all over the world. Like lots of businesses there are great opportunities to progress your career from within…
