What did you want to do when you were at school/college?
I want to have a chain of teashops or a hotel.
How did you first get into the industry?
When I was working as a nanny in London the family asked me to help with their party.
They employed a professional company for the even. The owner of the company liked me and offers me a job, but unfortunately I was moving to Basingstoke and I had to turn the offer down.
Where did you go to find out information about careers in the industry?
I went to the agency.
What industry relevant qualifications/awards do you have?
I have lots of experience with dealing with customer, because my parents use to have their own business where I had to use my customer’s skills.
I have a master degree in tourism.
I have won the employee of the year 2005.
Please briefly outline your career so far?
I was working for Blue Arrow as a Catering Assistant for a couple months.
I come to Visa International as a temporary staff, but after two days my manager offer me a permanent job.
First of all I was ‘ Sandwich Lady’, after that I was front of the house. After 6 months I become an Assistant Manager. I was very delight.
What do you do in a typical day? Please give an account that takes us through the day from start to end.
I start my job at 7.00 o’clock. First I need to prepare the restaurant for breakfast, every thing must look nice and spot on. After that I prepare a trolley with tea and coffee for the reception. Next I am going to the office to check if we have any hospitality. For next two hours I serve to the customers, then I clean the restaurant and I am going back to the office to print the labels and menu for the day, checking the email doing some bookwork and everything, which need to be done. From 12.00-2.00 I back to the counter to serve. 2.00 o’clock is the time to sit down, have break and talk with my colleagues. 2.30 the cash must be counted some more office work and it’s time to finish the day.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy my working environment especially my colleagues, we have lots of fun everyday.
What do you like the least about your job?
I really don’t like to prepare the hospitality trolleys because everything must be polished and it’s take long time to put everything right.
What was your most memorable day at work? Was it something funny, a disaster that you helped overcome, seeing someone famous, a challenge ……
It was Monday morning and I just come back from Poland from my grandmother funeral when Jamie my manager told me the great news that I won the award and a bottle of Champagne for the employee of the year ‘the team player 2005’. It really meant a lot to me.
What do you think is great about your sector/the hospitality industry?
I like meeting new people and interacting with them. I enjoy tasting and presenting new food.
It’s good that I can still learn something new through the courses or work.
What are your tips to young people starting out in the industry
They need to:
- Like to work with people
- Be prepared to work hard
- be Dedicated
- Be determinate
- be willing to learn
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I am trying to improve my computer and language skills.
I enjoy skiing, travelling and swimming.