'Everyday is different and brings new challenges'
1. Please give a brief overview of your career history – where you started, how you progressed, the companies you have worked for etc
I started as an apprentice waitress and I’ve been progressing through a number of supervisory and managerial jobs within the Gough Hotels Group.
1999 – The Marlborough Hotel, F/Time Waitress
2000 – The Marlborough Hotel, F/Time Receptionist
2002 (March) – The Angel Hotel, F/Time Food & Beverage Supervisor
2002 (May) – The Marlborough Hotel, Food & Beverage Manager
2003 (July) – Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Reservations Manager
2008 – VT Training, Vocational Coach
2009– The Angel Hotel & Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Sales & Marketing Manager
2. Have you always wanted to work within hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism and why? If not, how did you end up where you are now?
Yes, it was always interesting whilst I was at school. I applied and completed my 2 weeks work experience at The Marlborough Hotel in Ipswich, which I really enjoyed. Then I worked part-time at the weekends whilst still at school. When I’d completed my GCSE’s, I got a full-time position in the restaurant.
3. What sort of qualifications and training have you had and what else would you like to do?
I’ve completed an NVQ level 2 in Food & Drink Service and another in Front Office. I’ve also done an NVQ level 3 in Front of House Supervision. Furthermore, I completed Welcome to Excellence Training Days – Welcome All and Welcome Management and I’ve had a high level of in-house training whilst working for Gough Hotels.
4. What are the top 5 activities you would typically carry out on a daily basis?
It really varies, so 5 key activities could actually change on a daily basis as having a lot of practical background experience means at times I cover for colleagues.
5. What do you most enjoy about your job?
Everyday is different and brings new challenges, which means I can continuously improve on my career development. I enjoy meeting new people and working within the teams at both hotels. Not to mention the great job satisfaction I get from working in both hotels, helping to ensure our guests have a great time with us.
6. What would you say is the biggest challenge you face on a daily basis?
Now that’s a tough one…
.
7. What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
My current position – being the Sales & Marketing Manager for two of the leading hotels in Suffolk.
8. Who has been the greatest influence/role model in your career and why?
Robert Gough – Robert has always been very influential. I learnt everything I know about hotels and working in the industry from him. I’ve been able to be part of the development and growth of his business and I’m very proud to work for such a successful company. Robert is always on hand to give good advice and no question is ever too small.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Still working for Gough Hotels.
10. Do you have a favourite tale or most memorable moment from your career? If so, please tell us about it!
Difficult to choose one I’m afraid…
11. What piece of advice would you offer someone who wants to work within our industries?
You need to enjoy working with people and be able to chat with anyone and everyone. Everyday is
different and brings new challenges, which means you are always able to learn and improve yourself. There’s always an enjoyable atmosphere working in a hotel. The job satisfaction from working with people, helping meet their needs and giving them a memorable experience at the hotel, outweighs all the hard work and hours you put in. If you’re hardworking, keen to learn and love to be with people then it’s for you.
12. What would you say are the essential person characteristics for your job e.g. enthusiastic, team worker, proactive etc?
You need to be a “people person”, possess good communication skills and be ambitious, hard
working, forward thinking, confident and good at working in a team.