My first hospitality job was when I was 15 and at a boarding school in Cambridge. I got a part-time job at the Tree Tops Luxury Lodge at Rotorua. I worked in Food and Beverage, as well as some rooms work too. I loved the work, and I knew that this was the industry for me.
I was working at the Bolton Hotel and they nominated me for the International Hotel Receptionist of the Year competition. I passed all the initial rounds. The competition split New Zealand into four regions and I came runner-up in my region. The winner from my region and I then competed in the national competition which was held in Auckland, and I won.
On the world stage
I then represented New Zealand in the international competition. New Zealand was the 2010 host of the competition which saw contestants from all over the world come to Christchurch for a week to compete. That week was the most intense competition that I have ever experienced.
I won the Hotel Ambassador award for best representative of my hotel and country, and won the USA Today photo competition for a photo I took of myself during the event. My biggest achievement though was coming runner-up for the International Receptionist of the World 2010.
I want to be the general manager of a top hotel. I have already stepped through food and beverage attendant, food and beverage supervisor, front office, front office supervisor, duty manager, reservations and social media marketing and am now assistant general manager at The Museum Art Hotel.
My advice for young people wanting to get into hospitality is to get a qualification
It will give you a great foundation to start a career, and will give you something that stands you out from other job applicants. It also demonstrates that you are passionate, driven and committed to the industry.
Try to find an employer that will support your ongoing learning too.
And always have a ‘yes’ attitude. Take on opportunities. Always be early to work, and be prepared to work past your finish time when required. Being really flexible will allow you to stand out in the hospitality industry.
Find out about ServiceIQ's Hospitality qualifications here.
For more information, please contact ServiceIQ on 0800 863 693 or email intel@ServiceIQ.org.nz