First hospitality job:
Front Desk Agent - Metropolitan Hotel Toronto
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Age you started working in hospitality:
21
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Your inspiration to begin working in hospitality:
Initially, I was drawn to the glamour and status of working in Hotels. But as time went on, I began to see how fulfilling it was to be able to provide people with unforgettable experiences. It's a feeling that goes beyond just the superficial perks of the job. Seeing the joy on someone's face when they have an amazing stay or meal is truly priceless. It's what inspires me to keep striving for excellence every day.
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My hospitality mentor:
I'm really lucky to have Kristy Adam as my mentor. She's the Program Coordinator in the Hospitality Management Program at Humber College. I met her when I was enrolled in the GTHA Leadership program at DoubleTree hotel, and since then, she's been a huge help to me. One of the things I appreciate most about Kristy is that she's encouraged me to think about hospitality in a broader way. Before, I was really focused on operations, but she's helped me see that there are so many other areas where I could excel. It's been really eye-opening for me, and I'm excited to explore my options. Overall, I'm grateful to have Kristy in my corner. She's a fantastic mentor, and I know that I'll continue to learn a lot from her as I move forward in my career.
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What are your favourite aspects of your job?
As an Event Manager, I absolutely love connecting with my clients and building strong relationships with them. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing their vision to life and exceeding their expectations. Whether it's organizing a corporate conference or planning a personal celebration, I'm dedicated to making sure every detail is perfect and that my clients are happy every step of the way. It's a privilege to be able to use my creativity and expertise to deliver unforgettable events that leave lasting memories for everyone involved.
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What has inspired you to continue your career path in hospitality?
I've always had a deep love for people and a burning passion for making meaningful connections. It's what drives me and makes me who I am. That's why I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. The idea of being able to create an environment where people feel comfortable, cared for, and happy is what makes me truly excited. Whether it's through providing a warm welcome, offering exceptional service, or simply making someone's day a little brighter, I know that I can make a difference. Hospitality is more than just a job to me - it's a calling. I believe that everyone deserves to feel valued and appreciated, and I am committed to making that a reality for every person I encounter. It brings me so much joy to see the impact that I can have on someone's day, and I know that this is just the beginning of my journey in this amazing industry. So if you ever need a listening ear, a friendly smile, or just a little bit of kindness in your day, come find me in the world of hospitality. I'll be there, ready to make a difference and connect with you in a meaningful way.
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Advice for students interested in a career in hospitality:
As someone who has spent years in the hospitality industry, I have some advice for any students out there who are considering a career in this field. First and foremost, you have to genuinely like people. Hospitality is all about creating positive experiences for others, so if you don't enjoy interacting with guests, this might not be the right path for you. Secondly, it's important to be true to yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not or pretend to have skills or strengths you don't actually possess. Be honest about what you're good at and what you need to work on, and always strive to improve. Finally, protect your personal brand by working hard. Your reputation is everything in the hospitality industry, and it's up to you to make sure you're always putting your best foot forward. Whether you're interacting with guests, working on a project, or just going about your day-to-day responsibilities, always give it your all and take pride in your work. So if you're passionate about people, committed to being true to yourself, and willing to work hard to build a strong personal brand, then a career in hospitality might just be the perfect fit for you.