What inspired you to get into the hospitality industry?
I was inspired to get into hospitality as it is an industry which will allow for me to make a difference through providing me with the ability to utilise my creativity within the role. The opportunity to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment, where no two days are the same, greatly excites me, along with the prospect of working with and serving people of all different nationalities and backgrounds.
How has your previous work experience inspired you to get to where you are today?
I have always had a strong work ethic, having been in part time employment throughout my time in higher education. I can credit my past roles for developing my love of people and enabling me to recognise the importance of customer service and customer satisfaction, which is the primary reason I decided to pursue a career within the industry.
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How does this new job add to your career progression?
I have always worked in customer service based roles but undertaking this three year development programme with Emaar Hospitality Group will allow me to build on my previous work experience and theoretical knowledge I gained whilst at university. In terms of career progression, this role will grant me a fast tracked route in obtaining a managerial position within the hospitality industry, which has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember.
Tell us a bit about your current role and your expectations about it?
Throughout the three-year development programme I will be provided with the opportunity to shadow and learn from Emaar Hospitality Group’s CEO and senior leaders; work across the diverse aspects of hospitality; lead varied projects and also study for an executive MBA. I am confident these opportunities will enable the gaps in my experience to be filled, as well as facilitate the broadening and development of my existing industry knowledge.
What are some of the challenges you foresee, and the opportunities you see crop up from them?
Not having previously worked in the hospitality industry may present itself as a challenge. However, Emaar provides an opportunity to learn from the best and my position as a millennial and recent graduate provides a unique and fresh ‘outside in’ outlook, which will enable greater consumer perspective and perhaps a greater understanding of consumer expectations, as the market begins to shift.
What would say are a few of your most significant accomplishments so far?
My most significant accomplishment, besides winning the programme, is achieving a first class honours in my international business management degree. Through my four years of study, I embarked on a year of study abroad in Melbourne, Australia, which is a personal accomplishment of mine, having moved alone at the age of nineteen. I feel the holistic experience has greatly contributed to moulding me into the person I am today.
In what ways are planning to add to the success of your new employer?
As a millennial whom has travelled broadly, I feel I am able to provide a comprehensive insight into the expectations of young travellers, and the increasing importance of hotel brands providing an experience, rather than just a stay. These expectations, combined with the increasing digitalisation and social media usage of my generation, mean that it is paramount for hospitality companies to focus their future development around this in order to remain competitive.
Related: Emaar Hospitality Group CEO Olivier Harnisch
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