8 Hotel Intern or Hotel Trainee Manager Lessons

As my first Hotel Shift progressed, I learnt the following …

Punctuality is Important You’ve got to show up to work on time, no matter what. If your shift is scheduled to start at 5.30 a.m., for example, and you show up at 5:35 a.m., not only will your co-workers be angry, but there’s also a good chance you may never work again within that Hotel.

Work is Work Hotel Work is not meant to be Fun. As negative as this sounds, it’s not meant to be. Even the most successful and well-known hoteliers have long, dull days sometimes. The moment you realize that work is work; the sooner you will find fulfilment and joy in another part of your life. That’s not to say hotel work can’t be fun – at times of course it can!

Remember Patience is a Virtue Whether it’s because of annoying co-workers or annoying customers, your patience will be tested during your days of Hotel Work from time to time. It’s important to remain calm, cool and collected when you’re faced with a difficult person or situation. Take deep breaths or go for a walk if you feel like you’re under pressure.

Check, Double Check and then Check again Seeing an error in something you've created is a horrid feeling. For me, my stomach aches. But don't just check a piece of work. Don't just finish a piece of work, get someone else to check it and repeat. This is how you over deliver. You will not always have time to do this; but do not be ashamed of doing it during your early days.

Mistakes will happen I made disappointing mistakes during my first weeks of full-time work and they were all to do with my first few shifts as a Duty Manager; but, admit the mistakes, seek help when they happen and finally, always forgive yourself.

Don’t be afraid to ask Remember “If you ask - you'll learn”. What became apparent quite soon is that when I asked a question, colleagues always answered, as people in Hotels usually go out of their way to help those less experienced than themselves. It is better to ask and try your best, rather than guess and get it wrong.

Your First Job will simply not be your Dream Job Neither will your second or third for that matter. It takes patience, persistence and a real sense of self to find the career you want to spend the rest of your life doing. It has taken me 20 years to find what I really enjoy doing.

And finally,

Remember You are Lucky to have a Job This didn’t occur to me until a couple of years ago when I was made redundant for the first time. Some people don’t realize how lucky they are to have a job, have a place to go every day, and work towards something professionally. I am now happy again. No matter what you do for a living, remember you’re lucky to be doing it!

My posts are intended for hotel workers, supervisors and managers around the world, who are (or want to become) actively engaged in learning and development.

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