Recap: First Full-Time Job with Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

When I moved to South Florida for college to study business (focusing on sports management specifically), I was excited for new experiences and challenges. Little, actually very little I knew of the education system in the United States, and what path it would have taken me to. Among the many things I have learned over the college years, I believe my experience at Lynn University taught me and especially pointed out to me my strenghts and passions. I have always had those strenghts and passions since I was younger, but college did make me aware of those, and gave me the opportunity to strengthen and improve them. For those who know me for example, one of my main passions, is the interest I have in getting to know people, and build relationships.?

Anything concerning my college experience (including internships, classes, faculty, professors, coaches and many more) directed me to work in the hospitality industry. After a successful visit to Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale planned by the Human Resources/People & Culture Team, and my hospitality professor, I expressed my interest, and once passed the interview process, I started working as a Residential Concierge in the Residences of Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale. Everything went by so quick, I was not even realizing how incredible the opportunity was…it was right before finishing my master and I landed a job with a top global luxury company!

How did my first year working full-time, and in the hospitality industry go? Four Seasons helped me acquired and developed multiple skills to become a successful hospitality professional:?

• Four Seasons Brand and Its Values: from the Golden Rule to aiming at perfection and going above and beyond for guests and residents. What I love the most about Four Seasons is that that aiming at being perfect in delivering that excellent and extremely high-quality costumer service the chain is famous for worldwide. That represents myself: when I commit to something I want to do it and complete it in the best of my abilities. I want to make it perfect. Four Seasons reinforced me that aspect.
• Skills Acquired: among all, I highlight the two skills which I consider some of the most important ones in hospitality. The costumer service as I learned how to politely and professionally talk to residents, write different types of emails, handle complaints, and connect with residents. Also, every day I had to learn how to successfully turn tough situations around and solved problems from disappointed guests to upset contractors (have plenty of fun examples) ensuring all the move-ins and move-outs were running smoothly.
• The Team & Environment: this was value-added. After all, working with a great team is one of the most important aspects in the workforce no matter the type of job. Professionally-wise our team was fantastic: we all worked well with each other complimenting us, supporting us, and cheering us up. Also, working with the operations team, engineering and public area attendants, was an incredible opportunity. They knew how to make it fun. Our team was strong, and results showed it (e.g.: we earned the award as the Best Luxury Residential Building in the City of Fort Lauderdale)
• Residents: one of the uniquest parts of working in residences is that you actually get to know quite well the residents and tenants living there. That helps elevating the residential experience, understanding their needs and wants. They are elite guests. A family environment also originates, as residents trust you in taking care of their houses, and you are their point of contact. While always maintaining that professional level, residents also shared with our team many life accomplishments, trips, experiences, and more considering the residential team part of their family.

After a little over a year in Fort Lauderdale, I made a significant change and, as planned, I went back overseas back to my home country in Italy, and started working at Four Seasons Hotel Milano as a hotel concierge, excited for new challenges that include positively impact & impress guests in a shorter time, operate in an extremely dynamic environment within an urban hotel, and of course continuing growing in my life and professional career. Looking forward to providing more updates on my experience in Milan as well!