Amanda Roberts: Reservations
Name: Amanda Roberts
Job: Reservations
Location: The Museum Art Hotel, Wellington
Tell us about your journey, from your start in Hospitality, to your current role.
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.
When I was 17 and thinking seriously about what I should do after finishing school, a careers advisor recommended that I train for hospitality management. He recommended the International College of Hotel Management in Adelaide. The college award one full scholarship a year to a New Zealand student, and I was fortunate enough to win that scholarship.
The school offered the Swiss Hotel Association - Advanced Diploma.It is the only school outside of Switzerland that is able to offer this particular course.
I completed the intensive first six month’s class work, and then did my first industry placement at the Radisson Treetops Resort in Port Douglas. I started as a Food and Beverage attendant and was promoted to the Food and Beverage Supervisor while I was there. The industry placement was for six months.
I then came back to Adelaide for the first 6 months of my 2nd year. I then did my second 6 month work placement in Florence, Italy. I learnt and studied Italian while working there. You have to be fluent in a second language to pass the course.
My 3rd year work placement was to Cairns. I started in the front office, and after being there four months, I was promoted to Front Office Supervisor.
Once I had completed the three years of study and work placements, I was able to move back to New Zealand and complete a degree through online study. While doing this I was working at the Bolton Hotel in Wellington.
Tell us about the International Hotel Receptionist of the Year competition that you were in.
I was working at the Bolton Hotel and they nominated me. I passed all the initial rounds. The competition splits NZ 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.
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.
Where do you see your future in the industry?
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, and now I am reservations and social media marketing.
My next step will likely to be something managerial like reservations manager or front office manager.
What are some of the standout highlights of your career so far?
Winning the scholarship was such a huge highlight. It gave me a real boost into this industry. Each promotion that I have had along the way also reinforces that I am in the right industry.
Working in Florence as an 18 year old was a dream come true too. I was able to learn as much as about myself as I did the industry. Working in this industry has created so great memories.
What are some of the big challenges faced so far?
The biggest challenge during my study was learning a 2nd language. Also studying in Australia meant that I wasn’t eligible for any student allowances or loans. I had to fund myself through the study with help from my parents.
My latest challenge is about how to pathway my career to where I want to go.
What advice would you give to young people wanting to career in to Hospitality?
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.
