I work as the Executive Housekeeper at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. I've been here for 18 months.
My first taste of the hospitality industry was working at Hayman Island Resort in North Queensland. My first job was as a Room Attendant - and having never before worked in hospitality, it was quite an eye-opener! I spent eight months working in rooms and then transferred to the role of house person which was a really nice change.
Six months later, I became a Boat Hostess on Hayman Island. After a year back in Melbourne, I found myself returning to Hayman working as a Housekeeping Supervisor. I then returned to Melbourne again to go to university. But after a year I got itchy feet and this time travelled to Broome.
I started working at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa as Housekeeping Supervisor. I was responsible for maintaining rooms to the highest of standards and having them ready-on time for the incoming guests. Soon after arriving, I was promoted to Assistant Executive Housekeeper. During my time in this position, I was given a taste of what it's like to manage one of the largest departments at the resort. It was a fairly daunting task because I was still getting lost every time I walked around the resort!
I was really lucky - and I had a wonderful teacher who shared all her years of knowledge with me. Her departure opened the door to a great opportunity for me to be promoted to the role of Executive Housekeeper where I am currently today. In my new position, I’ve learnt about the importance of working within a budget, rostering a department of over 70 staff, looking after incoming VIP guests, time management, training new staff and performance management. It wasn't just the rooms that were my responsibility - but also the laundry, public areas and the valet department.
It's a great position which comes with many obstacles and challenges; and I love every minute of it. It's a job that is so rewarding when you can see 70 people working together to achieve the same goal.
The Resort has been great. They have provided me with extensive training programs and guidance during my time here. I've completed first aid training, firewarden training, cyclone training and supervisor/manager training. I am constantly surrounded by people who have years of experience in the hospitality industry and they are all only too happy to offer advice and constructive criticism whenever it is needed. It's because of this nurturing environment that I've been able to achieve success in my current and former positions.
I can honestly say with the experience that I have gained here, I can easily travel overseas and work in hotels and resorts anywhere in the world.