Employability - Value of Work Experience in the field of Events, Hospitality, Sport, or Tourism Management - Assignment Example

Critically analyze employability Name Institution Date Critically Analysis of Employability Part 1: Assess the value of work experience for achieving graduate success in the field of Events, Hospitality, Sport or Tourism Management According to Beckley (2012) industry placements and internships within hospitality education play a vital role in equipping students with the appropriate work experience and skills and also in developing transferable skills like communication skills, customer relations, team work, networking, time management skills, as well problem solving skills. In addition, students are able to acquire technical knowledge in their respective fields. Moreover, placements offer learning benefits that go beyond developing skills and knowledge: for instance, studies show during placement some students had shown increase in their level of confidence. As Beckley (2012) observed, placement within hospitality industry provides student with a chance to have a rigorous, work-based exposure as well as wide range of activities within organizations and also students develop better understanding regarding on organizational functioning which provides these students with management skills. This was also evident during my placement. During my placement I was able to acquire diverse skills essential in the hospitality industry. For instance, during my placement I worked with different people and this is how I developed effective communication skills and also team work skills. This was due to enormous skills I gained while working as an intern. For instance, during my placement I worked in the front office where I dealt with so many customers. This helped me interact with diverse customers from different cultural backgrounds and diverse personalities; eventually I acquired skills that helped me collaborate with my colleagues and even mentor them on how to handle various situations and respond rapidly and appropriately when handling customers. Collaborating with my colleagues and to some extend the customers has greatly increased and expanded my knowledge and skills in teamwork (Scott & Dewhurst, 2010). Moreover, I have also gained diverse skills, and this includes managerial skills and hence I am in a position to manage and supervise different hospitality events. The hospitality industry has specific aspects that have distinctive context in which management learning takes place. These specific aspects demand a management strategy that is responsive and closely supervises delivery of products as well as service delivery. During my work experience, I was able to learn that managers within the hospitality industry face more intricate work challenges when compared to managers in manufacturing industries. Accordingly, in the past I have managed different events and encountered various challenges which I was effectively able to solve due to my passion of working in the hospitality field. In addition, I was appointed manager for managing VIP guests and also managing and ensuring that the foods and beverages served in events were of high quality. During my work as a manager in different events, I faced various managerial challenges. For instance, my position as manager also required leadership skills to manage employees in different situations. However, by facing these challenged I ended up learning and developing core leadership skills that are essential in the hospitality industry. For instance, through the management positions I have acquired effective listening skills, communication skills, teamwork skills as well as management skills. Experiences are the foundation of learning. The many experiences students go through during placements in hospitality industry promotes transformational learning, since the events present employees with opportunities to question their beliefs and assumptions, and hence reframe their understanding the situations. According to Sisson & Adams (2013) when employees face unusual events within the workplace, their learned responses help them learn and hence in future they are able to better solve the problems. Scott & Dewhurst (2010) also adds that it is crucial for professionals to learn by passing though significant learning events and also learn continually via more re-utilized events. Within the hospitality industry, social learning opportunities dominate and these opportunities have a more recurring learning pattern. Therefore, this implies through placement in the hospitality industry, students go through learning experiences that equip them with valuable knowledge in the industry. In addition, during placement students attend numerous group meetings and conferences and this is effective for their future development. For example, during the group meetings student acquire communication skills and also greatly improve on their confidence. Taking part was instrumental in boosting my confidence and also in improved my communication skills. Currently my communication skills are top notch. Communication skills and confidence are key skills within the hospitality industry (Chan & Coleman, 2004). In addition, placement teaches students to be culturally responsive and also to be more understanding and patient with people from different cultures. This was evident during my internship where I acquired a lot of knowledge on how to understand and be patient with people whose first language is not English. Basically, in the field of hospitality, it is important for employees to remain organized and always ensure that one maintains a professional standing when working with team members and also during communications with customers. More importantly, because the field of hospitality is a fast-paced environment; it is crucial for employees to multi-task efficiently, and also ensure they maintain the composure (Beckley, 2012). This ensures that events demonstrate a smooth and successful product. This therefore shows that during internship as students we were able to communicate with different clients and interact with team members which greatly improved my professionalism. Equally, while working in the hospitality industry employees handle differently tasks which equip them with multi-tasking skills; this is crucial in the industry (Tesone & Ricci, 2012). Most importantly, the most important aspect that students learn during their placement is how to ensure there is complete satisfaction of customers after their service. This is because when customers are not satisfied, they are not likely to be return customers and hence the company could lose the job and establishment (Tesone & Ricci, 2006). Therefore, placement provides students with the chance to know their customers more intimately. As evidence shows, customer interactions influences employees thought process and hence provides additional means for managerial toolbox. Accordingly, after working in different hospitality field I have gained diverse skills on customer satisfaction. In addition, I am able to inspire my team to link with customers in a manner that promotes continuous relationship and encourages customers to continue spending their money with your organization. This implies my efficacy in maintaining customers and ensuring customer loyalty. Part 2: Examining own skills and competences as presented via the CV and/or LinkedIn profile There is a job opportunity within the organization to work as a supervisor in food and beverage preparation, which is a hospitality position. Education Aamir Bader is a second year student at the University of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom, currently studying BA (Hons) degree in Hotel, Resort and Events Management. He also has a diploma in hospitality management from BIHR (Bahain Institute of Hospitality & Retail). In essence, Aamir Bader has the required educational background to work within the hospitality industry. Transferable skills Transferable skills refers to talents and abilities an individual develops with time during their involvement within various activities like jobs, volunteering, placements, sports, among other activities (Tesone & Ricci, 2012). The presented CV presents various transferable skills and they include listening skills, communication skills, motivations, cooperation, collaboration as well as interpersonal skills. Aamir Bader worked in different capacities that indicates his strong tranferable skills. Specifically, Aamir Bader worked as the event coordinator for Bahrain, Juffair where he worked in the events coordinating team for several events held by the company. Aamir Bader had the responsibility of looking after guests and supervising new staff. This position clearly indicates that he has collaboration and cooperation skills since he effectively managed to work with other employees and also the clientele. In addition, it is clear Aamir Bader demonsrtated transferable skills, during his other responsibilities and also during his volunteering. For example, he was able to interact well with the clients and his colleagues and this requires effective communication skills and teamwork skills as well. As Tesone & Ricci (2006) explains transferable skills are extremely important for job seekers because they are applicable within any work setting. Moreover, transferable skills complete the knowledge an individual gains from their education and this makes the individual a more competitive job candidate. Wang & Tsai (2014) add that hospitality industry requires transferable skills because it is a service industry and hence Aamir Bader is a strong candidate for any position within the hospitality industry. Problem solving skills According to Cheung, Law & He (2013) problem solving skills are suppossed to be on the cover letter and potential employees should show that they posses problem solving skills during intervieiws. Aamir Bader demonstates that he posseses problem solving skills. He presents an event where he was able to use his problem solving skills to find solution to the situation. For instance, whe he was appointed as an assitant manager and later promoted as a manager, it was challenging because it required leadership skills to manage the employees within tight and hectic situations. Aamir Bader managed to navigate through these different challenges by keepin his fellow employees motivated and also established great team work through proper communication. This seems to have solved the problem at hand and hence indicates his competency in problem solving. However, the CV does not indicate the steps Aamir Bader took in solving the problematic situation, which is paramount importance. Beckley (2012) states that it is important for empoyees within the hospitality industry to try relate work probelms to their roles and activities. This involves developement of creative and innovative solotuions to the presenting problems. Passion and commitment The hospitality industry requires employees to be dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction. This necessitates the employee being ready to do whatever keeps customers happy and satisfied and ensures repeat customers (Wang & Tsai, 2014). Commitment requires that an employee be comprehensive and thorough in their work and realize that going an extra mile maintains a positive image for the organization and ensures repeat business and loyal customers. From Aamir Bader’s CV, it is clear that he is extremely dedicated in his work. He has worked consitently and has also been involved in various volunteering activities. In addition, it is clear that he handles his reposibilities efficiently and with so much dedication. In addition, he has passion for his job. In the cover letter, he clearly states that he looks forward to complete placement not because it is a requirement but due to his love and interest in the hospitality industry; this clearly indicates his passion to work within hospitality industry. Another aspect that indicates his passion to work within the hospitality industry is that where he indicates that over the past six years he has been highly interested in the hospitality field and has learned a lot by exploring different sectors though his education and job opportunities which is mainly why the hospitality industry intrigues him. This is evident from his work experience where he has worked with different companies and also volunteered severally to work in the industry. Tesone & Ricci (2012) provide that passion and commitment are important aspects within the hospitality industry because it is a tough industry with long working hours and hence unless a person has a passion to work in the industry. For example, when supervising a catering event, there is a probability to work for 24 hours to ensure success of the event. The passion has to be present for one to keep going for such long hours. Interpersonal skills Any successful employee within the hospitality industry requires top notch interpersonal skills because interpersonal skills play an important role in providing spectacular customer service and also there are regular interactions with customers in the industry. Studies also show that there is direct relationship between effective communication skills and being successful within the hospitality industry (Tesone & Ricci, 2012). This is because interpersonal skills such as communication skills involves the ability to have both effective oral and writing skills; this allows an individual to make positive links and connections with customers, guests and colleagues as well. It is evident that Aamir Bader posses excellent interpersonal skills. This is evident where he states that “I have understood how important team work is and how it depends highly on good communication skills. My experience working in the front office and food and beverage sector have helped me achieve an understanding of how every customer has a different personality and how each has different needs and requirements with the help of this I was able to teach my fellow employees how to deal with different situations in quick and appropriate ways when dealing with customers”. This work experience is an adequate indication that his interpersonal skills are top notch. Teamwork According to Fjelstul (2007) successful employees within the hospitality industry collaborate and relate well with their colleagues and are always productive team members. It is important for each and every member to ensure that they value everybody’s contributions and make major contributions to the overall success of the company. Key capabilities requires encompass being in a position to work efficiently as a team member via collaborating and taking instructions from other team members. It also includes understanding one’s role within servicing the needs of the customers. Chan & Coleman (2004) further adds that it is important to support all team members in coordination of activities to attain quality service delivery of the organizational product as well as respecting diversity of other team members. Team members should also seek assistance from each other to service the culturally diverse needs of customers. Even though there is not enough evidence regarding Aamir Bader’s teamwork, it is evedient that he collaborated well with his collegues at work. For instance, there is an event where he was able to teach his fellow employees on how to handle different situations aprporiately when handling customers. It is also clear that his expreience working in the front office and food and beverage sector assisted him in being effective in dealing with customers and colleagues with different personalities. Organized According to Johanson et al (2010) to be effective in the huge number of tasks and obligations employees within the hospitality industry, it is essential to have the ability to be organized and multitask easily. Generally, the hospitality industry requires individuals to have the ability to manage multiple because careers within the hospitality industry requires individuals to effectively manage and handle multiple tasks and roles at the same time (Tesone & Ricci, 2012). For instance, a manager in a big hotel might be required to negotiate a contract, handle customer complaints, entertain new guest, and handle employee issues, among other tasks, all within a day. From the multiple tasks that Aamir Bader handled during his work experience, it is clear that he has the ability to handle the fast paced and varied work load and at the same time be able to maintain a high level of satisfaction. Flexibility Chan & Coleman (2004) explain that flexibility is an important attribute for hospitality employees because in most cases they have unusual working hours or work for longer hours when compared to the standard desk jobs. For example, hospitality employees should be willing to switch gears in case there is an unexpected situation that requires their availability and attention. The ability to adapt to various positions is an important element of hospitability. This is because versatility makes such employees indispensable to employers and also enables the versatile employees to be more resourceful and hence gain more skills (Fjelstul, 2007). Aamir Bader’s CV is a higly flexble person which is indicated by mupltiple roles and tasks he has been handling during his working experience. Therefore, he is suitable to work in a hospitality industry because the indsutry requires flexible and versatile employees (Sisson & Adams, 2013). Management and leadership skills Hospitality management necessiates skills that are pertinent to the hospitality industry and akills that are critical within any management area. Hospitality management requires teamwork, leadership, problem solving, customer service, crtical thinking as well as experience in the position (Cheung, Law & He, 2013). From the analysis, Aamir Bader posses all these skills and also he has vast experience in management positions. For instance, Grand prix formula is one event where he was originally appointed as an assistant manager and later he was promoted to manager for VIP guests and VIP area along with supervising and maintaining the quality for food and beverages throughout the event. He has also held various management roles throughout his work experience. Therefore, this shows that Aamir Bader be able to effective handle and manage the mutilple events within the hospitality industry that require manegerial skills. Aamir Bader also presents leadership skills. For example, when he was given managerail roles, he was able to apply the right leadership attributes to manage employees within tight and hectic situations. Cheung, Law & He (2013) explains that leaders are required to help employees and their team into being extremely productive and put efforts towards achieving department o organisational goals. Leaders are expected to inspire their followers and act as mentors. Aamir Bader demonstrated leadership skills where he was able to keep hos fellow employees motivated and establish excellent teamwork when he was given managerial roles. IT skills Aamir Bader possesses IT skills such as Word-Processing (word); Spreadsheets (Excel); Databases (Access); Presentation software (PowerPoint), Front office (Opera). These skills are important in the hospitality industry because the industry entails a lot of data and presentations. Conclusion Aamir Bader has the necessary educational backround, work experience, competences and skills to handle the hospitality position available within the organisation. Bibliography Beckley, M., 2012, Development opportunities in the Canadian hotel market, Journal of Retail & Leisure Property, 2(4), 332-337. Chan B & Coleman M, 2004, Skills and Competencies Needed for the Hong Kong Hotel Industry: The Perspective of the Hotel Human Resources Manager, Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism, 3(1).  Cheung C, Law R & He K, 2013, Essential Hotel Managerial Competencies for Graduate Students, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 22(4), 25-32. Fjelstul, J, 2007, Competencies and opportunities for entry level golf and club management careers: Perceptions from the industry, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 19(3), 32-38. Johanson, M, Ghiselli R, Shea J & Roberts, C, 2010, Revealing Key Competencies of Hospitality Graduates Demanded by Industry: A 25-year review, International CHRIE Conference-Refereed Track. 5. Sisson L & Adams A, 2013, Essential Hospitality Management Competencies: The Importance of Soft Skills, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 25(3), 131-145. Scott M & Dewhurst H, 2010, Management Development Skills in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector: Needs and Issues from a Regional Perspective, Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development, 7(4), 429-445. Tesone, D.V. & Ricci, P, 2006, Toward a definition of entry-level job competencies: Hospitality manager perspectives, International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration, 7(4), 65-80. Tesone D & Ricci P, 2012, Hospitality Industry Expectations of Entry-Level College Graduates: Attitude over Aptitude, European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 1(6) 6, 140 – 149 Wang Y & Tsai C, 2014, Employability of Hospitality Graduates: Student and Industry Perspectives, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 26(3), 125-135. Read More