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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

Philip Lambert , Hotel Front Office Supervisor

At the age of fifteen, I first entered the world of hospitality through a summer job at Kelly’s Resort Hotel and Spa in Rosslare. Over the following summers, weekends and throughout Secondary School I worked in various roles within the food and beverage departments in Kelly’s. The experience I gained in food and beverage allowed me to continue my journey in hospitality as a Sommelier in the Beaches Restaurant in Kelly’s. Upon finishing my Leaving Certificate, I enrolled in an Engineering course in Dublin City University. I decided to depart from this course and return to a full-time position in Kelly’s to prioritise the strong interest I had forged in hospitality. This decision led to me to Shannon College of Hotel Management where I was given the opportunity to further nourish my ever-growing interest and commitment to hospitality. In March of 2024,

I graduated with a degree in International Hotel Management and Business Studies which enabled me to progress further in the field of hospitality.

Describe a typical day?

My tasks as Front Office Supervisor are split between operational tasks and administrative tasks. Operational tasks include ensuring a great guest experience upon arrival and departure, while administrative tasks include organising guest reservations, highlighting VIP guests and the allocation of guest rooms/suites.

My main responsibilities are ensuring the team is able to perform their roles effectively, while ensuring guest satisfaction is at a maximum.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

My tasks as Front Office Supervisor are split between operational tasks and administrative tasks. Operational tasks include ensuring a great guest experience upon arrival and departure, while administrative tasks include organising guest reservations, highlighting VIP guests and the allocation of guest rooms/suites.

My main responsibilities are ensuring the team is able to perform their roles effectively, while ensuring guest satisfaction is at a maximum.

What are the main challenges?

Working in a fast-paced environment can be challenging at times, but the skills and experience I gained through college, enables me to be well equipped to handle any eventuality. I wanted to move to London as it would provide a different set of challenges from those I faced in Ireland, and this has allowed me to learn and grow personally in these areas.

What do you like most?

Being able to work in one of the best five-star hotels in the world is a part of my job I am extremely proud of. Working with such an amazing team here at The Connaught facilitates an enjoyable working environment. Being able to ensure our guests have an unforgettable experience is a part of this job that gives me immense joy.

Is there anything that isn't great?

Working in a fast-paced environment can be challenging at times, but the skills and experience I gained through college, enables me to be well equipped to handle any eventuality. I wanted to move to London as it would provide a different set of challenges from those I faced in Ireland, and this has allowed me to learn and grow personally in these areas.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

The following skills have been invaluable in my role:

Communication skills

Adaptability skills

Multitasking skills

People skills

Problem solving skills

Teamwork skills

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

I would say the practical aspects of my time at Shannon have proven most important for my job. The various placements and summer jobs I undertook as part of my education not only provided invaluable experience, but they also equipped me with a versatile set of skills to work in fast paced environments. At my time in Shannon, I fortunate to work at amazing properties such as Kelly’s Resort Hotel and Spa, The Europe Hotel and Resort, Adare Manor and my final placement here at The Connaught. These placements allowed me to gain invaluable experience which helped me rise to my current position of Front Office Supervisor in The Connaught.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

The following skills have been invaluable in my role:

Communication skills

Adaptability skills

Multitasking skills

People skills

Problem solving skills

Teamwork skills

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

My role at The Connaught Hotel allows me a great balance in terms of work and personal life. The Connaught is located in London, and living here over the past year has been an unforgettable experience. A great community exists in London that I have been cordially welcomed into. This community includes new colleagues from all around the world who I have made lifelong friends with and Shannon alumni who also reside London. The Connaught affords me a lifestyle that I am very happy with, and I am grateful to be a part of their diverse community

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

I would advise someone considering a role in hospitality to take on board every piece of advice relayed to them. Gain as many mentors as you can as they can provide invaluable experience and advice. Always to open to trying something new in personal and professional life.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

The following skills have been invaluable in my role:

Communication skills

Adaptability skills

Multitasking skills

People skills

Problem solving skills

Teamwork skills

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Any work experience within the hospitality sector would be invaluable for this position. However, any part time work which will enhance core skills such as teamwork will be beneficial in this sector.

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