Summer work got me on the management ladder
THAT seasonal job can become a fruitful career and Deano Farshbaf is proof of that, having turned his summer job as a hotel receptionist into a career in management.
Deano, 29, says: ‘After I had gained my hospitality and sports degree, I worked as a football coach, but realised I wanted a career with options to progress.
‘I found a temporary summer job as a night-time receptionist at Stafford Travelodge because I thought it would provide me with good experience towards building a career in hospitality.’
He worked hard and his efforts paid off when he was soon offered a permanent contract.
‘I threw myself into the job from the start and also took on additional responsibilities. My manager and district manager became my mentors,’ says Deano.
He was eventually put forward for the internal management development programme and within a year was managing a small hotel. He now manages West Bromwich’s Travelodge, a new hotel, which he opened.
Deano says: ‘Every day at work is different and challenging. I love working with people and I get a real buzz helping everyone on my team climb the career ladder.
‘My summer job with Travelodge opened the door to training, qualifications, career progression and a portfolio of skills.’
Craig Bonnar, chief operating officer of Travelodge, who is looking for 1,000 staff, including 300 for summer positions which might suit students, says: ‘Our summer jobs include roles for receptionists, bar/ cafe team members and guest room cleaners, and are designed to work around people’s other commitments, such as childcare and university programmes.’
‘Our in-house management development programme has helped hundreds of colleagues climb the career ladder into management from entry level positions. Joining a hotel company opens the door to training, career progression and even roles in new countries.’ See travelodge.co.uk/careers. Sectors such as hospitality, leisure, events, retail and travel traditionally offer summer jobs and an enthusiastic attitude and willingness to go the extra mile can reap rewards.
Make it clear that you are interested in permanent work. Many positions require no experience, but, for example, coaching qualifications in areas such as watersports and outdoor pursuits increase your prospects.
SITES worth checking for jobs include compassjobs.com, seasonworkers.com, summer-jobs.co.uk and merlincareers.com