Luck and timing led to five-star office

HOTEL conference sales executive Kylie Brand’s unique skills, gathered from a variety of jobs, have culminated in her most impressive role to date.

Her office is the five-star, waterfront Shangri-la hotel, The Marina Cairns.

“I got this job through luck and great timing. A friend in the industry had heard about the job. I was a little bit green, I had experience in other things but not events themselves, but my enthusiasm was strong,” Ms Brand said.

“Enthusiasm can go a long way in job searches. That and knowing people.”

Formerly a service co-ordinator at Alphacool, managing the schedules of tradies heading to and from jobs between Cairns and Port Douglas was by no means an easy task.

“You can you imagine in summer when things are broken down and trying to get everyone to each job. It was busy but very rewarding when at the end of the day everything got done,” Ms Brand said.

“Now I’m still managing but it’s a lot more glamorous coordinating amazing events.

“I had some marketing experience in other roles. I worked in London for a year and a half. I was a sales manager at a radio station. I have done a lot and it all just combined.”

Naming the Melbourne Cup and Ironman functions as her favourite, Ms Brand has also been instrumental in organising events for prime ministers and Prince Charles.

“The best part of my job is working in a five-star hotel,” she said. “And I really love building relationships with the clients, I love talking to them, and getting to know them. My advice for jobseekers is don’t wait for a job opportunity to come to the market, put yourself forward, start in other roles within the venue you’d like to work at.”