Lucky Adelova

Name: Lucky Adelova

Employer: Malmaison Hotels Ltd

Area of work: Hotels

University: Leeds Metropolitan University

Subject: HND tourism management

My placement year at university was spent with my current employer at their hotel in Leeds. I was part of a team of 29 staff, covering the bustling bar and restaurant. After completing my HND, I was offered the job of brasserie and bar supervisor, which I accepted. I stayed in Leeds and was then given a fresh challenge in a similar role at a new hotel in London. From there I was promoted to my current position for the new opening in Oxford.

My job

My current role involves: recruiting, training and developing staff; planning rotas; and dealing with health and safety issues. I’m also responsible for supervising shifts, to ensure our customers have a good quality of service. I work between eight and twelve hours a day, depending on how busy the hotel is. Opening a new hotel is a mammoth task and it’s been a great way to learn about the business. As assistant brasserie manager, I spend most of my time in the brasserie itself rather than in an office.

Best and worst

I’ve always enjoyed working in the hospitality industry as you get to meet so many different kinds of people and face a variety of challenges. It can be difficult, though, if you receive a complaint from a guest.

Top tips

The most simple and important piece of advice is to enjoy yourself. Your enthusiasm will show in all that you do and this will help you to get where you want to be. This is true in any part of the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.