Ruby Johnson

Responsibilities

I was responsible for different departments depending on my shift for the day. It either was with banquets/receptions, conferences, and or room service. I would be apart of the whole event from set-up, to the actual event, to tear down, and the re-set for the next event. This would include getting tables, linens, cutlery, glassware, candles/center pieces, menus, bread and butter plates, etc. Either passing wine and or food during the event, bartending, re-stocking the food hubs/buffet, and bussing tables. For conferences, I would set up hubs around property, move/organize things, re-stock, and set-up drink stations. The hubs would either be a buffet, AM or PM snack hub. I would be in charge of making sure there is enough food and everything is ready according to the BEO. I was responsible for doing hard sets for events and setting up bars. Room service, I was in charge of taking any calls from guests. I would put in their order on the POS system and make sure the kitchen received it and then deliver their order to their room. I would do my check-out tasks with all my room service tickets at the end of the shift. There was a lot of responsibility reading a BEO for all events to make sure everything goes right along with it.

Accomplishments

One of my greatest accomplishments would be being able to read a BEO confidently and executing the event from a piece of paper. I know exactly what the contact is looking for and what kind of food to expect, the number of guests, the time, etc. I am able to go from there and set up the tables and everything else. My other accomplishment would be with the connections I have made during my internship. Whether this is with my supervisors/managers/captains/leads or just with my fellow interns and other employees I work with. I believe having good relationships with them is vital for a successful work place.

What advice would you give?

My advice for you is to be open-minded and step out of your comfort zone. Whether that is going up to different tables at the career fair that you may not be necessarily interested in or putting yourself out there in other ways you may not feel totally comfortable in. Keep your options open and who knows where you may end up or the connections you may make during a career fair. It may lead you to an amazing location, such as Colorado where I went! Networking is an amazing and vital part in our industry and with that it takes courage and going beyond what is easily in reach.