Joys & Sorrows…
Being a mentor in the luxury hospitality industry can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience, not only for the mentor but also for the mentee. One of the main benefits of having a mentor in this industry is the opportunity for personal introductions and networking opportunities.
One of the greatest joys of being a mentor in the luxury hospitality industry is the ability to open doors and create opportunities for mentees. A mentor with experience and connections in the industry can introduce their mentee to key players, provide access to internships at international hotels, exclusive events and networking opportunities, and even recommend them for job openings. These introductions and networking opportunities can be invaluable in helping mentees establish themselves in the industry, and can give them a competitive edge over others.
The HoteliersGuild Intern & Mentorship Program
Special thanks go out to the owners of The Oyster Box, Durban, S.A., and the Thurnher's Alpenhof, Zürs, Austria, to the CEO of the Delaire Graff Estate, Cape Town, S.A. and of course to all HoteliersGuild members, strategic partners and supporters of the HoteliersGuildYOUNGHÔTELIÈRES Intern & Mentorship Program created in collaboration with the Munich University of Applied Sciences.
Another benefit of our very personalised HoteliersGuild Intern & Mentorship program is that it allows for a more tailored and targeted approach to learning and development. A mentor works with a mentee to identify their specific strengths and weaknesses, and then develop a customised training program that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. In weekly 60 minutes meetings it is ensured that each mentee receives the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential.
It is with great regret that we are noticing more and more often that many students leave our industry after completing their studies. Personalised mentoring can prevent this and help to improve professional development and satisfaction. When mentees feel that they are receiving the support and guidance they need to succeed, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to stay in the industry and advance in their career.
However, being a mentor in the luxury hospitality industry also comes with its own set of sorrows. One of the biggest sorrows is the fact that mentoring relationships are not always successful. Despite the mentor's best efforts, some mentees may not be receptive to feedback or may not be willing to put in the work necessary to succeed. This can be disheartening and can make it difficult to maintain motivation and enthusiasm as a mentor.
Here are some tips for students in a mentorship to ease bottleneck situations:
Communicate openly and honestly with your mentor about the setbacks you are experiencing.
Look for alternative sources of guidance and support, such as other mentors or industry experts.
Take responsibility for your own learning and development by seeking out resources and opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.
Reflect on the setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Be open to feedback and constructive criticism, and use it to make positive changes.
Create a plan to overcome the setbacks and set goals to achieve.
Don't hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed.
Another important benefit of personalized mentorship is that it provides an opportunity for individuals to receive feedback and guidance from experienced and successful professionals in the field. Luxury hospitality is a highly competitive and fast-paced industry, and it can be challenging for students or new employees to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape. A mentor can provide invaluable insights and advice, as well as serve as a sounding board for ideas and concerns.
Personalised mentorship also helps to build a culture of continuous learning and development within an organization. By providing ongoing support and guidance to employees, organisations can foster a culture of continuous improvement and growth, which is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the luxury hospitality industry. Furthermore, personalised mentorship can also help to improve employee engagement and retention. When employees feel that they are receiving the support and guidance they need to succeed, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to stay with the organization. In the luxury hospitality industry, where high-quality service and customer satisfaction are key, having engaged and motivated employees is essential.
In summary, personalised mentorship is a crucial element in the luxury hospitality industry. By investing in personalised mentorship, luxury hotels can ensure that they have the skilled and knowledgeable workforce necessary to meet the ever-changing demands of this highly competitive industry
…on the bright side, here an encouraging testimonial from one of our mentees
“ As aspiring hospitality management students, it is essential that we take advantage of the opportunities available to us. The HoteliersGuild Intern & Mentorship Program provides a unique opportunity for us to gain invaluable and highly personalised experience and knowledge in the field of hospitality management. This program allows students to work alongside experienced professionals in various departments within a hotel or resort setting, such as front desk operations, marketing & sales etc.. Through this internship program, we will be able to develop our skillset while also gaining insight into what goes on behind-the-scenes, always guided by a responsible department head —allowing us an unparalleled understanding of how things operate from both sides of the equation. What I appreciated most of all were the weekly personal 60-minute meetings with my main mentor via Zoom because I hadn't expected this level professionality and empathy!
Moreover, by participating in this intern & mentorship program with HoteliersGuild, we are given access not only to valuable hands-on experience but also guidance from seasoned experts who have been working within the industry for years—providing invaluable advice and support throughout our journey towards becoming successful hospitality managers ourselves one day! These mentors offer their expertise on everything ranging from operational procedures all they way up through customer service techniques; giving participants an edge when it comes time for them start applying their newfound knowledge out there “in real life” once they graduate university!
Overall then, taking part in this internship/mentoring scheme with HoteliersGuild is certainly something every aspiring student should consider doing if they want to prepare themselvesfor success after graduating —and even better yet: get ahead before ever stepping foot inside a professional marketing & sales office, a F&B outlet or any other department. By utilizing resources like these offered by this expert non-profit private society like Hotelier Guild , you can bet your future self will thank you come graduation day…so don’t wait any longer – ask your professor to endorse you! “
Background: The HoteliersGuild has taken a multidisciplinary approach to luxury hospitality, that provides an impressive array of resources and programmes to benefit industry professionals.
From the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts, to the Architects & Designers Chapter, Leading Hôtelières Chapter, Chefs Chapter and EXTRAVAGANZA CULINAIRE virtual food safari; this organization provides comprehensive support in every aspect related to hospitality. Through the SIRIUSACADEMYAWARD Campaign they have been able to recognize outstanding achievements in service excellence while their Intern & Mentorship program has enabled them to foster new talent within the industry.
These initiatives demonstrate how committed The HoteliersGuild is when it comes providing world class services for its members as well as promoting innovation and excellence within luxury hospitality sector. By offering such a wide range of opportunities through various chapters, courses and awards, The HoteliersGuild has become one stop shop for so many areas related with hospitality management including education, on culinary arts or interior design principles which are essential skills needed by modern hotelier professional today. Not only does this provide knowledge but also helps create valuable connections between individuals from different backgrounds who can learn from each other’s experiences thus creating more effective teams down line .
In conclusion, it cannot be denied that The HotelierGuild's multi-disciplinary approach towards luxury hospitality is truly innovative and beneficial for those involved in any way with the idustry whether it be professionals or students alike. This private non-profit society offers a wealth of opportunities which can help individuals realise their goals while also helping them achieve excellence in service quality by recognising outstanding contributions and supporting new talent through mentorship programs and internships as well as courses related to hospitality management and culinary arts among other things.