Hotel Specialist (m/f/d)

Lena Schiemann, Trainee Hotel Specialist

What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in the hotel industry?
In this industry, I have daily contact with people and experience varied days. It’s exciting to get to know different departments and constantly meet new people.

Which topics from vocational school do you find especially interesting?
Currently, I find the topic “cutlery and crockery” particularly interesting. It’s amazing how many different types there are and which ones are used for which dishes.

What has been the quirkiest or funniest moment you’ve experienced at work so far?
I’ve had many funny moments. A highlight was our trainee trip, which I really enjoyed. Also unforgettable was the evening when we trainees took over and were allowed to invite friends and family. Both experiences brought me a lot of joy and were also very funny moments. I’m already looking forward to our next trainee party!

What does a perfect workday look like for you?
A perfect workday for me starts in service, ideally on the late shift from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. I especially enjoy spoiling guests with a 3-course menu on these evenings. I always hope for many guests, as time passes faster and it’s twice as much fun.

What advice would you give to someone entering your profession?
In our profession, it’s especially important to always be friendly, even on days when it’s hard to do so. You have to be able to overlook certain things, even though that’s not always easy.

Which tasks do you enjoy the most and which not so much?
I particularly enjoy working in service. It’s a lot of fun to serve guests during the evening shift. Less enjoyable for me is housekeeping in the public area because you start very early, and it’s physically demanding. This is a challenge that, compared to service, is not quite to my liking.

How do you handle shift work?
I cope well with shift work. Both early and late shifts have advantages and disadvantages. The downside of the early shift is getting up early, but after work you still have some time left in the day. The late shift is the opposite: you sleep longer but get home late.

What do you like to do in your free time?
To unwind, I like to go for walks, read, or tidy up. Spending time with my family is also an important balance for me and helps clear my mind.

How do you deal with stressful situations? Do you have specific strategies that help?
I don’t follow any particular strategy. Usually, I just tell myself to stay calm and relaxed, and everything will be fine.

Thank you very much for the interview, Lena!