Are there colleagues whose skills particularly impress you or who serve as role models for you?
(Marco)
I wouldn’t name a specific role model. But I take things I like from different people. I’m especially impressed by those who have taught me a lot, for example Conti.
Why did you decide to pursue training in the hotel industry?
(Mariami)
I actually already did this in Georgia. I worked in a hotel there and found it really cool. When I then came to Germany, I worked as an au pair, and afterwards I didn’t have many options regarding which direction to take, especially because of the language barrier. So I decided that working in the hotel industry suits me well—also because I originally wanted to study management.
What advice do you have for students who are interested in training in the hotel industry?
(Constantin)
I think you should have a bit of service experience and, above all, be interested in people and interacting with them. And if all of that is in place, then I think you’ll enjoy it here.
What was your coolest experience during your training?
(Helena)
There were quite a few—for example, several very beautiful weddings. But what personally stayed with me most was the feedback from a regular guest: he told me that I have a certain “wit” in my work and that I should definitely keep it.
What is it actually like to work in a castle?
(Mark)
It’s very exciting. I always tell guests that I have the most beautiful workplace in the world—and they always agree with me. It’s simply on another level. Working in a regular hotel is already something special, but working in a castle adds an extra touch of magic.
What bothered you or what did you have to get used to at first, e.g. shift work or working on weekends?
(Pablo) Shift work generally takes some getting used to, no matter the industry. Working eight hours straight was also an adjustment at the beginning. I still remember that after my first proper workday, I went straight to bed and slept until the next day. I don’t find weekend work that bad, though—especially when you’re young, you can still do plenty of things. Early shifts were sometimes tough, but you get used to them.
Do you have contact with guests in your job? Is there anything that is particularly important to you when dealing with them?
(Sophie)
Yes, definitely. It’s especially important to me that we understand what we offer here and what we want to convey. That means offering guests a high level of service and really responding to their needs. That’s what sets us apart from other hotels. For me, that’s what great service is about—and it also makes the job very enjoyable, especially when you notice that guests truly appreciate it.
When you think back to your first day at Hugenpoet, what were your expectations and were they fulfilled?
(Tim)
My main expectation was to receive solid training, especially in cooperation with the school that is part of the program here. I have to say that these expectations have largely been fulfilled. There are a few small things here and there, but that’s the case in any company—especially in the hospitality industry. Overall, I’m really satisfied with the training.
