E-Journal 5

The ending period of SIP is a period of mixed feelings. One of relief, relaxation, and yet receding joy. I remember throughout the beginning of SIP, in the midst, and towards the end I have been anticipating the end of SIP, the freedom and change of lifestyle back to my school life. It seemed such a nice picture for me then. Now, I have realised that SIP has moulded and shaped me in a way I did not expect. I thought that my experience in SIP would be to go through training of how the hotel works in the industry, how tourism and hospitality work hand in hand, but I have learnt so much more then just the technical aspects.

SIP has given me an opportunity to learn other factors such as life skills, and communication skills. For example, I am usually a quiet person, otherwise known as an introvert. My experience at Gallery Hotel has allowed and developed me into someone who is willing to speak up more then I usually would. This is due to the culture of the hotel where the staff would always talk to each other, irregardless of your position or department. The top management do not throw their weight around, instead during break times and such, they would talk to you as a fellow colleague, not as a superior. Therefore, this common practice in the hotel has enabled me to talk to others more and thus I have become more willing to talk to people rather then to shy away. Of course I would still be rather quiet, but I'd say there is an improvement in my ability to speak up. =)

The last month of SIP, I was mostly posted to the reservations department, due to the major textiles convention happening in Singapore, ITMA 2005. Reservations needed the extra help that they could get, so I was allocated there since I have had quite a few weeks experience in reservations already. Over there, I have the opportunity to learn much basics about reservation bookings, hotel rates and coordination with travel agents. The many weeks that I have been at reservations has proved useful. I am amazed at the way I can handle bookings now, as compared to my training and learning days at the beginning. I usually would have questions for everything little thing, but now I have learnt and I try to do it with confidence. Now I only ask when I do not have the authority to complete my task. For example, a caller asks if there is a room for the night, I would consult my colleague first, before accepting the reservation. This information is valuable to me as I feel I will need these information for general knowledge in future.

Besides technical knowledge, I've gained confidence as well. Confidence in myself, confidence in my job. I have always had an issue with confidence in the past, but now through repetition and my job requirements I have developed a sense of confidence as I complete my tasks. Learn to rely on my own decisions and be responsible, rather then to always push responsibility to superiors.

Therefore, I would say that my SIP experience with Gallery Hotel is priceless, because each individual's experience is incomparable to another's. Everybody goes through the same SIP program, but what they learn out of it cannot be compared with another because of the different company they go to, the different people they meet, and the different environment they learn in. I have had my share of SIP, and though I'm looking forward to go back to school rather then to work, I have to say that the experience I have gone through due to SIP is so much deeper and meaningful. I have not just gained experience in the industry, I have also gained some sort of maturity.

E-Journal 4

Pardon me for such a late submission. I've been caught up with work and personal matters, but I know it is no excuse for a late submission of E-Journal.

Anyway, it has been a huge ride up and down this rollercoaster SIP! So many different experiences during work trigger so many different learning points to ponder about. I feel however, that all of these still boils down to one important factor.

Attitude. Without this, we can't get far in ANY direction we try to head for. For example during my experiences, I've made choices whether to do something or not to do. Attitude affected these choices. There was once i was on my way to have my break, and I saw someone looking puzzled standing at the business centre. I could have been a good employee with a good attitude, and gone over to assist the guest. However, I felt tired and furthermore it was my break time, so I pretended that I did not see anything and went for my break. After loads of reflection, I've realised that what I had done was not right in the sense that I don't practise what I preach. I talk so much about attitude, and mental willpower but there I was, committing the same mistake I tell people not to. Therefore, I've taken the opportunity to learn from this mistake. The next time I saw someone standing at the business centre looking puzzled, instead of heading straight for my break, I made a detour to help the guest. The guest was all smiles as it was a busy time and he couldn't catch any staff's attention at that point of time. As I made off for my break, I felt a good sense of achievement surge through me. Why? Simply because one, I have learnt from a mistake. Two, I managed to help someone seeking help. Three, this is precisely the reason why I'm here at Gallery. To learn, to serve, and to understand what the industry is about. This is my understanding of the industry, the hotel doesn't provide the service, we do. If we can't bothered to, then why are we here?

Another point to bring up would be system, or rather, standard operating procedures. These are easy to come up with, but not as easy to follow. I feel that we have abit of trouble with standard operating procedures, as things can get abit messy. What with everyone having their own style of doing things. Of course we have to respect our colleagues, but at the same time, we still have to stick to procedures which are there for a reason. So, that is another challenge we all face at work. A way to overcome that is quite easy actually. As long as we stick to the standard operating procedures, we shouldn't go too far wrong.

Discipline at work is an issue too. Sure we can have fun at work, that is the best condition to work in. As long as we all practise a little self discipline, we are all good to go.

Lastly, politics is an issue in the working world and will always be. No matter what kind of office conditions, politics is bound to lurk somewhere. We just need to know how to avoid it, or work around it, not with it.

Politics is inevitable, but whether you want to get involved with it is optional!

This are the things that I want to highlight in this journal, and more to come! I'm having mixed feelings about SIP now. Half of me can't wait for it to end, because I'm so drained everyday after work, having to smile 8hrs and more repeatedly. That is quite alot of smiles! but I am not going to complain, because you never know when someone will make your day just like how you can make someone's day with your smile. cheers!