Q. How was the schedule on the first day?
Students had an orientation on the first day which lasted for the full morning. This included an explanation of the company and a tour of the hotel itself. In the afternoon, they were assigned inspection duties and lobby duties. Lobby duties are so important to make sure that the guests have a smooth check-in and check-out experience.
Q. What about the second day?
On the second day, the students started the day with lobby duties, and in the afternoon, they had inspection duties and then lobby duties again. Inspection duties gave the students an opportunity to understand how far the hotel goes to ensure the room is perfect for the guests – making sure that all the room amenities are in place, that nothing is broken and checking on the smallest details. If any guests were having a special celebration such as a birthday or a proposal, the hotel staff prepared the room accordingly with message cards also left in rooms.
Q. And the third day?
The third day was similar to the second day with lobby duties in the morning and inspection duties, followed by lobby duties to finish the day. After each day ended, the students had to write their reflection diary from 17:30 to 18:00.
Q. So, what did you learn about working in the lobby?
Well, over 80% of the guests are from abroad and I was impressed by the hotel staff speaking politely and effectively in English and Korean. I realized the importance of intercultural communication when interacting with diverse guests. I also felt the attraction of working closely with other people to ensure that the guests have an enjoyable experience during their stay. We were able to see what lengths hotel staff go to for hotel guests to have a high-level stay!
Student Comments:
S.I.さん：「私は、今回初めてホテルのインターンシップに参加しましたが、実際の現場で働くスタッフの方々の姿を間近で見ることで、ホテルの仕事は、お客様に快適な時間を過ごしていただくために、多くのスタッフの方々がそれぞれの役割を果たすことで成り立っているのだと感じました。特に、ホテルのスタッフの方々が常に周囲の状況を見ながら行動し、お客様一人ひとりに丁寧に対応されている姿がとても印象に残っています。このインターンシップを通して、相手の立場に立って考え、細かな部分まで気を配ることの大切さを学ぶことができました。」
M.O.さん：「今回のインターンシップを通して、私はこれまで以上に周囲の状況をよく見て行動することの大切さを意識するようになりました。ホテルの仕事では、お客様の様子や状況を考えながら行動することが求められます。今後はこの経験を活かし、相手の立場に立って物事を考え、周囲への気配りを大切にできる人間へと成長していきたいと考えています。」
