Efaz Uddin

• Programme: International Business Management BA (Hons)
• Role: Front of House Assistant and Wedding Co-ordinator
• Placement Organisation: Lake District Country Hotels

Whilst I was at university, I took up a professional placement for a year where I worked as a front-of-house employee and Wedding Coordinator at a renowned hotel in the Lake District.

This experience enhanced my marketability by providing me with specific sector experience and increasing my awareness of the hospitality environment. Interacting with industry professionals opened doors for potential employment and valuable connections. Additionally, it clarified my career goals and helped me identify which aspects of the hospitality sector interested me the most.

During my placement, I developed various employability skills that will help me in the job market. My role improved my interpersonal and communication skills through direct contact with guests from around the world. Coordinating weddings honed my stakeholder management skills, as I resolved unforeseen circumstances to ensure events ran smoothly. Furthermore, I improved my organisational and time management skills, effectively managing tasks and meeting deadlines.

For students searching for a placement, I recommend starting early and remaining persistent. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Don’t limit yourself to online applications – also seek references within the organisation. Finally, approach the placement with a learning mindset to maximise your experience and growth.

The most memorable accomplishment of my placement year was managing several high-profile weddings, ensuring that every detail was perfect from coordination to execution. This experience boosted my confidence and demonstrated that I can competently handle such key tasks. The appreciation from the couples and the positive feedback from my supervisors encouraged me and reinforced the importance of serving to the best of my ability.

I firmly believe that the placement year has further enhanced my skills and experiences, which will be beneficial in my working life. The insights gained from the field have given me a realistic perspective on the hospitality industry and workplace environment and the contacts I made will be very useful for securing future opportunities. Ultimately, this experience has built my confidence and preparedness to face and handle any challenges in my professional career.