“I surprised myself when it came to attending college. I became absorbed in my studies but food and beverage service and food costing were my favourite,”she says. “The nice part about it was that Boston College allowed me to study at my own pace. But the highlight as definitely been my internship and the field trips we did with the travel and tourism students.
Suddenly, everything came together. All the subjects I’d studied had greater meaning when I applied them to the working environment. Glenda Haupt, principal of Boston City Campus and Business College in Cape Town, says that practical experience in the workplace is an important component of the qualification. It enables students to gain valuable on-site training, the outcome of which counts towards their final marks.
According to Sibanyoni’s boss, the hotel’s assistant general manager, Marlize Stander, she has a way of winning people over with her charm and great smile on the one hand, and professionalism and work ethic on the other. Sibanyoni has worked in three different departments at the hotel since starting her internship. “Making sure that everything is in the right place at the right time is very important in the food and beverage department,” she says. I’ve learned the procedures of ordering stock, how to handle bedding and making sure that the corners of the linen are perfectly folded. I’ve even cleaned rooms a few times.
“At the moment I’m working at reception. Stander says she always looks for that special quality when she interviews candidates. “Openness, a great smile, a warm personality and a strong set of values…are all attributes that are needed in the hospitality industry, plus having the ability to communicate effectively with the guests as well as adding value to the hotel team, “she says.
The hotel usually takes on two to three interns each semester for their practical training. “Training will always be part of what we do as we believe in giving students the opportunity to prove themselves by gaining experience in hospitality,” says Stander.
Boston City Campus and Business College offers more than 80 dynamic career qualifications at its 46 branches nationwide. For more information call 0214186265 or visit www.boston.co.za.
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