Meet Karin who has been working in the Front Office of a Clarion Hotel® since 2013. She enjoys the social aspect of her job, meeting lots of different people, and this includes both guests and colleagues from all over the world. There are so many interesting characters at the hotel!
Tell us about your role at Strawberry.
I’ve been working in the Front Office of a Clarion Hotel® since 2013.
How did you end up there? Tell us about your journey.
I did a work placement at Clarion Hotel® during my last year of high school during which I spent time in a few different departments. I also did some extra hours during my studies. After I finished school, I went travelling, and when it was time for me to come home, I saw an advertisement for a Front Office job. So, I got in touch with the Front Office Manager and said I’d like to start when I got back. I got the job and have been working there ever since!
Describe a typical day at work.
I generally work evenings, but also do morning shifts from time to time. During a morning shift, I begin by checking whether there is anything to arrange for guests arriving that day. Then I welcome guests and help them to check in and so on. I also reply to emails and take phone calls throughout the day. Another part of the role involves helping guests with any issues that come up during their stay.
What’s your best advice for someone wanting to do the same job as you?
I’d say it’s important to be happy, friendly, sociable and flexible about working hours and doing different shifts. It pays off to show willing in other words!
What’s the best thing about working at Strawberry?
It’s a large organisation and it feels like a safe choice. There are lots of paths to take - you can work at different hotels and try out various roles. It’s a great culture here too! And I think the company really takes care of its employees and have a good feedback culture.
"We hang out a lot outside of work and do fun things together. I think that’s an important factor why I'm still enjoy working here."
What do you think makes the company unique?
We have strong values. Things like “Room for all” and the work we do for Pride and the environment are all important initiatives.
What motivates you to stay at the company?
It’s really fun to work in the Front Office! Every day is different! We do so many different things - it’s a very varied role. Then I’ve also heard from former colleagues and friends in the same industry that we have something special here compared to other companies. It makes people want to stay. And compared to friends in other jobs it’s more sociable too, as we hang out a lot outside of work and do fun things together. I think that’s an important factor as well!
What’s the best thing about the hotel industry?
You get to meet and work with so many different people from all over the world - both colleagues and guests. You encounter so many wonderful characters!
What are your dreams for the future?
I’m really happy where I am right now, but I’m quite keen to work in bookings here at Strawberry. In the longer term I have a dream of joining the police - that seems fun. But we’ll see!