WONG Chiew Hwa was studying to be a lawyer until she learned about the benefits in the hospitality industry.

Chiew Hwa did not hesitate to opts for the hospitality industry because of her outgoing personality

Jocelyn Siah says paper qualifications count in getting a promotion

"It never occurred to me that I would be making beds and cleaning toilets," says Wong, 23.

"I was on my way to becoming a lawyer when I was offered the chance to get a degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts at KDU College.

"I did not hesitate to switch as I knew it best suited my outgoing personality. The chance to learn valuable skills was also a big motivation."

Wong says the hospitality industry offers more than just a job; it helps develop many skills that are useful in other areas, like culinary skills.
"I was never interested in cooking until I started my course. It is a delicate art form that requires a lot of patience and creativity," says Wong who is in her final year in college.

"These days I look forward to my practical classes, because I know I am going to learn something new."

With a few months more to go before her attachment with a local hotel, Wong cannot wait to start her career, even if it means cutting onions and washing plates.

For coursemate, Michelle Ng Hui Min, 22, scrubbing toilets and making beds is all part of the job.

"Some duties are tiring and demeaning, but it builds character. If you love what you do, there is no problem," says Ng.

"Having to practice cleaning, scrubbing and dusting in the mock hotel room on campus, is a 'real shocker'.

"But it is good to start at the bottom because when I'm in a managerial position I will appreciate my staff better.

"A manager should also be able to perform any task, especially when a bus load of tourists check in."

Coming from the science stream, Ng was not sure she could cope with the management subjects of the course, but it turned out to be a breeze.

As long as there is interest and determination, she says everything else would fall into place.

Jocelyn Siah Chee Hao has had a taste of working in the hospitality industry, and she is thirsting for more.

For four years, 26-year-old Siah worked at the front desk of a renowned hotel in Kuala Lumpur until she realised the importance of a degree.

"Although experience plays a vital role in the hospitality industry, paper qualification cannot be discounted.

"After working for four years, I was still being passed up for promotions because I didn't have the paper qualifications.

"I noticed younger degree holders getting better increments than me."

While others may have thrown in the towel, Siah is determined to do whatever it takes because this job, she says, is not like any other.

"We are trained in various areas that are beneficial in all areas of life, like interpersonal skills, business and people management. I have learnt many lessons about life and people."

But what about the long hours and demanding customers?

"The job is no doubt demanding and some customers can get aggressive, but it is no different than any other job. There are pros and cons in any industry.

"But with experience and guidance we learn how to deal with irate customers and to handle each situation. It is a character building career."

Not being able to go for vacations during the festive season, she says, is a blessing in disguise.

"It gives hotel staff a chance to get cheaper off peak season deals, when everyone else is working.

"Our lunch breaks are also not like other office staff and we get to run to the bank when it is empty and pay our bills when the post office is not crowded."

With only a few months before graduation, Siah cannot wait to get back into her staff uniform.