On the way up
Tariq Naseem, 28, is assistant guest relations manager at the five-star Dorchester hotel, London. It’s the flagship of the luxury Dorchester Collection, which counts the Bel-Air, Los Angeles, and Le Meurice, Paris, among its gems.
You studied law, so what drew you to hotels? After finishing law school, I got a job with Hotel du Vin in Henley-on-Thames as a bartender and was soon promoted to bar manager. I quickly realised that I was equally as interested in understanding what was happening behind the scenes as I was in being a guest.
How did you progress to your current role? I was accepted on the company’s graduate programme in food and beverage management, training at both the Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. I was then made supervisor in the Promenade restaurant. After a year, I was promoted to assistant guest relations manager and now directly manage a team of 28 people.
Feeling perky Choose your employer wisely, and all this could be yours... ● Complimentary stays within the hotel group ● Discounts on food and drink in restaurants and bars ● Free meals in the staff restaurant when on duty ● Cycle loans, travel funds, healthcare benefits and childcare voucher schemes ● Being part of team-building activities, quiz nights, charity events and so on
Give us a typical day Well, it’s varied and fast-paced. I often find myself being thrown into unusual or unexpected situations. Some of the most rewarding days are those that have lasted much longer than expected, yet I haven’t even thought about sitting down. I get the biggest kick from being able to juggle several things at once, not least being able to take care of high-profile guests and also manage the needs of an equally demanding team.
What’s your ambition? Chief executive, maybe? In less than five years, the Dorchester Collection has given me the opportunity to achieve more than I had expected. I am really excited about the prospect of taking the knowledge I have gained much further.
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