STUDENT SpEcial
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CASE STUDY Michael Dennis
What's your job?
I am working at the
Furzefield Centre
in Potters Bar,
Hertfordshire, as a full
time leisure assistant.
What does your day to day role include?
My day to day role includes lifeguarding,
rigging and de-rigging of equipment and
maintaining cleaning standards within the
centre by carrying out regular checks.
What attracted you to the leisure?
The money attracted me as I began work
as a casual employee while still studying.
Also the opportunity to work with a dif-
ferent group of people.
What attracted you to this job?
The centre is quite close to where I live
and to where I used to go to school.
Regardless of sector, the leisure industry is driven
How easy was it to find a job? by customer service and communication
It was rather easy for me to find the job
because a family member already worked words on how to prepare yourself: "My try to learn as much as you can from your
at the centre and encouraged me to apply. advice to any youngster thinking of coming more experienced colleagues and superiors
How did you enter the industry? What into a vocationally-based training course in and you'll be fine.
did you study before getting the job? the industry is to spend time beforehand Getting a job in the first place will likely
Firstly, I completed the NPLQ course in gaining some work experience in a hotel or be the hardest thing, but our very own
order to obtain my lifeguard qualification restaurant. It doesn't have to be specific – www.leisureopportunities.co.uk – not to
and then applied for a casual job. In the just any area that gives a feel for what it's mention the back pages of this very
sixth form, I studied double business stud- like to stand in front of the customer and to magazine – advertises more than 100 new
ies and single media. have to talk to him, or to experience vacancies per week, which should help you
How well do you think your education personally the pressures in the kitchen or out. Once you see a job you like the sound
course prepare you for this career? the restaurant on a busy night. of, you'll need to put together a CV in order
I don't think my courses prepared me for "I think too many youngsters decide on a to get an interview. There is plenty of help
becoming a leisure assistant because they career in hospitality without really under- available to aid you in doing this, and your
were more computer-based and not very standing what it's like to work in a busy careers advisor at school should be able to
physically active. establishment at peak time. Any work point you in the right direction.
What advice would you have for school experience they gain before they join a After you've been invited to an interview,
leavers looking to get into leisure? course will benefit them immeasurably. It's make sure you arrive in plenty of time, make
I would advise all school leavers to keep far better that they start their formal sure you look and smell respectable, and
their options open when looking for a job training with their eyes wide open than to generally act like someone the interviewer
in the leisure industry. have them opened after they've started their would like to work with. Be yourself of
Is there anything you would do course – when it's too late." course, but be the best version of yourself.
differently if given the chance? It's also essential that you do some back-
Yes – I would have studied harder when STRAIGHT TO WORK ground research: find out as much about
I was at school. Going straight into work is obviously the the company as possible before you get
Is working the job what you expected? quickest way into the industry, and it means there, and have some pre-prepared
The job is almost what I expected, that you'll start earning straight away, while questions ready for your interviewer
although there are more cleaning duties some of your old school friends won't be If you're struggling to find a job, there are
involved than I previously thought. able to rub two pennies together as they go lots of employment agencies all over the
What are the best aspects of your job? on to university. However, with work comes country that will help you look, including
The best aspects of the job are being able responsibility. As previously mentioned, your local Job Centre. Don't be afraid to go
to use the facilities at a reduced price and work is not school. If you don't attend in. Unfortunately, opting to go for a job
working with a friendly group of people. without good reason, if you don't do what without having any prior experience is one
And the worst? you're supposed to, or if you're simply not of life's biggest Catch 22s. You can't get a
Early morning starts. very good at your job, you'll be fired. But job without experience, and you can't get
don't let that put you off. Stay focussed and experience without a job. One way around
20 Read Leisure Opportunities online www.leisureopportunities.com/digital © Cybertrek 2009
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