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CASE STUDY Alex Tunbridge CASE STUDY Tom Helliwell
Where are you working, opportunities available. Be prepared to start Where are you
and what is your position? in a club's community department on a casu- working, and what is
I work at Stevenage al and part time basis and work your way up. your position?
Borough Football Club as What did you study before getting your I work at the four-star
head of community and first job? Best Western Premier
supporter services I studied for GCSEs and A levels before gain- Moor Hall Hotel and
What does your day-to-day role include? ing a degree in sports management at the Spa, near Sutton Coldfield in the West
Promoting the brand of Stevenage Borough University of Southampton. Midlands. I am one of two Chefs Tournant
FC within the local community, in order to How well do you think your education at the hotel and I work as part of a bri-
increase the club's supporter base. This is prepare you for this career? gade of nine chefs.
done through visiting local schools, working A degree can really make the difference What does your day-to-day role include?
along side local businesses, liaising with local when you start a job, however, you learn so I get involved in all types of food produc-
community groups and generating a media much more when you're actually in it. There tion. At the moment, I look after the
presence. On a day to day basis I spend my are some things which no coursework or sauce section, which I really enjoy, but I
time between the stadium, training ground exam can ever prepare you for, especially in also get involved in ordering, health and
and local community venues, with every day the football industry. safety and supervising the junior chefs.
being different from the last. What advice would you have for school leav- What attracted you to the
What attracted you to the sport/leisure ers looking to get into a similar position? hospitality industry?
industry? If you're in a position to study for a degree I have always really loved cooking. From
I've always had a keen interest in sport and then defiantly pursue it, joint degrees in an early age, I used to help my mum at
in particular football. I enjoying being out- particular are good for the sports indus- home and then at school, I did a GCSE in
side and football is a fast vibrant industry try because it is so vast. If you're not in Food Technology. I also love cookbooks!
which is constantly evolving. a position to study for a degree then look I first started working in a hotel, when
What attracted you to this particular job? at getting a job in the industry and work- I was doing my A levels, on pot wash at
I'm from the local area and had been work- ing your way up. Football Clubs Community Moor Hall in fact.
ing at AFC Bournemouth. The opportunity Departments are a great route into the foot- What attracted you to this particular job?
to come back and work for the football club ball industry. I wanted to move back closer to home and
I had supported for over 15 years was too Is there anything you would do differently I have always kept in touch with my old
good an opportunity to turn down. if given the chance? colleagues at Moor Hall. The exec chef,
How easy was it to find a job? I would have probably have taken advantage Lee Romillie, is a good guy and when an
I was very lucky and stumbled into my jobs of some of the extra-curricular and education opportunity came up to work with him
at Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth. opportunities offered to me at school and again, I jumped at the chance. Lee is a
However, once you have worked at one university. While at the time first aid courses great teacher and I have learned so much
professional football club you will find it and seminars on sport seem a bit boring, here – the variety is what I love because it
easier to get into others. Saying that, at the they look great on your CV and can make a gives you so many opportunities to grow
current moment in time there are very few real difference when applying for jobs. in your job.
How easy was it to find a job?
It was easy enough for me. I think the
this problem is doing unpaid or part-time The right personality, cultural fit and a real hospitality world is fairly small and people
work to help boost your CV. passion for what we do are very important." move around a lot so if you work well, you
Daniel Selmon, HR recruitment manager can build your personal reputation easily.
BEING EMPLOYABLE for Fitness First, added: "It is the candidates' I have always found my jobs through my
Regardless of sector, the leisure industry is energy and buzz that sets them apart. contacts, who are usually ex-colleagues,
driven by customer service and communica- Enthusiasm, drive and a will to succeed, a and by word of mouth.
tion. So although a degree will provide a sense of fun and a positive attitude – it's What advice would you have for school
wider knowledge than the vocational route, these qualities that we look for when leavers looking to get into hospitality?
employers are also interested in softer skills seeking out talent." Look to get a qualification – it helps in
- such as being a team player and the ability And don't forget the importance of first your early career. Be prepared to work
to relate to others. impressions! Before you apply for a job or hard, and under pressure. Accept construc-
Julie Gallagher, HR director for Midway attend an interview, research the employer tive criticism too – cooking and hospitality
Attractions – part of Merlin Entertainment and tailor your CV accordingly. Include a list is an art and nobody has ever got every-
Group – said: "While qualifications within of your relevant achievements and career thing perfectly right, first time, so be pre-
leisure, tourism and possibly travel give an aims. Finally, dress smartly, listen carefully pared to learn. And don't let money guide
indication that a potential candidate has an and speak up at the interview to ensure that you – sometimes the places where you will
interest in the industry, we wouldn't only you'll be much closer to taking that first step learn the most might not be the best paid.
take applicants with this sort of background. on the career ladder.
© Cybertrek 2009 Read Leisure Opportunities online
www.leisureopportunities.com/digita l 21
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