First: KNOW your products well!

Everyone has their first time. First time getting a job, first time going for surgery and the list goes on. Don't get it wrong, it's the not the first job I have done in my entire life but it is definitely my first job working in a hotel firm line. I have been given the chance to work in Imperial Hotel, Miri and what I can say is that I am still trying to adapt the perks of working being an employee - or I would say trainee, since I am working as part of a practical course.

When I got interviewed and entered into the company, I was told that Public Relations in Imperial Hotel was basically a combination of Sales and Advertising as well. I was given a placement under the Sales and Public Relations Department where I have learnt that the Public Relations that we've learnt in the typical university is not so much similar as the Public Relations in reality - in my context, hotel Public Relations. This department was given the job to maintain in handling with clients request in what the company have to offer. On the side note, it also generates in creating awareness of the company and promoting on what they have to offer or the upcoming event of the month.

The hotel has their own sets of rules and policies in which are required to follow. My manager also told us to 'KNOW our product well'. What if the client asks an enquiry in which we do not know how to answer? Without knowing your product well, the ability to answer the enquiry shows lack of professionalism. Basically, everyone looks to this department as they considered to be in charge. Working in this department is juggling between media releases, being in charge of sales and communicating thus handling with the clients.

From the past weeks, I have managed to grab hold on how it works around in the department. Like what I said previously, knowing the product of the company is basically the essential. Satisfying the client and answering to their expectation tests patience and communication skills. There are so much unexpected demands coming from clients of different characteristics - some may be pushy, some may be understanding - you get the picture.

However, it does not only work in communicating with the client outside, but it also deals with communicating internally with the other departments. In the Public Relations context, is considered to be Employee engagement. These other departments expects to be updated with documents. If documents are failed to be given and distributed, you will find yourself stumbling into dealing with the client in explaining the problem. When problem arises, being honest and telling the truth is a required ethic in the workplace.

Other than that, monitoring media clippings and preparing media releases is one of the requirements as well. The perks of using the social media is essential in providing the public with information. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram - the few popular platforms in which the hotel has used in promoting their product, events - what the public should know about updates of the hotel!

More experience to come - for now, that's all from me.

Chung Jia Chyi
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