Blog 1: For The First Time

Hello, Xiao Mei here. I’m currently taking PR393 (like you all here).

I worked as an intern in Grand Palace Hotel, Miri. Although I only work for the hotel for 20+ days, yet I learnt a lot while intern in this hotel.

Actually most of the hotel or workplaces prefer trainee or intern with three months working / internship with the firm/ organization because they need time to train and teach the intern and the intern him/herself need time to learn and get familiar with the company and the culture inside.

Because of the tight schedule, I cannot work for the hotel for three months. However, I am so blessed to get offer from the hotel and have the chance to work as an intern in this hotel with less than one month (yet fulfill the minimum 20 days requirement).

Let’s share about the first interview experience.

I was informed to have an interview in the hotel, and after class I rush to the hotel with my semi-formal outfit.

I was informing that to look for the person but I didn’t know that he is the general manager of the hotel. After he introduced himself, that is a big shock for me that I am meeting up with the GM. (A big shock to me!)

The first time I feel like I am stepping into the real world and workplace, no longer a student no longer in campus life.

Although that is an interview, for me it is like another best lesson in my life.

During the interview, the GM was not only asking about your basic information, he even asked me to define some of the business term, such as marketing, and sale and he came out with a conclusion. I would say the interview is more like first stepping stone to enter the real world. He explained to me about the company and his job scope patiently. Finally, he said he accepted me as an intern to work in this hotel.

How I feel during interview?

• Of cause, I felt nervous because that is the very first interview in my life. However, after talking to the GM, I felt release, not really stress any more. He made the conversation in a casual way and made me felt comfortable to talk with him.

What I learn in this interview?

• As a manager, they must have certain level of leadership skill in them to lead the employees. Being friendly and kind to the employees does not mean that the manager does not strict in the law and regulation. Manager can build a good environment and culture in the workplace, having a good bonding and relationship with employees, but the managers still holder his/ hers power and all the employees will respect to the manager and they do not take it as granted.

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• Every little thing that place and design in this hotel, that must be a reason behind. Even the front office employees’ uniform design. For example, in this hotel, all the female front officers are wearing red and white color uniform. According to the GM, he said that as AirAsia is popular and famous, so the hotel decided to let the front officers wear similar to AirAsia flight attendances’ uniform as it will make the customer to remember about the hotel and feel familiar. Therefore, when people think about AirAsia, they will also remember that is a hotel in Miri also wearing the similar uniform with AirAsia flight attendances. 

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•      You are not as awesome as what people praise to you, but at the same time, you are not as bad as who do you think you are. So, be confident always.

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•       Sincerity and your personal character are important as well.  

In conclusion, that’s an unforgettable interview in my life. 

First day internship - my name tag  

Hoh Xiao Mei 

15109206 / 7e0a7613