Reflection

 

According to Race, P. (2006) 'Reflection is equally useful when our learning (or our practice) has been unsuccessful – in such cases indeed reflection can often give us insights into what may have gone wrong, and how on a

future occasion we might avoid now-known pitfalls. Most of all, however, it is increasingly recognised that reflection is an important transferable skill, and is much valued by all around us, in employment, as well as in life in general...'

 

During the third year of my university degree i took part in a year long placement, i took part in placement hoping to expand my skills and expereince wihtin the hospitality industry. I also wished that it would give me an idea which sector of hispitalioty i would like to go into after completing my degree. 

 

I choose to work for this company due to the fact it had an excellent reputation within the industry as well as it having lots of sites and options for me. Northcote is respected by many other businesses due to its impecable service and food.

 

I found this placement very significant for myself as before the placement i thought i would like to go into this line of hospitality, more so in the pubs sector as a general manager. It is very closely related to my course and i could use some of the theory i learnt in previous years such as food safety, communication, hierarchy and leadership.

 

I first began my journey at The Three Fishes this was due to the fact that i already worked here for the compnay so it made it simple to start here. It was difficult to get to work round all the pubs as some were too far to travel to for example The HIghwayman Inn whihc is located in Burrow near Kirkby Longsdale, even though i would have loved to experience working there it was simpley not possible and it would also cause controverse if i had been given others members of staffs hours when they needed them more. I was very happy with where i worked, i feel as though i got a range of work environments.

 

The part of my placement that i felt went very well was my experience at Obsession in January, this was also my favourite part of the placement. I felt a little lost at first but i gradually found my place and i feel like i worked very well with other members of staff and listened to any advicethe managers gave me. I leanr tos much about different cultures and what they thought about cooking as well as witnessing the most amazing food being served to the customers. 

 

If i had to choose i would say that my one day expereicne at northcote at the rovers was the poart of my placement that didjnt go so well. Only due ot the fact that it was so didferent from other places i have worked and i felt more lost here then anywhere lese. The staff were very helpful and the managers did guide us but i just think this type of hospitality just oisnt for me. Maybe if i did a few more shifts i would have a different impression and be able to see what it is really like as it is difficult to have a full view of this type of hospitality just form one days work.

 

I am still currently undertaking the final stages of my placement but the experience i have already had has given me an idea of what sector of hospitality i would like to go into. I feel i changed into a more mature young adult due to have responsibilities that i havent had in the past at other jobs when i was younger. I have learnt som much so far in my placement and i havent even finished it yet. Im excited to see what else i will learn in the future. 

 

I have learnt about how different cultures respect food in their own way, about different ingredients that i didnt even know exsited, the different types of service you can provide a customer with. I have also learnt that i am more capable then i realise, the managers at northcote have belived in me and given myself more confidence totake on more chasllenging situations. 

 

Working in hospitality is very useful for others element in my life. For example my communications and people skills have impropved dramatically since i sarted working in hospitality. I find oit much easier to ask a stranger directions or if its simply asking for the time. Another way in which hospitality has helped me grow is i am not afraid to lead a team and delegate. I play hockey in my spare time and by learning to work in a team i have never worked in before such as northcote it has improved my teamwork skills and listeinng skills which has helped me be a bteer team player in my hockey team.

 

If i was to do my placement again i would probab;y try and organise it a bit ealier as this maybe would have allowed the company more time to organise something with all the pubs and would have found me somewhere to stay for example the staff accomodatioin. They might have alsobeen abe to organise me some placement in Portugal with Vila Joya wich arent part of the same comany but they work together to the enhance learning of their employees at both companies. 

 

Overall the placement has been a great success, it has given me a big insight into the wrld of hospitality and has been a great learning curve for me. I have learnt more about myself and learnt so much in terms of food and service. I have really enjoyed my experience i hope to gain even more over the last few months of my remaining time at Northcote. I hope that at the end of my placement they will be happy to accpet me as a part time member of staff whilst i continue my final stages of my course at univeristy as there is still so much i could learn there at Northcote. 

 

By doing this blog i have shown myself how much i have learnt from all sites over the past 10 months to help show myself what i have learnt in the future i intend to write another blog of my jounrney and progression through the world of hospitality. I am hoping to use the links that Northcote have and hopedully go to London for weekend for some work experience and work at The Ledbury or The Square, or i would like to get a week of placement away in Portugal at Vila Joya. These are the types of restaurants/Hotels i would lilke to aim to work for in the future and i think that working  at Northcote is a great way and getting there.