Introducing, Ms. Hellen Lucas, who hails from the East Sepik Province, however she is a true "kumul" as she was born and raised in the Morobe Province.
Fresh out of college, having graduated with a Certificate in Tourism & Hospitality, Hellen was employed by Lae International Hotel as a waitress in 2010. While working, she was accepted to undergo a six-month course with Asia Pacific Technical College (APTC) in Samoa and graduated with a Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery. Hellen was then rehired as a waitress and eventually moved to the Kitchen Department. She had a passion for cooking, which resulted in her attaining her dream job as an Ala Carte Chef. After a few years, she transferred to our Front Office Department, as a Front Office Attendant (Receptionist), before applying for the role of Duty Manager.
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| Hellen’s greatest achievement was becoming a Duty manager in 2017 without any Degree or Diploma. |
Hellen’s greatest achievement was becoming a Duty manager in 2017 without any Degree or Diploma. She recalls her former boss asking her “Do you really want to leave the Kitchen and go answer the phone and greet everybody who enters the door at the lobby?’’ Her response was simple. She wanted to gain experience in all departments of the Hotel.
The biggest challenge Hellen faced was taking on the role of Duty Manager, from being a receptionist. “One minute I’m answering phone calls, the next minute I’m responsible for overseeing staff and hotel operations!” she explained. “I owe my success to my Superiors, especially the LIH Executive Management team for believing and molding me to be the person I am today’’.
Hellen’s advice to the young generation, is to never give up or underestimate yourself. Believe and have faith that you can do it, no matter the situation. Eventually, you will do it! To the grade 10 and 12 drop outs, missing out on education shouldn’t end your dreams. There are more opportunities out there, so go out, explore and make it happen. You alone are the author of your book. It all starts and ends with YOU.
As an industry expert, Hellen would like to continue to provide hospitality training skills through teaching. She loves working at Lae International Hotel because she is grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have motivated her to pursue a career in the industry. Hellen looks forward to more opportunities in the future and we are extremely proud to have an all-rounder like her on our team.
Source : Lae International Hotel / Study in Papua New Guinea
#Success Story #Inspirations
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