Receptionist (Guest Services Intern) Review

There were many ups and downs. Working on front desk in a reception in one of the most popular cities in the world, you encounter many different people that can be hard to deal with or people that are very kind and pleasant. It can also be very upbeat which is better than not having enough work to do. I enjoyed my placement and learnt a lot.

I worked with others from all over the world who all made me feel welcomed and reassured me if I needed anything or any help that they are at my disposition. If there was ever an angry customer or system problem they would assist and help find a solution to the problem.

There wasn't much training at the start just for the main receptionist tasks. It was like learn as you go as there are many different types of problems that can arise that you can't learn how to deal with right away and there are many functions on the computer system too. But if there was ever any problem they would immediately come to help and train me in any spare time

Sometimes there was not much to do only simple tasks which didn't give space to learn or grown. Many repetitive tasks that just became an everyday thing. But not every day was the same. Some days it was very busy, the hostel was full or there were many groups or problems to attend to. Sometimes it was overstaffed with not enough work to share. Sometimes it was understaffed and always busy.

I was given quite a bit of responsibility. Sometimes I'd be on the reception by myself handling tasks by myself using my own initiative. I wasn't always supervised so closely which caused me to rely more on my own judgement in certain situations.

I now have an insight into working in the tourism industry and if I want to work in accommodation in the future. Also, the skills required for certain positions. I developed many skills that I wouldn't have if I didn't undertake an extensive placement and skills I can now use in future employment. Also a strict work timetable will help me in my final year of studying to organise and balance my time well.

There was a lot of stress at times because of internal problems with the company that had nothing to do with my department but affected it. On the other hand, my co-workers made sure to keep spirits high and be professional at all times.

There was an overview of the work that trainees would be doing. However, I done more than required to my contract which did help me grow in the workplace as if the wasn't the case, the placement would be dull mundane and there would be no area for growth. The timetable always changed however it was always a 40 hour week. The amount of work to be done would often depend on how many people were working that day. I also was able to shadow some supervisors but unfortunately I was not able to move around departments.

The company always reassured me that I could come to do with and question or query. There was an extensive team of receptionists to help with any of my needs

A supervisor has told me if in the future I would like to come back to work there then they would create an opening for me. However it is a job I have already worked, there's not much more space for growth and some internal struggles of the company that I have witnessed, I would prefer to work somewhere else to use the skills that I have developed and a different company or area of tourism in order to grow more in personal development.

Indeed there was. At one time there would be between 2-5 other interns that I shared a flat with. The colleagues would all interact with each other in and outside of work. The interns would all exchange tips for work with each other - especially the ones that had been working there longer with the newer interns. We were also an international group so we would show interest in each others cultures and languages.

Not sure the exact costs as the payment was unpaid in return for two meals a day at work even on days when not working and free accommodation in the flat for interns. The flat was 5 bedroom in quite a central area of Barcelona but food and other expenses were not too expensive in the locality.

There were a lot of nightclubs and bars and it isn't hard to get to another part of the city for a more popular bar or club. Also there was a lot of nightlife on the streets. People relaxing in the local squares with some beers and music playing. There were many free festivals, traditional festivals and city celebrations.

Barcelona seems like an endless city with many opportunities and activities. Things like language exchanges, sport meet ups and open areas. It is a city where people don't like to stay inside so there are a lot of public events and popular places. Because I was working as a receptionist there were many events we'd advertise, companies that work with us having inside events and customers letting us know of anything that was going on.