Over the years, I have gained experience in various roles both within and outside the hospitality industry. Each workplace has taught me new skills and contributed to my development as a hospitality professional and manager.

Spotta, My First Work Experience

My first work experience was as a flyer distributor at Spotta. Although this wasn’t in the hospitality industry, this job taught me a lot about responsibility, discipline, and perseverance.

At a young age, I learned what it means to keep my word and work independently. Rain or shine, the flyers had to be delivered on time. This helped me develop a strong work ethic and discover that I enjoyed staying active alongside school.

This experience laid the foundation for my future career. From that moment on, I’ve basically always kept working and looked for new challenges where I could grow.

Automatiek Speciaal Winschoten, My First Step in the Hospitality Industry

I gained my first real hospitality experience at Automatiek Speciaal in Winschoten. As soon as I was old enough to work, I immediately started a part-time job there. Although a snack bar is different from a restaurant, I laid a strong foundation here for my future career in the hospitality industry.

In a snack bar, everything revolves around speed, efficiency, and teamwork. During busy times, we had to work hard, and I learned to keep track of everything while processing orders quickly and accurately. I also got my first taste of simple kitchen tasks and interacting with guests.

There, I discovered that I thrive in a dynamic work environment and get a real boost from making guests happy. This experience ignited my passion for the hospitality industry and marked the beginning of my development within the field.

Stadscafé Roegh, Growing Alongside a New Concept

I’ve been part of the team since Stadscafé Roegh opened. This has allowed me not only to learn the day-to-day tasks but also to witness how a new hospitality concept develops and grows.

Because I’ve been involved from the start, I’ve built strong bonds with colleagues and learned a lot about teamwork, hospitality, and responsibility. During this time, I was given increasing responsibilities and continued to develop my skills in the front-of-house and eventually as a manager.

Here, I learned how important communication, trust, and teamwork are to the success of a hospitality business. I also discovered that I enjoy supporting colleagues, maintaining an overview, and taking charge during busy times.

Restaurant 't Stadshuys Winschoten, Deepening my understanding of hospitality

During my internship at Restaurant 't Stadshuys, I was able to further develop my knowledge of service and hospitality. Here, the focus was on providing a complete experience for guests, with attention to detail, professionalism, and personal service at the core.

This internship taught me to look beyond simply performing tasks. I discovered how important it is to recognize guests’ expectations and, where possible, even exceed them. I also learned a great deal here about the overall experience that comes with a restaurant visit and how small details can make a big difference.

Holiday Inn Gent Expo, International hospitality experience

During my internship at Holiday Inn Gent Expo in Belgium, I primarily worked in the front office and at the reception desk. Here, I was responsible for welcoming guests, checking them in and out, answering questions, and assisting guests during their stay.

This experience gave me a good understanding of how a large international hotel operates. In addition, I learned a great deal about communication, service delivery, and dealing with different types of guests and situations.

I also gained insight into the organizational side of hospitality and saw how managers lead teams and oversee processes to ensure a high quality of service. This internship further strengthened my interest in management and leadership and showed me how important good communication and organization are within a hotel environment.

Graansilo Eten & Drinken, Further development in hospitality

I currently work at Graansilo Eten & Drinken, where I am continuing to build on my experience in the hospitality industry. Here, I have the opportunity to further develop my knowledge of hospitality, service, and operational processes.

In addition, this experience aligns well with my interest in gastronomy, guest experience, and professional expertise. I am constantly delving deeper into topics such as wine, beer, beverage knowledge, food pairing, and the stories behind products. I am also actively expanding my knowledge through certifications such as WSET and SDEN.

Through this combination of practical experience, leadership, training, and specialized expertise, I am steadily building my future within the hospitality industry.