This particular work-based learning experience happened by chance more than anything!
The 3-day Retro Romp event run by the Burlesque company "Kinky & Quirky" had just started in Club Rainbow, Torquay. I had heard about it and was very interested in going to see the stalls, so I dressed in my suit and bright red waistcoat and took Claire (a First Year who has worked for K&Q before) down at 11am to start her days stewarding.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Sarah Bell who runs the company with her husband. She cheerfully explained the layout of the stalls and the structure of the day. Claire went and took her place behind the counter ready to take the £1 entrance fee.
Sarah gave a cheery smile and said "So you are both OK to work today?"
I looked over at Claire. I have never been one to pass up on an impromptu work placement. Either that or I was too polite to say no. So as I had nothing on that day, I took off my jacket and got to work!
On reflection, it was both an enjoyable and an informative work placement. Although I had no chance beforehand to agree on and Aims & Objectives, I have an idea of what I wanted to achieve based on my first impressions of the day and for my peers who have had similar stewarding experience.
Aim:
To fulfil my role as a Steward and Front of House for the "Kinky & Quirky" Retro Romp event
Objectives:
-To familiarize myself with the layout of the venue (to include Fire Exits, Toilets, Smoking Areas, First Aid etc.)
-To introduce myself to the other staff and owners
-To clarify my duties within my role
-To always be polite and helpful when dealing with customers and fellow staff
Despite this placement being sprung upon me, I still treated it as professionally and as seriously as I have done for all my other placements. My first objective required me to explore the layout of the event, which was spread over 2 floors. When I arrived, the event was just starting and was as such pretty quiet. I took the opportunity to survey the area, making a note of the major stalls, the location of the exits, toilets and refreshment areas. I also took posters and menus from the relevant places to display by the entrance to show potential visitors. This reconnaissance trip made me more confident in dealing with the queries of the customers, which in turn allowed me to come across as more professional.
The event owners Mark and Sarah were busy dashing around all day. I offered my services to them whenever they passed, insisting that they ask my help whenever it was required. I feel that it is always important to give a good impression of yourself to your employers. Although there was little time for small-talk, I feel I achieved my objective by making myself known and making myself available for service.
As part of my introductions, I took the opportunity to clarify my duties. I was told that it mostly involved taking money at the entrance desk and explaining to visitors what the event was about. I was also to act as an information point to direct customers to the toilets or to a specific stall. By clarifying my roles, I felt I was better prepared to deal with the customers. This allowed me to focus more on my professionalism in my role. I always pride myself on my professional and diligent attitude when undertaking a role, and I feel that this showed through due to my knowledge of my role.
The final objective relies heavily on the achievement of the previous objectives. As I felt confident in knowing what my job is, I feel much happier with myself. This naturally passes on the customers, who will have hoped to receive a confident and useful service from the staff at the venue. My years of having parents who work from home has allowed me to develop my “telephone voice” when dealing with potential clients. This plays in my favour in a situation like this, showing its worth as a transferable and desirable skill. As I have said in previous evaluations, enjoying your job is crucial when dealing with the public. Laughter is, after all, highly contagious!
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