Whilst it can be overwhelming to begin your first year of study in a brand new place with new faces, new spaces and a mountain of expectations to achieve, it’s good to know that there are some great things you will learn in your first year of study at IHS that you don’t need to stress about. We chatted to students completing their hospitality courses in Gauteng to find out what they learnt in their first year of study with International Hotel School – here are 10 things they said had set them up well for their next 2 years of study.

 

Integrity matters. Showing up to practical’s and lectures on time is one of the most important aspects of first-year study you will learn. Being honest, being genuine and being the one that goes the extra mile – all these things are building blocks for your hospitality career.

There’s a pecking order on campus and in your workplace. You’re not a ‘nobody’ as a first-year student, however, you’re not the kingpin and you don’t call all the shots. Respect the senior students on campus and respect your supervisors and managers at work (during practical training). You’re going to be a supervisor or manager soon – treat everyone the way you expect to be treated.

Guests and bosses don’t bite…but they do command respect. Don’t be afraid to talk to guests and if you don’t know the answer to any of their questions, apologise and tell them you will find out for them. No one is going to tear your head off if you don’t know everything.

You have many opportunities to socialize and make new friends…don’t waste those opportunities. It’s hard to get by without friends, so take advantage of the campus socials and make a few new buddies in your first year.

Ask for help. No lecturer or staff member will ever turn you away if you need help or support – just ask for it. Whether it’s about a hotel or department you are working in, assistance with academics or just someone you need advice from, ask for support, guidance and help and you will definitely get it.

Brand Ambassadors are there to help and advise you. They are there to assist with all sorts of academic and practical advice and they certainly know their stuff. If you would rather get advice or support from people your age, chat to your Brand Ambassadors. There’s no problem too big or too small they can’t help you with.

Bad behaviour doesn’t equal respect amongst your friends. Don’t show up hungover, late etc. on campus or to work. Play by the rules. First-year students are a team. Don’t let the team down.

No one can achieve great academic results except you. You have to put in the hours. Find a study group or create your own. Take notes, revise your work every week, make mind-maps…study as hard as you can – your career depends on it.

You may have to work long hours. It’s the industry you’re working in and sometimes the workload can increase during peak seasons. No one can force you to work extra hours, but when everyone mucks in and teamwork is the order of the day, things get done a lot faster. It’s just the way things are sometimes, so embrace it and join the team.

Use your first year to connect with industry contacts. Make a good impression at work and keep the door open for jobs down the line. Don’t think that because you’re only in your first year, you don’t count and people don’t notice you. That’s not true at all. In fact, if you make a great impression, you may be asked to return to the same place for 2^nd or 3^rd year practical’s, or even offered employment when you graduate. You’re just as important as a first-year student as you are when you are completing your final year.

Just because you’re in your first-year doesn’t mean you are alone, or will struggle or need to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Our academic coursework is designed to guide you well, with access to plenty of resources and lecturer assistance. Additionally, apply what you learn in the classroom to your work environment, ask for help if you don’t understand things and try to go the extra mile. When you do this, you’ll have your first year of Work Integrated Learning in the bag.

You see, your first year of study at IHS is going to be one of your best, so don’t be scared, be excited about all the possibilities, friends and knowledge you’ll gain on your journey into the hospitality industry. Give us a call on 0861 44 33 00 if you have any questions about any of our courses, or visit www.hotelschool.co.za to read more about student life at International Hotel School.