Growing up, I always loved a holiday and staying in hotels. I knew early on this was the industry I would love a career in. I studied International Travel & Tourism Management at Ulster University to gain an educational insight into the industry, as well as a year-long international placement in Orlando, Florida which gave me incredible experiences in hospitality/tourism. This degree helped shape my professional journey to Galgorm.
I’ve had an incredible career journey with Galgorm! I started as a Food & Beverage Assistant in our Gillies restaurant. I had mentioned in my interview that I wanted to make my career with Galgorm and was keen to learn new departments and progress into management throughout my time. Management was fantastic and within 4 months gave me the opportunity to move to a Banqueting Manager role, where I took lead over Weddings, Events, and Conferences, ensuring the day ran smoothly. I then had the opportunity to move to one of our other properties and took the role of Restaurant Supervisor at The Old Inn over their busy Christmas period. I loved the fact I could explore other sites and meet new team members I wouldn’t usually see daily. The opportunity came around for ‘Staff Engagement Officer’, which is a role as part of HR. My experience had always been in Food & Beverage, so this was a whole new area for me. I had spent years ensuring the guests experience was top quality, and now I felt passionate to go into a role where I could ensure our team members are having the best experience possible while with us at Galgorm Collection.
I loved my time running Galgorm Weddings. Seeing the day run smoothly and knowing this is the ‘happiest day of my life’ memories that people cherish forever was incredible. Being now our Staff Engagement Officer, I have lots of fun getting to know all our Team Members across our 7 properties better. I recently got to do a huge Galgorm Collection induction at Roe Valley Resort for approx. 200 employees coming on board, and that was a highlight to see the exciting collaboration and renovations right from the start!
If you’re interested in hospitality, my personal advice would be to get out there and dive right in. We have people here who have degrees in many different areas, who came into hospitality part time, and realised this is the industry for them. Hospitality, including here at Galgorm Collection, has such a wide range of departments and jobs, and so there is always something for you – it might not even be an area you even thought of! I have now had 5 different job roles during my time with Galgorm Collection, and I love having the opportunities to try new things.
While studying at university, I had worked in many different hospitality brands, and once I moved to America for my placement year and gained insight and experience from a world class leader in tourism/hospitality, I knew upon my return to Northern Ireland that I had to work somewhere with similar standards and expectations that I experienced in America. It was a no brainer for me that Galgorm Collection was the only hospitality brand I wanted to pursue a career with. Galgorm Collections hotels & restaurants really stand out as world class leaders in excellence, with the facilities and services offered. I truly believe our offerings are unbeatable, and I want to work somewhere I am proud of – you can only really sell a service if you are passionate about it and believe in it. As an employer, the perks and benefits offered to team members are fantastic, and I feel that’s what really makes a difference. Can you really beat having a free spa day, and a free meal at one of our restaurants on your day off? I love that Galgorm have the ethos of ‘happy staff = happy guests’.
Innovative
Our range of rooms provide the finest contemporary accommodation with all the finer details to ensure a good nights rest.
Experience unique & inspiring stays with a collection of luxurious Cottage Suites, Log Cabins and private Residences. Choose from Shepherd’s Huts & Forest Dens offering beautiful boltholes to get away from it all.
