The Post: General Manager, The Whistledown Hotel
The Post Holder: Berni Lively,
A chat with a careers advisor opened Berni Lively’s eyes to the potential of a career in the Tourism and Hospitality industry.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
My first job in the tourism and hospitality industry was a part-time role when I was 14 in a local café/restaurant. I never really considered it as a career until I was 19 and unhappy at university. I had a conversation with a careers advisor who asked me to consider making my living in this industry.
I was finding my job fulfilling, I was really enjoying it and when I was asked this question, it was the first time I ever gave it serious consideration. I took the decision to enrol at the Southern Regional College (SRC) to study professional cooking, and food and beverage service. This was when I first started working at The Whistledown Hotel.
I knew that I had made the right career path decision. I continued to obtain more qualifications and climbed the ladder at The Whistledown Hotel until, at the age of 31, I was appointed as the hotel’s General Manager.
What was your favourite subject at school
My favourite subjects were Maths/Accounts, Technology and Science. I had wanted to become a technology teacher originally.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so, what did you study and where?
After completing my A-levels, I was studying Technology with Design at UUJ, but after my first year, I wasn’t happy with my course and decided to pursue a more fulfilling alternative. I enrolled on the NVQ L2 Professional Cookery at the SRC’s Newry campus then progressed onto The Foundation Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management at the SRC’s Newry campus. After some research, I found a top-up degree on offer in England. I graduated with a BA(Hons) in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.
How did you get into your area of work?
I started in the industry at the age of 14 with a part-time job and have stayed within the sector since then. I have gained fantastic hands-on experience in many different roles. I’ve worked behind the scenes in the kitchen, housekeeping, back office as well as front of house operations, within food and beverage, conference and banqueting and front office/reception. The hospitality sector is dynamic and rewarding, with good staff benefits as common practice. At The Whistledown Hotel, we offer competitive remuneration, flexible working patterns, parental leave (maternity/paternity), bereavement leave, private health insurance, pension plans and subsidised staff meals, to name just a few.
Were there any particularly essential qualifications or experience needed?
Yes and no. Obviously, as with anything, having previous experience or qualifications is beneficial, but the hospitality industry is one in which, with a good work ethic and passion, you can succeed regardless. In terms of a chef role, you would be required to complete food safety training, but there are fantastic training tools available so courses can be delivered in-house or online.
I think the popularity of TV cooking shows and competitions have showcased fantastic home cooks with no professional qualifications, again reinforcing the idea you can start at any point if you have passion and a flare for it.
Are there any alternative routes into the job?
The sector is so vast with numerous roles and job types, there is huge potential for starting off and progressing within the industry.
With the rise of traineeships and apprenticeships, it is a very exciting time for anyone hoping to get into hospitality and tourism courses, as you can earn whilst you learn. Whether you’re changing careers entirely, interested in a part-time position or are just starting off at an entry level role, I know so many fantastic people who have successful and exciting careers in this industry.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
I think you need to be a real people person who enjoys making someone’s day. You must be confident, resilient, adaptable and willing to work as part of a team.
For me, attention to detail is hugely important. I mean things like remembering names, or specific corporate colours when designing menus and welcome signs, it shows you care about the events you’re looking after.
What does a typical day entail?
No two days are the same, but to give you an insight on what I do, across my working day, I will have meetings with all hotel departments to plan for the day/week/month ahead. I will work through admin, emails, enquiries, plan rotas, prepare table plans, invoicing and ordering. I can even be seen on the restaurant floor over lunch or dinner, and on occasion, I have donned the whites again.
I oversee all weddings and events, so this can see me meeting with potential clients, talking through options for them, and planning bespoke events.
On wedding days I will be on hand throughout, to ensure all details are followed as agreed. I will be there to help straighten bowties and buttonholes, calm nerves and distribute tissues for teary mums, or whatever else my guests need. It is a huge honour to be involved in such a huge moment in couples’ lives, and I have been known to shed a tear during ceremonies too.
As an industry we continuously adapt how we work and, as a business, we have changed working patterns for staff, with flexible working, and greener initiatives to reduce energy spend, which keeps me busy. I am a very hands-on General Manager and I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and help out as required.
Another part of my work involves a special event which we host twice monthly, our Forget Me Not café. Aimed at those who are living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, along with their carers, it provides a safe space for friendship, entertainment and some fun.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The Forget Me Not café is hugely rewarding, and being involved in weddings and events in general, is a real privilege.
The Whistledown Hotel recently celebrated thirty years in business, and I have a great sense of pride knowing I have been part of this team for most of my career. We also offer real flexibility in our shifts. Our staff can work around school pick up times and other matters in their personal lives.
The most challenging aspect of the role at present is the ongoing skills shortage and supporting employee wellbeing. The wellbeing of our employees is something we take very seriously at The Whistledown Hotel.
Why is what you do important?
With a thriving tourism and hospitality industry, Northern Ireland is a must-visit destination for travellers around the world. From the warmth of our people, delicious food and drink, to the natural beauty around every corner, there is so much on offer for visitors to enjoy. Northern Ireland will only continue to prosper as a world-class destination, and our hospitality and tourism sector needs more great people to join the industry and make their career here.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Give it a go! You will be surprised at how much you will enjoy it.
In this industry you have the potential to grow your skillset, earn good money and have fun along the way. I think it is important to change perceptions of working in this industry and highlight how rewarding it is – I know it has been for me!
What is one piece of advice you would give yourself on your first day?
We will all drop a tray of drinks at some point, or something might go wrong, but these are life lessons, use them constructively, shake it off, keep going and don’t give up.
Describe your ideal day off?
My ideal day involves a little lie in, and a good walk, whether in Kilbroney Park, Castlewellan Forest Park or The Mourne Mountains, getting fresh air and taking in the calmness of our beautiful surroundings. I am a real foodie, and I love cooking, as well as eating out at our fantastic restaurants, catching up with friends, and spending time with family. It really is the simple things in life.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Have clear goals on the role you want and your values, then research companies who will align, whilst offering you the opportunity to grow.
Networking within the industry is a great tool to make useful connections.
Don’t underestimate yourself, no one else has the same skills, experiences and perspectives that you offer.
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