Meet Kate, Trainee Management Development Programme Participant
We catch up with Kate O’Riordan, Food and Beverage Supervisor at Cork International Hotel. Having worked with Trigon Hotels for the past 15 months, Kate tells us a little bit about why the Brennan Brothers are her role models and how things are going on the Trainee Management Development Programme.
Tell us a bit about you…
I am from a small village called Glanworth which is north Cork which is located just 10 minutes outside Fermoy. I went to an Irish primary school in Fermoy, then I went on to secondary school which is also in Fermoy. I studied Hospitality Studies in MTU in Tralee for two years. I then went to do a level 7 degree in Hospitality Management in MTU in Cork this was for a further two years and then I went onto do a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management which I also studied in MTU.
Who is your role model?
My role models would be Francis and John Brennan. As they are successful businesspeople and that they are Irish hoteliers.
What do you love most about living and working in Cork?
That I can stay at home. It is a beautiful city and that it is close to some beaches. There are also some nice towns and village located in Cork. That I give back to the community as I live and work in and around the city. That I can by local products and foods in shops in Cork which is given back to people that are also living and working in cork. Also, that all my grandparents and most of my family are from Cork.
How did you discover your love for hospitality?
I started in hospitality at a young age and got to love it as the years went on. I then went on to study Hospitality when I finished secondary school.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
That I am able to do till reports and that as Supervisor, I have been given more responsibility that I never had before in any other job that I have worked in.
What inspired you to apply for the TMDP at Trigon Hotels?
I am at a stage that I want to improve at the position that I am currently in. I also want to progress into a higher position within the hotel and in Trigon Hotels. What also inspired me to apply for the program was that my managers also thought it would be good for me in what I do now and in the future in the company.
Which TMDP module do you think you will enjoy the most?
The module that I think I will enjoy the most would be the Human resources, Time Management and Coaching Skills & Team Development.
How do you envision that the TMDP will help you on your career path?
I hope it will help me to get to a more senior management position. By having do this course I would have a better understanding what is needed be a manager in the hotel.
Kate O’Riordan is a participant in Trigon Hotels Trainee Management Development Programme (TMDP). The programme will run for 12 months and is accredited by the City & Guilds with a Level 3 Award in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Principles.