Exciting opportunities!

By Melissa Chauvet

My name is Melissa Chauvet and I'm super excited to be the new Durban representative for this year’s recruitment campaign!

I was born and bred in Durban, living on the south coast I spend a lot of time on outdoor activities. At a young age, while still in school, I got involved in the hospitality industry as a waitress/bartender.  I eventually became involved in bigger opportunities and was selected to work at a 5-star hotel in Dubai as a waitress.  I grabbed this opportunity which allowed me to gain more experience and knowledge. Upon my return, I realised that the hospitality industry, and working in another country, was my forté.

I decided to join an events company as a hostess for a famous music artist who visited Durban quite often.  When the Fifa World Cup was hosted in 2010, I was approached to participate in this event in the form of hosting visitors to our country, and ensuring that they were offered excellent service.

My brother, Craig joined the Workaway International program for two years.  He planned to return to the US for the winter program and told me to join him as it would be a lifetime experience.  I didn't hesitate, and my journey in the US was unbelievable!

I must admit that I was nervous in the beginning - working at the Country club is hard work and long hours, but having staff who makes you feel welcome, and who work hard as a team, makes the working conditions enjoyable.

There are always functions being hosted by the country clubs – from Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. We even had a South African evening which introduced the club members to our South African dishes –and they all loved it!

With some time off, I got to see Miami, went to a Redsox Baseball game, and also visited Universal Studios in Orlando. Time flew and before I knew it, it was time to come back home. I made lifelong friends which I am still in contact with today.

I am currently the Durban representative for Workaway International, and I look forward to meeting many potential candidates and being of assistance to you. The Workaway International experience is definitely an opportunity of a lifetime!

To Boca and back!

By Dayne Swanepoel

I’m pretty sure most people don’t know who I am, so I thought it’s best for me to start from the beginning…

My name is Dayne Swanepoel, 27 years young and all the way from that little town Johannesburg, born and bred. I am extremely proud to introduce myself to you as the JHB representative for Workaway International for the 2015/2016 recruitment program.

I recently arrived back from my amazing adventure in America a little over a month ago, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it has been the single greatest decision of my life.

Before I found myself crossing the big lake, I was bored.  I had a really well-paying job in Human Resources with my family’s business - my life was set, but that was too easy.  I was in need of a challenge, travel and adventure.

I had a bit of waitering experience whilst growing up and managed a bar in my varsity days. This was enough for me to be accepted onto the Workaway International program, working as part of the Banqueting team as a Bartender/Server at Boca West.

I found the work really challenging, but rewarding at the same time. Some days I thought it was impossible, but we pulled off the biggest parties - even a surprise performance from Shaggy!  Valentine’s Day was the banquet that stood out for me the most, simply because we were desensitised to the enormity of each party as the season went on, but even that day I was amazed at what we had pulled off.

Besides work, I made some of the greatest friends I could have ever have imagined. Some of the guys I worked with and the people I stayed with, as cliché as it may sound, became my American family. I really wish we weren’t all spread out back home - some of us live in Cape Town, Durban and even as far as Ireland and Romania.

It isn’t all just work, there was also ample time to explore and travel. My trips to Key West and Universal Studios Orlando are the two that stand out the most, and are definitely places I recommend everyone should visit. They really illustrate why America is an amazing place, and everything is truly bigger and better!

It’s great to be home, and with the recruitment process for next season’s hopefuls in full swing, I’m already excited for the upcoming season and what JHB candidates have to offer! We had our first presentation on 23 May and I was impressed with the all the amazing candidates who joined us. I really hope to see more of you at the next two presentations!

I really look forward to meeting all of you along the way and I hope I can help your dream come true the same way that Workaway did for me. You will never look back from that, I promise.

Work – The number one reason we came to Florida

By Marielle Beetge

Many individuals considering joining the Workaway International program may think they’re jetting off to Florida for a working holiday, but if that’s what you had in mind then think again! 

The Workaway International program is anything but a holiday, and is instead an amazing working experience that moulds and shapes you for the global hospitality industry.

While you’re on the program, your off days are used to recover from hard work and long shifts, and this time should also be used to get personal things done.  While there is an opportunity for a few outings here and there, we unfortunately don’t always get a few days off in a row.

Don’t get me wrong, this experience is definitely something that is worthwhile for your future.  We are learning constantly, earning Dollars, and we are having a good time in the process! We do get the opportunity to travel and there are many other great opportunities for us too.

As it goes in the hospitality industry, you should be prepared to work 12 hour shifts on consecutive days at the country clubs, and be prepared to work hard!

My first few weeks were the most difficult. There was so much to learn and memorise – the various menus, unfamiliar foods, and international wines and liquors. It was tough, but I got the hang of it in the end.  My next challenge was getting on the floor and serving the guests.

The managers watch you closely to make sure you are doing your job and that you are implementing your training, and are always on hand to offer assistance.  I soon realised that it was all a learning curve, and after successfully completing the training process, I came to understand that the managers are my friends. They watch our backs and support us.

To be in this industry requires a thick skin and quite a bit of patience with the members and guests you are serving, but once you pull through you are able to take everything in your stride.

Each person’s experience on this program is different, but one thing is for sure: Expect to work hard and learn harder. It will all be worth it in the end!

Keeping focused

By Jasper Burger

It is true that some days are a bit more challenging than others for Workaway International recruits, but to serve the best, you have to be the best at all times!

Performing at 100% capacity is a tall order, and sometimes a lot to ask when you are working 60 to 70 hours a week, but it is do-able. Personally, it starts with a very strong cup of coffee every morning before heading to Gold’s Gym in Jupiter Hills. I simply cannot start my day without a good cup of coffee!  The gym is where I work out all my frustrations and the focus shapes my body and mind.

Being motivated and ‘pumped up’ is a great way to start the day.  I enjoy showing up for work when I feel energized as there are numerous events to set up for which require hard work and focus. Events like guest tournaments, 40 year anniversaries or private parties are all included in a day in the life of a Workaway International recruit abroad.

To ensure a place like Jupiter Hills looks amazing, you need to be sharp, look after yourself and always keep your eye on the prize.  The venues and other preparations for these events need to be set up to perfection at all times because they are filled with members that need your undivided attention!

Busy times ahead!!!

By Julie-Ann Blom 

It is almost that time of the year where some recruits head up north for Workaway International’s summer programme.  Before that, our busy period in Florida starts as we head into the Easter season – one of the most demanding, but exciting times at the club!

I don't know about the other clubs in Florida, but I know Sailfish Point is a hive of activity.  We are already fully booked for Easter Sunday, both morning and evening, and many families come down here this time of year to celebrate.

At the club we try to make it as fun as possible, with a kid’s carnival that includes entertaining games, face painting and pony rides.  There’s also family bingo (I call bingo on those nights), Italian wine and dine evenings, and trivia nights on offer.  Another great attraction is our wonderful pool and bar area which is open to guests where they can enjoy refreshments alongside our relaxing pool area.

My food and beverage manager at Sailfish Point constantly reminds us that this is our time to shine and to get prepared for the season up north!

To everyone that is heading into the busy weeks of Easter, good luck!  My advice to get through this crazy period: Make energy drinks your best friend!

Members Tournament!

By Jasper Burger

When you walk up the hill at Jupiter Hills club you see one of the most beautiful sunrises Florida has to offer. We are preparing for a golf tournament today. First coffee is out of the way and work needs to start for the day’s event.

Our ladies member tournament is a busy one with 120 ladies playing 36 rounds of golf over 2 days and the Food and Beverage department is responsible for all the events within the clubhouse such as breakfast and lunch being served and a cocktail reception with delicious h’ordeuvres.

 All departments have to work closely together to make this event enjoyable for the ladies. Golf/ recreational staff, kitchen and dining room staff have to pull together to make this a memorable event which is never a problem as we all respect one another. Around 6pm our sunset almost matches our sunrise and gives us a second wind to finish the day.

It is all worth it to work hard in a place like Jupiter Hills. One just needs to remind oneself that sometimes to take a good look around. See these beautiful photos!!!

Going up North for the summer!!!

By Julie-Ann Blom

Happy New Year!!!!!

Hope everybody is doing well and enjoying the New Year so far!

Well as you can guess it's that time of the year here in Florida. Your asking what that time is?

Drum roleee! It's time to apply for the clubs up North!!!! 

For everyone that does not know this, this is the time of year all the Florida recruits get an email from Workaway stating that the time has come to apply for the Northern Clubs which are located in New York, Philly, North Carolina, Chicago and the Hamptons. For the returnees that were up north last season it's a bit easier as their clubs usually invite them back. But for the new recruits the interview process is a bit nerve racking.

The positions are limited up north so only a few get the opportunity. Some of the clubs up North will do face to face interviews and others will do Skype interviews. Some of the clubs came down to Sailfish Point and did interviews at the club. The nerves were obviously running high the days when the interviews took place.

But I'm happy to say that most of my friends from Sailfish have been accepted up North to clubs such as the Hamptons, Philly and North Carolina!!!! And I'd like to say to those who are still interviewing for the clubs up North, good luck and I really hope you will be successful!

Speak to you soon.....