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The journey to becoming a restaurant manager

date_range2019-03-06

Ms. Nhi worked as waitstaff for 5 years before being promoted to the manager at Pizza 4P’s (District 1, HCM city). Nguyen Thuy Yen Nhi (28 years old) shares the obstacles she had to overcome to be where she is now, with Tuoi Tre.

After graduating from high school, why did not you continue studying at a university like others?

 “I graduated from high school in 2009. That year, I also passed the University entrance exam. Unfortunately, my family was in financial trouble at the time, as my father’s business was not going well. Under the stress of my family’s debts, I had to give up on university to give my youngest brother, who was in grade 3 then, a chance to finish his education. Instead, I took up a job to help ease the financial burden on my family.”

So why did you choose to work in Hospitality?

“I have enjoyed work in the sector ever since I started working at an ice-cream shop. I heard from a friend about the free Hospitality Vocational training course for disadvantaged young adults which was a part of Saigon Children’s Charity CIO’s Getting Ready for Work Programme, and I thought this course would benefit my future career, so I decided to apply and was luckily chosen.”

Was it hard for you to find a job?

“I was very lucky because after the 6-month long course I got a job interview at 4P’s. When I applied at the time, the restaurant was recently opened, and only had a small number of employees, so the competition was tough. Thankfully, I passed the interview and got the job as a waitress with a starting salary of 3 million VND/month.

Since we did not have a large staff, I had to help out wherever I could: mop the floor, clean the toilet, and so on. This is a Japanese-style restaurant. The boss is also Japanese so as a business it is very detail orientated. I learned a lot from them and it helped me develop a professional, honest attitude at work.

With that, you got promoted to a manager from the lowest position in the restaurant?

“It’s as simple as you put it. It was a long journey of hard work and commitment. Starting out as a waitress, I then took on an extra role as a trainer for new staff members, later became a leader, and finally worked my way up to the position of a manager with a better income. Another key to my success is my English, which I have been working on a lot. When choosing a job, you should have a passion for it and be willing to start from the bottom.”

Your working hours at the restaurant must be long, do you find your job stressful?

“Being a restaurant manager is definitely tough. I have to keep my eyes on nearly 100 staff members, from the front of house, to the kitchen staff. I plan everyone’s working shifts, evaluate their performances, ensure customer satisfaction in the restaurant, and plan working programs for the restaurant while making sure everything runs smoothly. Every day, I am at work from 10 in the morning until 11 in the evening, but I thrive in my work and don’t tend to get stressed.”

How do you set goals for your job?

“You have to clarify your expectations to yourself, and whether or not you like your job. With that information, you know how hard you should work for your job. As an example, I started learning about Japanese working culture when I was in high school and I found it fascinating.

That is why when I got an offer at 4P’s, I tried to learn from my bosses while working for them. Whenever I was asked to do anything, I worked my best to finish it to the highest standard expected. After some time, your boss will recognize your hard work and start giving you more important jobs. That is how you develop yourself and climb up your career ladder.

Ms. Nhi at work 

 

 

The interview article from Tuổi Trẻ Online 

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