Mandi Schirm
Responsibilities
This internship is a jack of all trades when it comes to food and beverage. Not only do we set up events, food hubs, work first hand with chefs, work massive banquets, service, bartending, restaurant experience, meetings and food hubs, but we get to experience all of this in one of the wealthiest cities in America. The expectation is sky high and we have to meet it. There is nothing I look forward to more than knowing I have first class five star service ready to be used by another company.
Accomplishments
The compliments from my bosses and captains make me feel like I am doing something right. They trust me with events alone, they ask me to educate other interns of my standard. It is a very good feeling when you are recognized like this.
Learning experience
To own up to mistakes. I used to be one of those people who would pretend it didn't happen for fear of embarrassment or judgement. But out here, they love when we own up to mistakes and take credit where credit is due. As a manager, they would much rather have us make mistakes and learn from them instead of brush them under the rug.
What advice would you give?
When you have the opportunity to go do something out of your comfort zone, just do it. The experiences that I have gotten from not only this job, but also the fact that I am alone are outstanding. I feel like I have learned so much about myself because of it.