In this month’s Talent section we speak to Iuliia Shmyglenko, group and events sales manager at Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates
Describe your first ever role in the hotel industry?
I started my career in hospitality working as a management trainee in the front office department of the Grand Mercure Shenzhen in China. It was a great start, and gave me so much valuable exposure to hotel operations.
Who has inspired you most in your career?
There was not particular person who inspired me in my career, but team in general. Many people changed roles since I joined the sales and marketing department, which isn’t unusual for the industry, however I learnt a lot from each one of them.
How do you view the hotel scene in the region?
The UAE hospitality sector is extremely competitive, there are so many luxury hotels to choose from! This is what I love about our industry – it makes our job all the more challenging and exciting.
What is the biggest challenge of your role?
The biggest challenge in my role is the competitive landscape of the UAE and Dubai in particular. However, I enjoy the challenge and see this as an opportunity for Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates to really shine.
What is your favourite aspect of your role?
The groups and events department is constantly busy – it’s a hub of activity for the hotel, with so many people choosing to have their function here. My favourite part of my role is when we receive positive feedback from our clients following a successful event. It’s both exciting and rewarding.
If you could work in any hotel in the world which would it be?
I am a loyal Kempinski employee, and would be honoured to work in any of their brands across the world. For now though, I’m happy to enjoy the sand and snow at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates.
What tip would you share with new staff starting out in the F&B industry in the region?
In the words of Steve Jobs: “The only way to do a great job is to love what you do”.
