Name: Melissa Lester
Position: Conference concierge and catering assistant at The Chattanoogan hotel
First job: Sales representative for Bombay Co.
Best part of the job: “All the people that I get to work with. The different contacts I get to meet, and the different types of people I get to work with. The more that I learn about different organizations that come and stay with us and what they do. Working with all of the people in general. I get to learn different aspects of different people’s jobs and work with different departments. I get to meet all these amazing people who work in and around the city, and come to the city, and I get to show them what a great place Chattanooga is.”
Worst part of the job: “There’s no downside. I really do love my job. I really can’t think of something I don’t like doing. I don’t like that I have to take an hourlong lunch break, because I’d normally just take 30 minutes. That’s my biggest complaint, is that my lunch break might be too long.”
Best advice: “It’s all about networking and follow-up. I like to send personal cards and thank you notes out. I think follow up and adding a personal touch is something I’ve taken from here that I apply to other aspects and will continue to apply in my business life as well as my personal life. It’s all about getting out there, meeting people and making connections. Get out there and learn as much as you can, and go for it.”
Making a career: “Show interest in learning about all the different areas that make up our industry. I started out overseas (in Scotland) in housekeeping, then I went to the front desk, then to reservations. I tried to learn as much as I could from different departments and learn how they all work together, so you can help accommodate and facilitate everyone.”
– Compiled by staff writer Holly Leber. Contact her at hleber@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6391. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/hollyleber.