Between classes: Mandy Wong

Hotel and Restaurant Management (HORM)

Mandy Wong

has learned to love cheese.

Education:

Hotel and Restaurant Management Diploma (Douglas College), 2005

BBA, dual major in Business Management and Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Northwood University/ Hotel Institute of Montreux, Switzerland) 2006

Currently:

People Resources/Payroll Coordinator, Delta Whistler Village Suites

Career goals:

I would like to be promoted to the director of human resources within five years.

Personal goals:

I want to be able to have a healthy work/life balance. I like to work hard when I'm at work but when I arrive home, I want to be able to just relax and spend time with my family and friends.

Destination worth a long flight in coach

Hong Kong. I am a little biased because most of my family is in Hong Kong. There is great shopping and delicious food all around this busy city. I actually just went back to Hong Kong this past Summer and I purchased a custom-fit silk suit for under a hundred dollars! If you are not into the hustle and bustle, there are some good hiking spots in Hong Kong with beautiful scenery.

A good second choice

I also think that anywhere in Europe is worthwhile travelling to - the buildings in any city in Europe say history. My favorite city in Europe is Rome - I love the stone roads and beautiful churches. It is just a romantic city.

Where I want to go but haven't been yet

Russia, South Africa and Egypt.

All about reputation

I enjoy eating and travelling. I was able to learn about the two things I love by taking the HORM program. I also like to work with others and thought that this industry would be a great way to meet people and travel around the world. I chose Douglas College over other schools because I heard about their excellent reputation and their ability for university transfer.

The cheese is important too

While studying in Switzerland, I had a chance to travel during Winter break. The program was quite intense so I couldn't travel too much during school days - we had 14 courses in six months. I have learned to love Gruyere Cheese, Raclette, and Swiss Fondue.

Kinda like home

When I first arrived in Switzerland, I fell in love with it. The city that I stayed in, Montreux, is a European version of Vancouver. You are surrounded by beautiful mountains and instead of the ocean, there is a huge lake that produces Evian water. I promised myself that I will go back and visit again one day.

A good fit

I have been interested in Human Resources since I studied at Douglas College. The HR course in the HORM program gave me an overview of what this department consists of. It seemed like a perfect fit for me since I am able to work with people and help people with their problems. The best thing is I get to see results and I am able to see the difference that I have made.

On-the- job lesson

I've learned that you can't please everyone and the guest is not always right; however, you must learn to deal with that and make the guest leave happy. I think hands-on experience is quite important and it's great that you must complete a work experience program before you can graduate from the HORM program.