On October 18, 2024, the Food & Beverage Service Associate trainees from Batch 2 and Batch 3 of Don Bosco Tech Shillong, under the Skills Meghalaya program, had an unforgettable day of learning and growth at an exclusive outdoor catering (ODC) event at the prestigious Courtyard Marriott, Shillong. This event wasn’t just a glimpse into the world of hospitality—it was an immersion into the bustling, dynamic, and high-paced environment that defines the industry.
Under the guidance of the Courtyard Marriott’s seasoned managers and supervisors, the trainees were entrusted with crucial roles, including clearing used plates, tissues, drinking cups, and ashtrays. While these may seem like simple tasks, they presented opportunities for the trainees to understand the behind-the-scenes demands of hospitality and to embrace the art of seamless service. Despite the physical ease of the tasks, the continuous rhythm of activity left little room for rest, pushing the students to work on their endurance and mental stamina.
Throughout the event, trainees discovered the importance of staying calm and composed, especially during peak times when guests were most active. Interacting with a diverse range of guests, they learned firsthand how to handle different personalities and guest expectations, manage time pressures, and respond with professionalism to supervisor instructions. They also practiced the art of patience, quickly adapting to situations that required more time and resilience than anticipated.
As they moved from wiping tables and clearing glasses to politely interacting with guests, the students honed essential communication skills, developing a service-oriented mindset. Each interaction, whether asking permission to clear a glass or responding to a guest concerned about service speed, offered a learning moment. Even as the event wound down, the trainees continued their dedication by thoroughly cleaning the venue, including the tables, bar section, and outdoor kitchen area, ensuring a spotless setting post-event.
For many of the trainees, the event served as an eye-opener, offering insights into the realities of long hours and sustained attention to detail that the hospitality industry demands. They emerged with a deeper appreciation for patience, teamwork, and communication skills. The opportunity to work in a professional setting like the Courtyard Marriott gave them not only practical skills but also a new level of confidence in their ability to interact with guests and colleagues effectively.
This experience was more than an ODC event; it was a vital chapter in their professional journey, enriching their understanding of hospitality and reinforcing the value of hard work, grace under pressure, and a service-first mindset. The trainees left with an eagerness to take on future challenges and a newfound respect for the intricacies of hospitality, knowing they had gained valuable, hands-on knowledge that textbooks could never fully convey.