An online placement orientation was conducted on 11th December 2025 for the Food & Beverage Service trainees, arranged by Ms. Rhiedolcy. The session featured the Director of Grande Bay/Pumpkin Tales, Ms. Chindi Varadarajulu, along with managers of Pumpkin Tales who are also DB Tech alumni—Ms. Baiahunlang Kharmawlong and Ms. Monica Rymbai. The session opened with an introduction by Ms. Rhiedolcy, who welcomed both the trainees and the Director. Ms. Chindi expressed her delight in meeting the students and shared her eagerness to employ trainees from DB Tech, praising their excellence in the hospitality sector. The alumni then led the interaction, delivering a session filled with motivation, practical insights, and inspiring experiences from their journeys in the F&B and hospitality industry.
They shared vital techniques for handling guests, stressing the importance of polite language, a pleasant demeanour, and calmness in all situations. They highlighted that attitude and passion are the driving forces behind success in this field. Their own career stories—marked by hard work, commitment, and steady growth—encouraged the trainees to remain focused and resilient. They also spoke about the value of patience, which helps in overcoming workplace challenges, ensuring better communication, and offering excellent service.
When asked about guiding staff members, they explained that they lead by motivating, supporting, and being available for their teams whenever needed. Grooming standards were emphasised as essential to maintaining professionalism and reflecting the restaurant’s image. They also reminded the trainees of the power of a smile in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Discipline and respect, they noted, are the backbone of strong service culture and teamwork.
The speakers shared that Grande Bay and Pumpkin Tales provide proper accommodation facilities for their employees, demonstrating their commitment to staff welfare. They encouraged the trainees to stay committed to their dreams regardless of challenges. When asked about handling a fully booked restaurant, they advised staying polite, managing waitlists efficiently, and addressing guests courteously. Their personal experiences in the industry revealed the struggles they had overcome, inspiring the trainees to remain determined.
They discussed the essential skills for F&B trainees, such as discipline and good grooming, which build the foundation of professionalism. They also shared insights into the most challenging aspects of the role, explaining how patience, communication, and adaptability help them manage such situations. They assured everyone that staff safety is prioritised through strict safety measures and policies. New hires, they added, undergo structured training, including an introduction to rules, standards, and step-by-step guidance until they are confident in their responsibilities.
The speakers also posed reflective questions to the trainees, prompting them to think about their training experiences, their motivation for choosing the hospitality field, and their expectations from the job.
The session with Ms. Chindi Varadarajulu and the DB Tech alumni proved both enlightening and deeply inspiring. Their insights not only broadened the trainees’ understanding of restaurant operations, guest management, and workplace discipline but also instilled enthusiasm, confidence, and determination. Their stories left a lasting impact, motivating the trainees to pursue their aspirations and build a promising future in the hospitality industry.