From Chai Teas to Director of Training

If you had told Brittany Park in 2012 where she’d be in just six years, she would’ve probably looked at you like you were crazy. You see, in the summer of 2012, Brittany applied at the Starbucks at Breakers Resort to work as a Barista. Now, she juggles much more than coffee orders as the Director of Training for all of Brittain Resorts & Hotels.

Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, this Socastee High School graduate and former Coastal Carolina University student has called the Grand Strand home for more than a decade. Since that initial application for barista, Brittany has made more than eight vertical moves up through the ranks of the Brittain Resorts & Hotel family of properties.

CAREER PATH

Brittany is a living, breathing example of just how much weight Brittain Resorts & Hotels places on promoting from within. From Barista to Assistant Manager of the on-site creamery, and from Guest Service Representative to Evening Manager, and then from Resort Manager to Director of Training (and everything in between), Brittany recognizes the importance of fluidity in a career path. She also has a lot of insight on what it takes to work for this organization.

“I have a unique outlook of what works, what’s redundant, what works for one property that may not work for another,” says Brittany. “I also have a whole new perspective on how to manage people now. If you’d asked me a year ago where I thought I’d be, I would’ve probably said a General Manager of a Brittain Resorts & Hotel property. But this is a newly created position, and I feel like there’s just so much opportunity to grow — there’s a lot of potential in this job.”

TRAINING

“The training for my first job here was a very welcoming experience. I learned all of the recipes, but I also really learned first and foremost how we are expected to treat guests,” says Brittany.

Obviously, the nature of her position now gives her even more of an appreciation for the training here.

“As a whole, we want to give our new associates the resources and information that they need and deserve to succeed. We are, after all, here because of our guests — they are the reason why we come to work each day— so the training here is really emphasizing that high quality of service. And if we aren’t giving our associates the information and training they need to succeed at quality service, how can our guests expect that?”

OFFICIAL BENEFITS

There are many perks to being an associate here, and working in such close proximity to the beach is just one of them!

“We get great associate rates on the [hotel] rooms. That comes especially handy around the winter holidays, because there’s always some family in town and needing a place to stay,” says Brittany.

“Our 401(k) plan is also awesome — the company matches dollar for dollar up to 3% and .50 on the dollar for the following contributions up to 5%. That’s not something you always see in this industry and something I really appreciate as I plan long-term.”

UNOFFICIAL BENEFITS

Beyond the benefits that keep the company competitive as an employer, Brittain Resorts & Hotels stands apart in other ways.

“It feels like a family — when you work here, you are part of the Brittain family. It’s truly a feeling that I’ve never felt working anywhere else. We have team parties, manager outings and other little celebrations — especially after the busy season.”

This industry can get chaotic, and accommodating some guests has its challenges, so being treated well in the day-to-day work is crucial to employee success and happiness. And according to Brittany, that’s also what makes it so fun.

“Every day is different, so it’s an appealing way to look at life. Each day is new.”

TIPS AND TRICKS

To prospective applicants looking to join the Brittain Resorts & Hotel team, Brittany shares a word to the wise: Be yourself.

“The most successful people here are just themselves. Right off the bat, they’re not intimidated by us in the interview. It can be nerve-racking, but if you come in and smoothly handle an interview, we know you can handle any guests’ requests.”

Brittany says that outstanding communication is an absolute must to succeed in this environment, as well. And that includes communicating that you truly want to work for this team.

“If you don’t get the position you’d ideally want, keep reaching out. Just continue to try, and consider starting in another position with the knowledge that you can progress. That’s what has worked for many of us, including myself”

Who knows? You could start as a Barista and wind up as a department director.
Embark on a new opportunity today and kick-start a career that soars! View all available positions with Brittain Resorts & Hotel HERE.