Seriously you should see this place!  To be honest, i still can not believe that i am in Australia!!!!  It all seems so unreal.  Every day,  i have to keep reminding myself that i really am on the other side of the world from everyone i know.  These past three weeks have flown by way to fast but i have loved almost every minute.  School does not start until February but for the past few weeks i have been interning at the college.  I can not think of a better way to start the term. Not only have i had three weeks to settle in and learn my way around the college, but working here has allowed me to meet and develop relationships with some of the staff that work here, which i am sure will come in handy throughout my time here. 

My first week was spent in the Housekeeping department.  I know what you are thinking, that doesnt sound very fun; but I actually really enjoyed it.  When you check into a hotel room, it is expected to be clean.  How your room came to be clean and ready for use is not something that most people give much thought to.  Now after spending the week actually making beds, cleaning showers, replacing towels, and folding laundry i can really appreciate the hard work that goes into preparing a room for a guest, and the quality that we have come to expect.

My second week was spent in the functions department.  This was by far my favorite and most challenging week.  Right away i was given the task of checking the voice mails, and answering emails.  I had a lot to learn, and fast.  I learned how to use the Opera system to check the availability rooms, as well as how to book a room for a number of different occassions.  I also had to learn about all the different uses of our facility, what types of packages we offered for functions, and venue hire prices, and this is all before lunch.  Over the week i also had to fill out purchase orders, answer countless function enquiry’s, and make a few too many phone calls to the accounts lady at Harbottle.  Just when i thought i was starting to get the hang of things i was thrown for another loop.  Saturday there was a wedding at the college, so all day friday was spent setting up the Great Hall.  Polishing tables and glasses, setting tables, moving the tables and that sort of thing.  Saturday i served at the wedding reception for the first time!  I learned the proper way to hold a wine bottle while serving, how to carry three plates at one time, and that everyone loves a canopé or 5 before dinner.  After the reception we took every thing down and by 1 am my week in the functions department had finally come to an end.

I have spent my final week of internship in the recruitment department at ICMS where i was given the tedious, yet very important task of creating documentation spread-sheets.  it took me three long days to do it, but i think that is pretty good timing for someone who doesnt know their way around Excel very well.  Today is my last day of work and i must admit i am a little sad for it to end.  I have really enjoyed learning about the college and seeing first hand how everything fits together.  I feel more confident about what i am getting myself into and after a week of relaxation in Cairns i cant wait to see what ICMS has in store for me next!