Robyn Louwe’s passion for snowboarding is what drew her to Whistler Blackcomb, but it’s the discovery that the tourism industry offers a host of possibilities that has kept her there.
As the Administrative Assistant to the General Manager of the resort’s Guest Services Department, Robyn’s responsibilities are vast and varied. “Everyday is different, and everyday is challenging,” says Robyn, whose various roles include everything from preparing financial statements to liaising with front line staff and corporate partners.
But Robyn says that graduating from the two-year Destination Tourism Resort Management program offered at the Squamish campus of Capilano College, has set her in good stead for her dynamic and demanding position.
"We studied 13 subjects, and we had to complete 600 hours of a co-op work term; and both aspects of the program were equally valuable,” says Robyn, who notes that one of the most crucial parts of her college experience was gaining access to the networks developed by her teachers.
"My teachers were able to open doors that would have not otherwise been available,” asserts Robyn, who advises other young people considering a career in tourism to look into post-secondary education, in addition to getting front-line experience. In fact, before she even entered the tourism program, Robyn had already held various positions in Whistler where she honed her customer service, leadership and hospitality skills –from teaching snowboarding to construction cleaning.
Robyn mentions that potential tourism employees need to be aware that their working hours might not mirror their corporate counterparts. "While I work nine to five, my days off fall mid-week; Saturday and Sunday are our busiest days, and that’s something that people have to realize when they’re looking into this industry,” says Robyn, who took on various part-time jobs throughout her studies including a stint at the Tourism Whistler kiosks – which prepared her well for her present liaison role.
"I really understand the front-line staff, and relate well to them. I’m young and I have an outgoing personality and I think that creates a comfort level,” explains Robyn, who is adamant that her co-op placement was incredibly valuable in allowing her to see beyond the entry-level tasks she was assigned.
By completing various reports that were graded by her co-op employer, Robyn says she was able to envision the bigger picture. “I began to see a career path take shape,” says Robyn, whose present role gives her a good understanding of the depth and resources required within a single department, not to mention an understanding of the qualities needed to succeed in a role like administrative assistant within the tourism industry.
"I would say that multitasking, prioritizing and organizational skills are all very important, but the biggest challenge for me has been working with numbers to produce financial reports,” says Robyn.
She admits she wasn’t enticed by the job title when she first saw the job posting.
"I didn’t really know what the role entailed, but when I clicked on the job description, I got a pretty good idea,” laughs Robyn. “It was two and a half pages long, so I’m still learning!" Robyn, who has held her role since December 2007, says she was surprised to discover just how much is encompassed by the Guest Services department.
“When I first began, it didn’t occur to me that our department was responsible for decorating the Village for various special events, for example. There’s so much involved and it’s a continuous learning process,” says Robyn, who notes that with every passing month she gains more knowledge, which then informs her vision of her future.
"I am learning so much all the time, and with each new piece of information, I begin to rethink where I see myself in five years time,” explains Robyn, whose only certainty is that she would like to remain with the Whistler Blackcomb organization.
According to Robyn, Whistler Blackcomb staff members are not only offered excellent benefits and support, but they are also encouraged to change positions within the organization if that suits their career objectives.
“It’s just such a great place to work. And, after I’ve gained some more experience, I could see myself perhaps transitioning to the Employee Experience department. The whole idea behind it is to continue to create a happy atmosphere where employees remain motivated,” says Robyn, who would like nothing more than to share her good fortune with others.
