Pauline Leonard
Pauline Leonard's story
I fell into hospitality by accident during an internship that was part of my baccalaureate; that was in a Mercure hotel, which was close to my school. I wanted to work with people but not in retail, which I had done before and I knew did not suit me. I wanted a profession that allowed me to work with people, for people.
During my first internship, which I loved, I discovered a passion for hospitality. I also had some internships on a campsite to get a different view of the sector. As a result, I did my higher education in these areas but I preferred a broader diploma, so I did a further two years to prepare for a management diploma, and a marketing qualification with an apprenticeship in an aparthotel.
I also took a master’s degree in management and marketing while working in an ibis in Bordeaux. By the end of my studies, I spent four more years in the same hotel and progressed from intern to reception leader.
A year ago, I had the opportunity to grow and took a position as deputy manager at a similar ibis.
Hospitality is an interesting sector to work in because you never get bored and the tasks are very varied, especially in a job like mine. I can as easily work in HR, marketing or on the business side of the hotel. But most important, we are always in contact with clients, meeting people of all nationalities. That contributes to our development.
At Accor, we have a reputation to uphold and procedures we follow; the company provides us with a framework and gives us confidence in our ability to do the job with passion.
I am proud of how I have developed and grown – and to have achieved a management post at 27 years old was always my goal. I am also proud of the team I have managed during the past year because they are engaged and they please our clients.
To be a Heartist® means I give pleasure to my guests while enjoying my job every day. I have one piece of advice for those who launch their career in hospitality, and that is to place clients at the heart of their profession and their thoughts.
- Pauline Leonard
- Deputy Manager
- ibis Bordeaux Centre Bastide (France)