Thelma

Which Scarf program did you take part in?

Spring Scarf ‘14 at Jorg. 

Which country were you born in?

Zimbabwe. 

How did you hear about Scarf and why did you apply for the program?

A caseworker recommend it. I was interested in doing something in hospitality growing up, so I was excited. 

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Was the Scarf program what you expected? Or were there parts of it that surprised you? If so, why?

Everything surprised me as I went in with an open mind!  

What was the most valuable thing you got from participating in Scarf?

Learning about wine. I enjoyed it so much that it went on to be an area I wanted to focus in for my career. 

Do you think working with a mentor is a positive thing? If so, why?

YES YES and YES! Even after the program had finished and we were no longer with mentors, I felt the confidence from the time I was working with them. 

Scarf gives you the confidence needed to do the job and talk to customers. Even when I was on my own I felt confident because of that! 

Being interviewed by Scarf Ambassador Leanne Clancey at Do More Than Dine '19. Photo: Samee Lapham

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How long did it take you to get a job after you graduated from Scarf?

Two weeks! Hannah put me in touch with The Sofitel, and two weeks later I went for the role in Conferencing and Events. I was working about 30 hours a week, and was responsible for set up, pack down and serving customers that were there for a conference. 

Tell us what you liked about this job?

I liked the different aspects of the role and different responsibilities. I stayed in the role for about eight months. 

Where are you working now?

Attica. I've been there for one year and two months, working 40 hours a week. I'm responsible for setting up the restaurant.

Apart from working, what else have you been doing since leaving Scarf? 

I've been studying at Uni for BA in Hospitality. One more exam to go then finished!  

I currently work at Attica and I'm studying at Uni for BA in Hospitality.  

Do you have any words of advice for other young people who are interested in participating in Scarf?

Learn as much as you can! 

Is there anything else you'd like to mention?

The Scarf program is great. It's hard to get jobs, and Scarf has partnerships for you to build upon. The connection with The Accor Group is amazing as having a company that prestigious on your CV is incredible. 

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Do More Than Dine '19 team with event host Matt Preston! Photo: Samee Lapham

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NB: Thelma answered these questions via email in December 2019. Portrait photo: Samee Lapham