BASED on the job experience paradox — in order to get the job, you need experience and in order to get experience you need a job.

It was with this in mind that Shanana Green-Daye decided to join the Hospitality Training Programme (HTP) offered by Sandals, and “that is how my journey with this great company started in 2018”, said the 30-year-old Sandals Ochi Beach Resort’s concierge, of Grant’s Bailey, Brown’s Town, St Ann.

In July 2018, she enrolled in the six-week Hospitality Training Programme, which is offered by Sandals in conjunction with the HEART Trust/NTA, with the hope of getting certified and securing a job in the hotel industry.

“The Hospitality Training Programme was a phenomenal experience, entering a completely new environment with new peers. We had days of laughter and of course days of knowledge with our HEART tutor, Mellisa Hoilette–Allen,” said Green-Daye.

She added that she was constantly motivated by her supervisor in Sandals Ochi’s concierge department, Shaneka Russell, who after only three weeks in the programme encouraged her to apply for a job at Sandals. “Shaneka and my team members at Club Sandals continued to motivate me to do my best,” she said.

Having completed the programme and named valedictorian, Green-Daye was offered a full-time position and described the transition as seamless. “Being a part of Sandals fosters growth and development. This is a company that gives back to its team members and the community. Your only limitation here is yourself; the sky is the limit and there are unlimited possibilities,” she said.

She explained that she has paid keen attention to detail, and described herself as being extremely detail-oriented, stressing that ensuring that her guests are treatedly properly is of utmost importance to her.

“Shanana is a reliable team player; she can always be relied on to get the job done. She can also be counted on to motivate her colleagues to do their best at all times. She has great communication skills, and her work ethic is commendable. She is an asset to my team and our entire resort,” said the resort’s concierge manager, Debbie Douglas.

Green-Daye also described herself as being extremely God-fearing and said that Christ is in the midst of all she does.

She is an active member of the Earth Guardians and also volunteers with the Sandals Foundation. “I came from a single-parent family where I saw how hard it was for my mother to ensure that my brother, sister, and I had everything we wanted. So now I try my best to volunteer and help others in similar situations. I also enjoy giving back and I am happy I can do that while working here.”

Green-Daye is currently enrolled in the Sandals Corporate University (SCU), pursuing a 10-week leadership development course to further her studies in hospitality.