Reaching the pinnacle of a tourism career
Service agent for 34 years
For Emily Windstaan, the tourism and hospitality sector offers endless opportunities, as she has experienced during her 34 years working in the industry.
Emily Windstaan, a procurement specialist at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), has reached the pinnacle of her career in tourism and hospitality.
Windstaan has been with NWR for 24 years, having joined them in April 1998 as a sales consultant.
"I am humble, flexible and a very resourceful person. Even when things change at the last minute, I can adjust accordingly."
She is a hardworking and driven individual who faces challenges head-on.
She describes herself as passionate about her work and tries to be fair in everything she does.
"I am a team player, but I do not mind taking on solo projects."
The journey
Windstaan was schooled in Rehoboth and matriculated at Rehoboth High School in 1988. A year later, in 1989, she was employed by the environment and tourism ministry.
Her first job was as an assistant resorts officer, and she worked her way up to a senior resorts officer before moving to NWR nine years later.
Eight years after joining NWR, she transitioned from sales and marketing to the assets department in 2006.
She spent 13 years in that department before being transferred to the procurement department in 2019. She said that when the position of procurement specialist became vacant in late 2020, she successfully applied.
Being well mannered
Windstaan has been in the tourism industry for 34 years. She said being a service agent is not something one should wait to be trained in.
"Coming from humble beginnings, you are taught at home to be of service to others, be kind-hearted, respect others and learn to listen.
"Service orientation in our communities is also inculcated as you grow up. In life, you either like, dislike or love what you do."
She added that client satisfaction was always her self-assessment tool and that she loved it when her customers were satisfied with her service and reported back on that.
Tourism and hospitality
When asked about what inspired her to venture into tourism, she said that once she entered the sector, she was hooked.
"There are endless opportunities in the hospitality industry, and by far, they offer the most secure jobs in the world." She added that, despite it being less of a struggle to secure a job, tourism offers unique training and opportunities.
She said that, unlike other sectors, the hospitality industry offers practical training in all aspects.
Windstaan was never one for job-hopping. She was always content with what she did and preferred to stay and grow in the company and industry alike.
She said not all companies really offer much-needed benefits, and that may also have been a contributing factor.
"I enjoy it here, especially when I get projects where I get to work with different professionals. Working with them on various projects, installations and training of staff and being part of that success story is priceless!”
She added: "Looking at how far I have come, I am confident I have reached the pinnacle of my career. It came with so many facets of work."
Her advice for young professionals is to study hard, work harder, and know that besides being graduates, they can always learn from others. "Your attitude towards anything in life will determine either your success or failure."
Windstaan has been with NWR for 24 years, having joined them in April 1998 as a sales consultant.
"I am humble, flexible and a very resourceful person. Even when things change at the last minute, I can adjust accordingly."
She is a hardworking and driven individual who faces challenges head-on.
She describes herself as passionate about her work and tries to be fair in everything she does.
"I am a team player, but I do not mind taking on solo projects."
The journey
Windstaan was schooled in Rehoboth and matriculated at Rehoboth High School in 1988. A year later, in 1989, she was employed by the environment and tourism ministry.
Her first job was as an assistant resorts officer, and she worked her way up to a senior resorts officer before moving to NWR nine years later.
Eight years after joining NWR, she transitioned from sales and marketing to the assets department in 2006.
She spent 13 years in that department before being transferred to the procurement department in 2019. She said that when the position of procurement specialist became vacant in late 2020, she successfully applied.
Being well mannered
Windstaan has been in the tourism industry for 34 years. She said being a service agent is not something one should wait to be trained in.
"Coming from humble beginnings, you are taught at home to be of service to others, be kind-hearted, respect others and learn to listen.
"Service orientation in our communities is also inculcated as you grow up. In life, you either like, dislike or love what you do."
She added that client satisfaction was always her self-assessment tool and that she loved it when her customers were satisfied with her service and reported back on that.
Tourism and hospitality
When asked about what inspired her to venture into tourism, she said that once she entered the sector, she was hooked.
"There are endless opportunities in the hospitality industry, and by far, they offer the most secure jobs in the world." She added that, despite it being less of a struggle to secure a job, tourism offers unique training and opportunities.
She said that, unlike other sectors, the hospitality industry offers practical training in all aspects.
Windstaan was never one for job-hopping. She was always content with what she did and preferred to stay and grow in the company and industry alike.
She said not all companies really offer much-needed benefits, and that may also have been a contributing factor.
"I enjoy it here, especially when I get projects where I get to work with different professionals. Working with them on various projects, installations and training of staff and being part of that success story is priceless!”
She added: "Looking at how far I have come, I am confident I have reached the pinnacle of my career. It came with so many facets of work."
Her advice for young professionals is to study hard, work harder, and know that besides being graduates, they can always learn from others. "Your attitude towards anything in life will determine either your success or failure."
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