Service agent for 34 years
At the pinnacle of tourism
Emily Windstaan, NWR's procurement specialist has reached the pinnacle of her career in tourism and hospitality.
Windstaan has been with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (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 last minute, I can adjust accordingly.” She is a hardworking and driven individual, who faces challenges head-on. She is 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 got employed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. She started at Nature Conservation, Directorate of Tourism as an assistant resorts officer and 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. Here, she spent 13 years before being transferred to the procurement department in 2019. She said that the position of procurement specialist became vacant in late 2020, she applied and was a successful candidate.
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 my service and reported back on that.
Tourism and hospitality
When asked about what inspired her to venture into tourism:
Windstaan said she initially landed the tourism job after trying various fields of service, but once she got into it, she never let it go. “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 altogether. 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!
“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.” She advises young professionals to study hard, work harder, and know that besides being a graduate, they can always learn from others. “Your attitude towards anything in life will determine either your success or failure.”
The journey
Windstaan was schooled in Rehoboth and matriculated at Rehoboth High School in 1988. A year later, in 1989, she got employed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. She started at Nature Conservation, Directorate of Tourism as an assistant resorts officer and 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. Here, she spent 13 years before being transferred to the procurement department in 2019. She said that the position of procurement specialist became vacant in late 2020, she applied and was a successful candidate.
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 my service and reported back on that.
Tourism and hospitality
When asked about what inspired her to venture into tourism:
Windstaan said she initially landed the tourism job after trying various fields of service, but once she got into it, she never let it go. “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 altogether. 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!
“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.” She advises young professionals to study hard, work harder, and know that besides being a graduate, they can always learn from others. “Your attitude towards anything in life will determine either your success or failure.”
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