Michelle O'Driscoll - Human Resources

Can you tell us about the Dalata Graduate programme and your experience with this programme?

The Dalata Graduate Programme is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to build a career in hospitality. It offers hands-on training across various departments, including front office to food and beverage to sales and marketing, allowing graduates to explore their interests and develop essential skills alongside experienced Managers in the hotel. Graduates get to undergo a “20 Day Journey” which allows them to be placed into each department of the hotel for 1-2 days to shadow and see for themselves how it is run.

Graduates benefit from mentorship and training events and a strong focus on teamwork and leadership, which prepares them for real-world challenges. From my experience and speaking to others about it, the programme plays a key role in boosting confidence and career growth and is definitely worth doing.

What is the most interesting project you have been involved in since you joined?

One of the most rewarding projects I've been involved with was when I was asked to support the HR Manager at Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American. It was a fantastic opportunity that allowed me to expand my skills while contributing to the success of the newly acquired Clayton Hotel in Amsterdam. I played an active role in supporting various HR initiatives, including employee engagement, recruitment, and administrative tasks, all while working closely with a dynamic team and learning about life and culture in the Netherlands.

The project stands out as one of the best because it not only gave me the chance to develop new competencies but also deepened my understanding of hotels being acquired and the work that goes on behind the scenes. It was also amazing to get the opportunity to travel to other countries and see the opportunities the hotel group has regarding new builds and acquisitions. The experience of collaborating with professionals in a fast-paced, multicultural environment was invaluable, and I take pride in how my contributions helped streamline HR processes and foster a positive working atmosphere.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I really enjoy the challenge of recruiting top talent, onboarding new hires, and watching them grow in their roles. I enjoy meeting new starters on their first day, some of them nervous, and putting them at ease and having a chat and a coffee. It's incredibly fulfilling to see how my efforts in recruitment, training, and development translate into improved guest experiences and employee satisfaction.

What prompted you to apply for the Dalata Graduate Programme?

I have a strong foundation in the hospitality industry, having earned a degree in Hospitality Management from Munster Technological University, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience working in smaller hospitality establishments. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of delivering excellent service and creating positive guest experiences. However, over time, I developed a growing interest in the people side of the business, particularly in how effective HR practices can shape both employee satisfaction and guest outcomes.

I then pursued a Higher Diploma in HR at University College Cork. This program allowed me to deepen my knowledge of HR principles. I’ve always wanted to marry these two areas together—hospitality and human resources—and I saw the Dalata Graduate Programme as the perfect opportunity to further develop my skills in both fields. Dalata also wants you to grow professionally in an environment that values people development.

What was your experience of the Dalata Graduate recruitment process?

My experience with the Dalata Graduate recruitment process was both engaging and insightful. From the beginning, I found the application process to be clear and straightforward, with detailed information on the programme and its expectations. The online application allowed me to showcase my background in hospitality and HR.

Once my application was shortlisted, I was invited to participate in a group interview. I found this to be a fantastic opportunity to interact with other candidates. The group activities and assessments gave me a chance to demonstrate my teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. Throughout the process, the recruitment team was highly supportive and transparent, providing clear communication and feedback at each stage. The interviews were well-structured.

Have you any tips for someone else thinking of applying to the Dalata Graduate Programme?

• Go on LinkedIn and message past graduates, people are happy to help
• Stay positive and open-minded
• Be yourself and embrace teamwork
• Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, this is where you will really learn!

If you have already completed the graduate programme

Please give a brief overview of your journey since completing the graduate programme, including your current job title

Having graduated from the Graduate Programme, I was working in the Clayton Hotel Cork City as HR Executive. I was then offered a Cluster HR Executive role for Clayton Hotel Cork City and Maldron Hotel South Mall and this is my current job title. I will be undergoing the Dalata HR Development course next year to further enhance my skills. The door to opportunity is wide open in Dalata Hotel Group for sure!