Hospitality manager of renowned brands M. Kaan Yıldırım believes that the secret to happiness in professional life is to work in an environment that improves you not only in the material sense but also spiritually.
Can you tell us about your career story?
I was educated in a much different discipline from the one I’m working on now. I studied Civil Engineering at Yıldız Technical University. After graduating, I even worked as an engineer for a while. Then, I switched to the entertainment and hospitality industry which I love and enjoy very much. I’ve had the opportunity to gain extensive experience in this field since I was a student. I had the chance to work at some of the world’s most prestigious establishments. I was lucky enough to witness the openings of prominent restaurants.
What do you think is the secret to a happy professional life? Unfortunately, not many people wake up in the morning and are excited to go to work. The most important reason is that most people do the job they feel like they have to rather than the one that will make them happy. I believe the secret to a happy professional life is to work in an environment that improves you not only in the material sense but also spiritually, where you can bring something of yourself to make a difference. I consider myself lucky in terms of where I work, and my co-workers. However, I never feared change, even back when I realised I didn’t feel this way.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
The service industry always requires high motivation and positive energy. The guests always expect friendliness and good service. However, not unlike other lines of work, there can be problems at times. I think the hardest part is to stay positive when that happens and come up with a solution.
What would you recommend to those who are at the beginning of their career, or considering a career change?
Beginning a career or changing it are challenging periods. The most crucial thing to do beforehand is to get together with professionals in that field and spend a day with them. After some time, your job becomes your lifestyle, and a job you dislike brings along a life that you don’t enjoy living. So, I care a lot about doing an internship before beginning a career. Soft skills, problem-solving, and social intelligence are highly important in terms of the entertainment and hospitality industry. You may not remember the tiny details of a hotel room you once stayed in or the lighting of the place where you went to have fun, but you will surely remember the overall experience you had. That’s why, before making a career change, it’s important to consider the fact that it may lead to a change in your lifestyle and then act accordingly.