Author: Debbie Harding, Conference Sales and Services Manager, University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus
As we’re well into our conference and accommodation season in mid June (already!), we have experienced a whole array of things as a result of our “busy” season!
Personally, it’s all been really fantastic thus far, knock on wood! We’ve had the privilege of having some extraordinary groups stay with us and are expecting lots more in the coming weeks. However, this does not come without its challenges and pressures; meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our clients and balancing the resources of the large network of people we work with on campus. It’s our job to make sure everyone is happy! Right? Right! And through the hard work, patience, and sometimes pulling your hair out, it all seems to work out!
Why do we do it? What is the main motivation that drives us to work so hard to make everything work out to the best of our ability? I’m sure there are long psychological lists that can answer this question. And without question, we are professionals and want the best for our clients and guests. But for me, I try not to lose sight of my motivation, which in the end, is for our students.
This becomes very clear during convocation. This year we had four of our very own Guest Service Agents walk up to the podium to receive evidence of their hard work and dedication. What a wonderful moment! Students come from all over the country and world to study and live at UBC’s Okanagan campus. They work hard to be able to afford to come to University. I like to believe that what we do in the summer with conference and accommodation hopefully makes it a little easier for students to live on campus and experience this brief, unique, and exciting time of their lives.
Maybe we’re not changing the world and sometimes we feel like we are running in circles, but I can guarantee that if we can help students in any way to experience living on campus, we’ve certainly succeeded in helping to change their lives.
