SUMMER JOBS

A flexible schedule, fun colleagues, and the opportunity to earn some money: a part-time job at Van der Valk is perfect for students. Three young employees share their experiences. 'Thanks to this job, I have discovered my passion for the hotel and food service industry.'

Martine van der Deijl

Photography: NoPoint studio's

Styling: Van Tilburg

Make Up: Joyce Walian Agency

Tycho (17) Service Employee, Hotel Breda

Since I was young, I have always wanted to work in the hospitality industry; it is not something that runs in my family, it truly comes from within myself. I am currently in the first year of the hotel school in Breda. As part of my education, I did a two-week internship at Hotel Breda. I worked in the café, the restaurant, and also at the reception. I enjoyed it, the hotel liked my work, and so they asked me after that period if I was interested in working a few hours per week as a side job alongside my studies. I go to school five days a week, and on Friday evenings and Sundays, I work at the hotel. On Fridays, I work in the café, and on Sundays, I take care of breakfast and lunch. I enjoy working behind the bar in the café the most because I run that shift independently.

At Van der Valk, responsibility is quickly given to you, which is a great learning experience. This allows me to put my own twist on the work. Additionally, I can make the tastiest cocktails for the guests in the café, which is truly my specialty. I also have a great time with my colleagues. After work, we often sit together on the terrace, and we also see each other outside of work sometimes. It really feels like a big family. When I have saved enough money, I would like to buy my own car. I have just started my driving lessons, so luckily I still have some time to save up for it. When I finish my education, I would like to open my own restaurant. And maybe even my own hotel later on. But for now, I still enjoy working at Hotel Breda.'

"When I have shorter study days, I quickly think: let me just go to work."

"I am currently in the second year of my training to become a medical assistant. Since 2022, I have been working alongside my studies at Hotel Eindhoven. I really wanted a part-time job and saw that they were looking for someone in the restaurant at the hotel. After sending my resume and motivation letter, I was invited for an interview. It went very well and I could start almost immediately."

I work on different days, depending on my school schedule; on average about 20 hours per week. It is very easy to combine with my studies. When I have shorter study days, I quickly think: let me go to work. I enjoy it so much and of course, I earn money as well. I work in the restaurant, in the conference rooms, or in the bar. I really enjoy working in the bar the most. Besides serving food and preparing drinks, there is always time in the bar to have a chat. I find that social contact with the guests very important. There are regular guests who come, and because you get to know each other a bit, such conversations can have a bit more depth. Sometimes they even share their whole life story. It gives me a good feeling that I can listen to someone at that moment.

There is also good contact among colleagues; it really feels like we belong together. Regular staff outings are also organized, such as a visit to a beer tasting event. That was really awesome. In the past two years, I have been able to save quite a bit. I bought a laptop and was able to go on a trip to Milan with my friends. And now I am saving up for a car. I am sure I will succeed, things are definitely heading in the right direction.

Lynn (18) Service Employee, Hotel Eindhoven

I am very social myself; that goes well together with working in the hospitality industry.

Cuneyt (17) Service Employee, Hotel Delft A4

"At the age of fifteen, I had a part-time job at a supermarket where I didn't enjoy working much. My mother said to me, 'Why don't you start working at Van der Valk?' That seemed like a good idea to me. I can already see the hotel from our bathroom, so at least it was close by, haha. I followed my mother's advice, inquired at the hotel for a job, and as soon as I turned sixteen, I could start working here in the restaurant service."

I especially enjoy providing guests with a great evening. In my opinion, going out for dinner is about more than just the food; guests should feel like they are truly having a night out. It is important to me that people leave at the end of the evening with a smile on their face. I am very social myself; which goes well with working in the hospitality industry. This year, I will be taking my final exams and in August, I will start studying hotel management in The Hague. I had never really considered studying hospitality before, but I really enjoy this part-time job and it suits me perfectly. So, my choice of studies is really influenced by working at Van der Valk. Thanks to this job, I have discovered my passion. During my studies, I will also learn how to cook. This is great because at the moment, I can't cook anything beyond frying an egg.

Besides enjoying myself in the hotel, it is nice to earn some money next to school. This summer, I am going on holiday to the Greek island of Zakynthos with my friends. I am really looking forward to it, and then my earned money will certainly come in handy.