Caitlin McLaughlin
Ballyshannon
Summary
Recent graduate from University of Galway. Motivated Communications Intern with practical experience in public relations and corporate communication. Demonstrated skills in content creation, social media management, and event planning. Proven ability to implement strategic communications plans and contribute positively to team dynamics. Strong interpersonal capabilities with keen attention to detail and organizational proficiency. Up to six years of customer service experience in various sectors.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Waitress/Housekeeper
Smugglers Creek Inn
Ballyshannon
06.2021 - Current
- Opened the restaurant in the mornings to serve breakfast to overnight guests from 5 rooms in the restaurant and a small cottage.
- Took part in the role of housekeeping after guests had checked out of the 5 rooms and small cottage.
- Organized the layout for big events, such as weddings and private parties, ensuring the smooth running of events.
- Worked solo in the bar, but also accompanied.
- Undertook the role of a supervisor during the daytime shifts, organizing bookings, handling phone calls and queries for customers, while managing a small team of staff.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss new menu items or changes in policy.
- Addressed concerns quickly to improve customer experience and escalated issues to management for resolution when necessary.
Waitress
Fiver Horses Tavern
Boston
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Served customers by taking orders for food and drink and bringing food to the table when needed
- Held a clean standard within the restaurant, cleaning tables and surrounding areas after dining.
- Held a high knowledge of the drinks and food menu in order to give recommendations to customers.
- Greeted customers if the host was not present and showed them to their table.
- Used toast system in order to seat customers.
- Prepared checks accurately and processed payments promptly.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any complaints or concerns promptly.
- Provided accurate change for cash transactions using a cash register system.
- Developed positive relationships with regular customers through friendly conversation.
- Assisted other wait staff members in times of heavy customer traffic.
Communications and CEO Office Intern
Community Foundation Ireland
Dublin
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Assisted the communications director and team with day-to-day business.
- Communicated with venues to host events for the foundation.
- Assisted in the internal and external newsletters for the foundation.
- Organized and attended interviews for a video shoot.
- Gathered information from other community foundations worldwide.
- Partook in speech writing for the CEO.
- Proofread and edited documents externally and internally.
- Maintained open communication channels between departments to maximize efficiency and productivity.
- Directed long-term research initiatives to identify new markets for growth opportunities.
- Cultivated relationships with external organizations to build partnerships that benefited both parties.
- Reviewed current systems and processes regularly for potential improvements or upgrades.
- Represented the organization at conferences, events, networking activities., as needed.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility in target markets.
- Spearheaded internal initiatives designed to foster collaboration among staff members.
Seasonal Sales Consultant/Tour Guide
Belleek Pottery Ltd.
Fermanagh
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Promoted to one of 5 Team Leaders after the first year of employment.
- Responsible primarily for delivering guided tours to international and Indigenous tourists, attracting up to 160,000 visitors per year.
- Coordinated the running of the Visitor Centre in the manager's absence and provided support for staff and catering for a diverse customer base.
- Gained experience in Customer Services, handling phone queries, and helping in the warehouse during the busy Christmas period.
- Staffed the reception desk when required, which involved booking in bus tours.
- Identified areas of improvement within existing processes and procedures.
- Established long-term relationships with key contacts at client companies.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients to increase sales revenue.
- Participated in regular training sessions on new products, services, and industry trends.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by providing follow-up support after purchases.
- Advised customers on best practices when using company products or services.
- Increased revenue by skillfully upselling and closing customer sales and driving product benefits around client needs.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions, exchange guidelines, payment policies, and security practices.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Rights
University of Galway
Galway08-2024
Leaving Certificate - English, History, Geography, Business, Irish, German, Maths
Colaiste Cholmcille
Ballyshannon05-2020
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Liaison with translators
- Responsibility
- Eagerness to learn
- Team leadership
- Working under pressure
- Efficient work ethic
- Dedication to career development
- Guest Relations Management
- Customer Service
- Editing and proofreading
- Speechwriting
- Privacy regulations
- Fundraising campaigns
- Community Engagement
- Press Release Writing
- Sales Support
- Crisis Management
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Project Support
- Media Relations
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Solution-driven
- Internal Communications
- Customer-focused
Interests and Achievements
· Semi Finalist in ‘A’ Schools Basketball Ireland Cup.
· Previous member of University of Galway surf club
· Volunteer with Hygiene Hub Ireland. Collecting and distributing hygiene products to organizations that benefit from them.
· Volunteer with the Teddy Bear Hospital Galway.
· Volunteer with Boxing in Pink charity match.
· Sung in the Cor Creevy Choir and have an All-Ireland Bronze medal from competing.
· Won a local photography competition.
· Competed in Irish Dancing Competitions.
· Enjoy all forms of social media and I have a keen interest in the digital world.
· Joined with Voluntary Service International teaching English to students in Vietnam, April to May 2022.
· Have taken part in Fridays for Future Climate Strike
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Waitress
Fiver Horses Tavern
06.2023 - 08.2023
Communications and CEO Office Intern
Community Foundation Ireland
01.2023 - 05.2023
Waitress/Housekeeper
Smugglers Creek Inn
06.2021 - Current
Seasonal Sales Consultant/Tour Guide
Belleek Pottery Ltd.
06.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Human Rights
University of Galway
Leaving Certificate - English, History, Geography, Business, Irish, German, Maths
Colaiste Cholmcille
Similar Profiles
Dennis LearnerDennis Learner
PROSTORAGE SELF-STORAGE MGR, CONTRACTUAL MANAGEMENT at CHRISTMAS FARM RESORT, STONEFORT INN, INN ON CHURCH, MEADOW CREEK MOUNTAIN RESORT, VUE WINE BAR, WILLOW CREEKPROSTORAGE SELF-STORAGE MGR, CONTRACTUAL MANAGEMENT at CHRISTMAS FARM RESORT, STONEFORT INN, INN ON CHURCH, MEADOW CREEK MOUNTAIN RESORT, VUE WINE BAR, WILLOW CREEK
Tayler PawelkTayler Pawelk
Server Manager at Mill Creek InnServer Manager at Mill Creek Inn
ELIZABETH BIAGCONGELIZABETH BIAGCONG
Front Desk Supervisor at Days Inn Dawson CreekFront Desk Supervisor at Days Inn Dawson Creek