Meet Yeer Xiong, a passionate Hmong young girl who choose to pursue her dream career in Hospitality Industry
Yeer Xiong is a former student of Luang Prabang Technical Vocational College where she studied diploma-level (9+3) in the dual cooperative training (DCT) Food & Beverage Service and Food Production Professionals course (F/B and FP).
Yeer Xiong was born and raised in a Hmong family in the north of Laos, Luang Prabang province. In Laos, whether it is education or career path, parents play an important role in influencing their children's choices. Especially in Hmong community, women were usually less encouraged to pursue an education. This Hmong young lady had dreamed of working in the hospitality sector since she was a kid, but this path was not strewn with roses when she first told her parents about her career choice:
“When I told my parents I wanted to study Food and Beverage and Food Professional F/B and FP, they were surprised. They said, ‘why didn't you choose something that can get you to work in the government sector?’
I explained that I preferred this field and after graduation, it can help pave the way to start my own business and can help the family.
They eventually agreed with my decision. They said, “we support you and have no problem if that is what you love”. My family really encouraged me throughout my studies, which means a lot to me. They are very supportive and are always there for me. Whatever field you want to study, it is important that your family understands, encourages, and supports you.”
Yeer Xiong not only has a strong passion for her dream, but she also put a lot of effort to make it come true. With her diligence, initiative, and humbleness, she was hired as a part-time staff member by Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel, where she was a DCT student during her first year of college.
“During in-company training, I learnt and practiced a lot, making mistakes, learning what to do and what to avoid, and how to handle situations. As a result, I became more professional, I felt more confident, and my overall work performance has kept improving.”
Sure enough, her time training and working at Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel was not wasted. Rather than staying at the same job, Yeer Xiong is determined to take the next step in her career in the hospitality industry at The Coffee Club Café in Luang Prabang province:
“After I graduated, I continued to work at Sanctuary Hotel as a chef assistant. Later, I applied for a Chef position at The Coffee Club (Avani). They first offered me the chef assistant position only. After working as a chef assistant for a while, they saw my progress. So, they encouraged me to learn more management skills, and eventually promoted me to the position of a kitchen manager, in charge of the kitchen.”
Finally, Yeer Xiong would like to leave an inspiring message for all students, regardless of gender, who wish to work in the hospitality industry:
“Working in the hospitality sector is not limited to either men or women. Though it is up to you, on how much you love in this field or this job, everyone should be proud of their career choices. To students who are currently studying in the hospitality sector: be proactive, most importantly, be polite and humble. Whatever field in the hospitality sector, you need to acquire additional knowledge such as technology and language skills. If you can only cook, but do not have other skills or knowledge, you might not be able to advance your career further or get promoted. And another significant thing is, you should enjoy what you're doing; have some fun, and this will give you energy to reach your goal faster. Only love what you do and do what you love. That is all that matters.”
Check out her inspiring story in full on the link below.
Written by: Thanathip Inthivong - Communication Specialist, Vocational Education in Lao PDR. thanathip.inthivong@giz.de