By Bridget Sowers Digital Media Coordinator Lakeside is a quaint summer spot where the days are typically full of arts, lectures, worship services, swimming, mini-golf and ice cream, but the pandemic certainly brought forth many challenges.
Like many organizations and businesses across the country, Lakeside has faced staffing shortages the past two years, making it difficult for guests to fully immerse themselves in the Chautauqua experience.
However, this summer will look much different for employment at Lakeside, having hired nearly all the vital team members needed to operate. Lakeside’s Human Resources team has worked hard over the past two months to ensure a fully staffed 2022 season.
By attending job fairs at Tiffin University, University of Akron, University of Findlay, Terra State Community College and Lourdes University, Lakeside’s HR Team developed relationships with universities and conducted interviews, leading to an organization-wide Lakeside Job Fair at Wesley Lodge on March 30.
“It was our current team’s first time hosting a job fair, and, out of 17 candidates, we hired 15,” said Rebecca Doak, Lakeside’s Coordinator of Recruitment, Retention & Training.
The Lakeside Job Fair created a unique opportunity to welcome people to the grounds in the spring and share information about Lakeside.
Doak spent most of her career in the Center for Students at the University of Mount Union, most recently serving as Executive Director.
“I loved my students at Mount Union, and for five years, I’ve not been around college students to that extent,” said Doak. “I’m excited I’ll be around a lot of young people again.”
Guiding and mentoring students was a big part of Doak’s career, and her extensive experience in higher education makes her a perfect fit for this role in Lakeside.
In addition to the employees hired from a total of six job fairs, Lakeside is excited to welcome 21 international students to the team this summer.
With 11 students from Thailand and 10 from Europe, some friendly Lakesiders will be serving as Lakeside Abroad Ambassadors (LAA) to help guide and provide support for the international students during their time at Lakeside.
To correlate with the many positive changes surrounding Lakeside employment this season, orientation has been revamped as Lakeside Launch and Lakeside Refresh to better fit the needs of our new and returning employees.
Lakeside Launch, our updated orientation for new team members, will introduce Lakeside, its history, four pillars, and will bring the hospitality passion to all new Lakeside team members.
Lakeside Refresh will bring an abundance of experience and history to our returning team.
Between international students, returning staff, retirees and college interns, Lakeside is looking at a summer with well-trained employees and fully staffed amenities.
Seasonal employees are crucial to the Chautauqua experience. They make Lakeside come alive during the summer months, and Lakeside would not be what it is without its dedicated team members.
Lakeside is still looking to fill positions in Security, Grounds and Events. If you or someone you know is looking for a fun, engaging, team-oriented workplace, invite them to apply at lakesideohio.com/employment.
