Shirley Takatso Swartland
Burgersfort
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to guest satisfaction. Experienced in event coordination and maintaining operational efficiency, ready to enhance team dynamics and support successful operations.
Developed strong organizational and communication skills in collaborative and fast-paced environment. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and contribute to team objectives. Seeking to transition into new field, utilizing transferrable skills to drive success in diverse professional settings.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Intern
Big Cedar Lodge
Missouri, United States Of America
03.2025 - 03.2026
- Assisted in daily operations, ensuring guest satisfaction through attentive service and support.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain cleanliness and organization in public areas.
- Supported event coordination by preparing materials and assisting with setup and breakdown tasks.
- Engaged with guests to provide information about lodge amenities and activities, enhancing their experience.
- Contributed to inventory management by tracking supplies and restocking as needed for operational efficiency.
Cake Baker and Decorator
Bakery Co
Polokwane, South Africa
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Prepared a variety of baked goods, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards.
- Operated commercial baking equipment efficiently to optimize production processes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Monitored inventory levels, assisting in restocking ingredients as needed for daily operations.
- Assisted in training new staff on baking techniques and safety protocols.
- Produced consistently high-quality baked goods for customers.
Line Cook
Big Cedar Lodge
Missouri, United States Of America
11.2023 - 03.2024
- Ensured proper food storage practices to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
- Adapted quickly to changing menu items and special requests from customers.
- Monitored inventory levels, reporting shortages to management for timely replenishment.
- Supported training of new staff on kitchen procedures and safety protocols.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
Line Cook
Shangri La Lodge
Modimolle, South Africa
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Prepared menu items following established recipes and quality standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently to ensure consistent food production.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of workstations and dining areas.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen workflows during peak hours.
Line Chef
Valley Lodge
Magaliesburg, South Africa
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Prepared and plated dishes according to menu specifications and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace to ensure food safety compliance.
- Assisted in inventory management, restocking ingredients to support efficient kitchen operations.
- Collaborated with team members to execute high-volume service during peak hours effectively.
- Assisted in training new line chefs, sharing best practices for efficient food preparation and service consistency.
Education
Culinary Arts
Limpopo Chefs Academy
Polokwane, Limpopo02-2025
No Degree - Computer Literacy
Pretoria Learning Academy
Pretoria, South Africa02-2022
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Quick learner
- Fast learner
- Problem-solving
- Computer skills
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Intern
Big Cedar Lodge
03.2025 - 03.2026
Cake Baker and Decorator
Bakery Co
06.2024 - 08.2024
Line Cook
Big Cedar Lodge
11.2023 - 03.2024
Line Cook
Shangri La Lodge
08.2022 - 10.2022
Line Chef
Valley Lodge
04.2022 - 06.2022
Culinary Arts
Limpopo Chefs Academy
No Degree - Computer Literacy
Pretoria Learning Academy
Content creation, Food photographing
I have love doing content creation in relation to my career choice and work. I use it to connect with people, create my own brand and also learn and develop new recipes and hoping that one day I will work with international chefs by holding events for chefs, cooks and people who are interested in food to share new skills and recipes. I would love to work with food related brands local and international so I can use their products to create new dishes, recipes and promoting them because people live to eat.
I love food photographing because it helps keep the memories of the dishes I have made and also helps people get a clear view of the dish rather than just posting a video.