First recipient of a FEDHASA Bursary & Sales Professional at HotelTime Solutions (a FEDHASA member organisation)
In 2014, Janice Paulsen became the first recipient of a FEDHASA bursary. At the time, she was juggling full-time studies in Hotel Management with late-night waitressing shifts at the V&A Waterfront, often not getting home until the early hours of the morning. Today, she is a sales professional at HotelTime Solutions, a FEDHASA member organisation, and someone who has made it her mission to return the belief that was once extended to her. This Women’s Month, she reflects on the journey from that first bursary to a career that has taken her across countries, industries, and back to the classroom – this time, as the one doing the encouraging.
1. Can you tell us what receiving the first FEDHASA bursary in 2014 meant to you at that stage of your life and studies?
It meant far more than financial assistance. I was in my second year of Hotel Management, working full-time as a waitress at the V&A Waterfront, with classes and practicals during the day and shifts that often ran until 2am. My annual fees were around R45,000 – before uniforms, chef’s equipment, and everything else the course required. My family, friends, and colleagues supported me wherever they could, but the debt was accumulating.
One of my lecturers noticed how hard I was working and encouraged me to apply for the FEDHASA bursary. When I received the R50,000 award, the relief was profound.
But more than the money, it felt like someone was saying, “We see how hard you’re working, and we believe in you.” I have carried that feeling with me ever since.
2. How did the bursary support your journey into the hospitality industry, and what opportunities did it help to open up for you?
It gave me something invaluable at that stage of my life: breathing room. The financial pressure eased, and I could focus on my studies without constantly worrying about the next expense.
Looking back, though, I believe the bursary gave me something even more valuable than financial support – confidence. It reminded me that the sacrifices I was making were worthwhile, and that there was a place for someone like me in this industry.
Since then, my career has taken me through many different areas of hospitality, across different countries, and alongside some of the most talented professionals in the field. The bursary was one of the early stepping stones that helped make all of that possible.
3. As a woman working in hospitality, what have you found most rewarding about building a career in the industry?
Discovering just how much possibility exists within it. When I started studying Hotel Management, I thought of hospitality in terms of hotels, restaurants, and operations. As my career developed, I found a much broader world – revenue management, distribution, technology, sales, training and development, and so much more. That diversity has allowed me to keep learning and evolving.
As a woman, I’ve also found it rewarding to witness how much the industry is changing. Early in my career, women in senior leadership roles were far fewer. I made a commitment to myself that I wanted to be part of changing that, and in doing so, help create more opportunities for the women coming into the industry behind me.
Ultimately, hospitality is a people industry. It has given me the chance to meet remarkable people, build meaningful relationships, and experience more than I ever imagined when I first started. It has become far more than a career. It has become a way of life.
4. You now work for one of FEDHASA member companies. What has been your proudest achievement since receiving the bursary?
Being able to return to where my journey began and give back.
After completing my four years of study, Cape Town Hotel School employed me directly. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to return over the years for open days, motivational talks, and student engagements, including speaking to third-year students last year.
Standing in front of those students and sharing my journey, from waitressing through the early hours to building a career across the industry, is incredibly rewarding. Being able to say, “I once sat exactly where you are,” makes it even more meaningful.
Today, I’m proud to work for HotelTime Solutions, a company that is truly passionate about hospitality and actively supports organisations like FEDHASA. Being part of a team that shares that commitment matters to me deeply.
5. As we celebrate Women’s Month, what message would you like to share with young women who are considering a career in hospitality?
Put your hand up and ask questions. Seek out mentors and never be afraid to make your voice heard or take your place in rooms where important decisions are being made.
If you have the passion, pursue it. This is an industry with heart, and there is still so much room for you to make your mark.
And when you reach a point where you can support someone coming behind you, do it. Share your knowledge, open doors, offer encouragement, and believe in them. Sometimes, having just one person who sees your potential can make all the difference. I know that from experience.
