The girls are pretty; they wear cute outfits, smile constantly and give off a warm vibe. In most cases, to be an usher, you have to be young, beautiful and smart, and of course, you can relate perfectly well with strangers.
The girls are pretty; they wear cute outfits, smile constantly and give off a warm vibe. In most cases, to be an usher, you have to be young, beautiful and smart, and of course, you can relate perfectly well with strangers.
Ushers help those in attendance at entertainment or other events. Duties include checking tickets, directing people to their assigned seats, distributing programmes, answering questions and assisting people in finding restrooms and refreshments.
In college, some students take on part-time jobs; these jobs don’t normally clash with their study timetable. Some girls find jobs as waitresses, receptionists and call centre agents, among others. However,ushering has fast become one of the jobs many university girls in Kigali take on.
Charlene Uwase studied at University of Rwanda – Huye Campus, (formerly National University of Rwanda) and has had a number of ushering jobs at various events. She is tall, has long hair and is of a light complexion.
"Before I started working as an usher, I used to get called to help with serving at relatives’ weddings and introduction ceremonies. One day, I was called to assist at a law conference and from that day, I kept getting gigs to usher at various events. I tried my best to make sure I served well and it paid off as time went on,” she says cheerfully.
Uwase later started her own group called ‘White Ladies’ hoping to get work as a group. But unfortunately, it didn’t work out as every now and then most of them were called up individually.
"I have worked at all kinds of events and with a number of event organising companies and it taught me a lot. I apply some of those lessons in my job today as a customer care sales agent. I also managed to connect to a great network of people and through this, I have achieved a lot, including my scholarship to do a Masters in Belgium which I will pursue next year,” she says with clear gratitude.
Becky Ton Kamikazi says the ushering business is about beauty and brains and can be a good source of income for a student or anyone still searching for a job.
"When they are looking for people to serve at big events, they ask all applicants to send a brief curriculum vitae and a picture.With that, the facial appearance counts most and the ability to speak English fluently comes next.
To make it in this industry, one has to be smart, hardworking and active because the moment you lack any of these, you will only act as a fill-in because someone else that was called didn’t show up,” she explains.
Kamikazi adds that payments range between Rwf10,000 to Rwf25,000 depending on the event and one can have about two events a week during the festive season or even none during what they call ‘the dry season’ and that is around the beginning of the year till the end of May.
"Usually, one can help at a wedding for free because the bride or groom is a relative or friend. Other events range from conferences – these are liked the most because there is good food and not a lot of movement, corporate launch parties and cocktails, concerts – which we are not that crazy about -and then finally, welcoming guests at the airport,” she says.
For a girl pursuing a degree, it is a good way to make some extra cash. In the event of exams, one can let their employer know beforehand so that they focus on their studies, mentions Kamikazi.
"After graduation, it can really get the bills paid, especially if one is renting. It’s a part time job that gives exposure, opens one’s mind and doors to many opportunities. And that is where I see it taking me after my graduation. I have many contacts and I think I know what I want to do,” Kamikazi says.
Glamourous and fun as it sounds, every job has its challenges.
Christine (not real name) says the fact that the job description sometimes isn’t well defined can cause someone to go against their beliefs.
"I am a Christian and the first time I ever went for a gig, it was a youth conference and I really enjoyed it. It paid well and I not only did what I had to do, but also learnt and met exciting young minds and my bosses were pleased with my service. The next time I was called, it was an evening event and I had to serve people with beer and liquor. Myself, I don’t drink and I don’t believe that it is right for me to serve alcohol and deal with people whistling at me (to be served) all night,” she says.
Christine is also not happy about the way an event unfolds sometimes. She says that sometimes her friends are part of the service and the event ends with a dinner and dancing right after. But by the time the event ends, it is about 11pm or even midnight and the ladies are forced to get motos (public motorbikes) to get home.
Sometimes it rains and they have to get a cab. With all this, the young ladies are not paid for the extra time yet they had to stand and wait, with instructions not to leave before the guests.
"The worst part of it all, especially for a late evening event, is that some male guests get excited and even try to hit on you. They call you by all sorts of names and want to hold you close to them and because they are guests, you have to speak to them kindly,” Christine says.
Society’s perception of ushers
74-year-old Andrew Mutabazi has four girls and one boy. He appreciates the fact that young ladies are given a chance to work while they study, but says employers should use the opportunity to educate them on otherwork skills.
"Two of my daughters worked as ushers while at university but they never learnt anything other than showing people to their seats and serving them. They worked for different companies each time and they never got a chance to be trained by any company. It made me wonder if that was the right part-time job for them,” he says.
Mutabazi adds that if a company is hiring girls every now and then, they should take time when there is no event to train them on multiple things and teach them to be ladies that will build the country tomorrow. But not just work, get paid and go.
"Till today, I still think this isn’t exactly the best job for female students as they are exposed to nothing other than the ordinary and if anything, they are seen as sex objects by some. These companies should do something about this perception,” he says.
Is there more to ushering?
Antoine Iyamuremye, owner and managing director of Ikobe Beauty Company, says the business isn’t just about offering ushering services but also, commercial models and customer care.
"At Ikobe, we offer commercial models and also ushering services to clients depending on their need.We have young ladies and men that have just finished school or are in university and we teach them a lot in regards to conduct as they help us serve our clients,” Iyamuremye says.
He adds that a contract is signed after they have been vetted on the basis of communication and client treatment and they offer them opportunities ranging from ushering jobs to modeling and even recommend the same people for jobs in other companies when they feel like someone has been with them for a while and can be trusted.
"We also help these young minds to nurture their ideas through financial support as well as mentoring. We teach them how to become business minded and hope that when they leave us they are stronger people,” Iyamuremye says.
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How to usher
Ushering is an important skill to have that can be used for many events today. Concerts, churches, and shows all have ushers. This article will cover the bare bones of ushering.
1. Be there as soon as the doors open. Once they open, there may be a crowd of people all swarming to get in the doors. Be ready for them.
2. Be prepared with items for handing out. As soon as you see people coming, put that number of bulletins in your hand. They will then hand them out among themselves.
3. Make it easy to distribute the materials you have on hand. When there is a large group of people coming, pull out the corners of the programs/bulletins so you can whip them out to them.
4. Always be available to greet and show visitors in. If there is no one coming, it is okay to go to a nearby water fountain, but be sure to check with the producer on this one.
5. Share the tasks. If you are ushering with someone else at your side, some friends or relatives may come. They will probably want to give them the programs themselves. Graciously stand back and smile at the people.
6. Be professionally cheerful. Be sure to greet each person with a smile and a welcoming comment such as, "We’re going to have the best concert tonight”.
7. Make contact even without materials to hand out. If you’re simply greeting people with no programs, then simply shake their hand firmly.
Tips
People who walked past you will probably come back to ask for a program(s). Don’t get mad at them for inconveniencing you. Simply smile, nod, and give them the programs.
Put a large amount of programs in your hand in case of large groups suddenly swarming into the entrance.Good hygiene is essential for obvious reasons.
Ensure that you are aware of your role in each service.
Agencies
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YOUR VOICE: Ushers give their thoughts
Carol Mugabo, secretary
Ushering at events is interesting but also a challenge at some point. The job requires an individual to be flexible, informed and dependable. You are expected to do an excellent job. It’s a fascinating experience that I take pleasure in.
Gisa Kayitana, accountant
Besides being flawless, smart, and courteous; an usher falls in the realm of customer service. Everyone looks at you as the source of service and it shouldbe done with a smile. It’s a job for the courageous, passionate and the rewards are worthy.
Patricia Uwase, student
Ushering is a vibrant and exciting job. You have to be alert, smart and welcoming. It’s challenging, especially when it comes to handling people’s complaints and demands. However, the rewards are what keeps you moving. You get acquainted to productive things; you get significant links and access to valuable information and a gripping experience of socialising with people at events.
Ritah Uwamahoro, student
Most jobs require commitment and passion, but ushering requires a lot more. An individual needs to be warm and patient, mainly in cases of unruly guests. It’s a rewarding job; you gain a lot of skills and knowledge, for instance social skills and customer care, among others.
Compiled by Dennis Agaba