Want To Become Chief Stew? How To Give Yourself The Best Chance

Embarking on the journey to secure your first Chief Stew position on a superyacht is both a challenge and an exciting ride. As a Senior Stew, you’ve honed your skills and learned the ropes, and now you aspire to lead and manage your own interior team. But how can you successfully navigate this pivotal career transition, especially in a competitive job market where you may find yourself lower on the pecking order without HOD experience?

Here’s how you can give yourself the best chance of becoming a Chief Stew:

Enhance Your Skills & Knowledge

Investing in professional development is crucial. Consider taking advanced courses in:

• Leadership and Management: Equip yourself with skills to effectively lead and motivate your team. Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all; adapting your style to individual team members is essential. This is likely one of the biggest challenges you’ll face moving into a Chief Stew role.
• Interior Management: Learn about budgeting, inventory management, accounting, and other admin tasks. All those hours your Chief Stew spends behind their desk aren’t for nothing – they’re handling all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the yacht running smoothly.
• Specialty Courses: Enhance your knowledge in wine and cocktails, floral arrangements, and event planning. Knowing your chardonnay from your sauvignon and being able to whip up a decent cocktail at the drop of a hat can set you apart in the UHNW world.

Build A Strong Track Record

Gaining relevant experience as a 2nd Stew or in other senior interior positions is invaluable. Focus on:

• Good Longevity: Demonstrating commitment by sticking out your 2nd Stew role for a few years on one or two yachts can go a long way in helping you secure your first Chief Stew position.
• Diverse Experience: Working on a couple of different yachts shows varied experience, dealing with different owners, captains, and Chief Stews. This well-rounded skill set will show you can adapt when things get thrown at you. However, avoid yacht hopping too frequently.
• Seek Mentorship: Learn from seasoned Chief Stews who can provide guidance and support. Let them know you’re eager to learn from them.
• Network: Attend industry events, join yacht crew forums, and participate in online groups to connect with industry professionals.

Become A Leader

The leadership aspect of stepping up to Chief Stew will likely be the biggest learning curve. It’s not just about managing tasks but also about:

• Good Communication and Listening Skills: These are essential for making fast and informed decisions, adapting to unexpected situations, and handling conflict resolution swiftly.
• Kindness, Compassion, and Understanding: A good leader is kind and compassionate. Leading by example and maintaining a positive attitude will inspire your team with both your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Polish Your CV

When you’re confident you’re ready to take on your first Chief Stew role, make sure to:

• Highlight all the above skills and experiences on your CV.
• Show why you’re the perfect candidate for the position.
• Don’t be disheartened by rejection. Instead, thank yachts for considering you and ask for constructive feedback.

Remember, when you want to become a Chief Stew, it is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about growing into a role where you can lead, inspire, and manage effectively. Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep believing in your ability to step up and shine.

To keep up to date with the latest Superyacht Content News, click here.

Sign up to our Newsletter below: