I started out at Marriott much the same way our young people do today. I worked after school and during the summer. It wasn’t called an internship back then, but I knew it was a great way to get experience and learn the business. When I was 14, I stapled invoices after school in the Hot Shoppes accounting office.
Today, when walking around hotels and headquarters, I see a lot of bright, young excited faces. A few interns are helping me post this blog. They want us to add more pictures. So we took a picture and wham! It appeared instantly on one of their Facebook pages with the caption: “Hanging out with the boss man after recording his blog.”
They took a picture of the boardroom, too. I don’t know why anybody would want that, but they did. Long gone are the quiet interns who just put invoices together.
While a majority of our interns come from hospitality schools, many don't. I knew nothing about hotels when we opened our first one, but I was sure anxious to learn. I certainly learned on the job much the same way our interns learn when they arrive at our company.
In the coming weeks, we will say goodbye to our summer interns. Hopefully, they will come away with a better understanding of how hotels operate. And, equally as important, we will learn from the next generation what truly "turns them on."
As “the Boss Man,” I want to say thank you to all of you.
I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.
Leave a comment telling me about your internship.
Thank you for your post.
Back in the days I've tried to apply for a work placement/Internship with Marriot but got no chance. Thus, I still managed to gain international work experience with other hotels and since then I learned a lot. Now I am employed as reservations manager. Yet I will never say no to an opportunity with Marriot!
All the best
Posted by: Taoufik Haraketi | 08/08/2011 at 02:49 PM
this is great inspiration for any student who wants to get into the hospitality business
Posted by: Orlando Hotels | 08/08/2011 at 02:34 PM
What a great opportunity for these interns to rub shoulders with you! Internships are becoming increasingly essential for students in all fields to improve their employment potential after graduating. Great way to learn and gain valuable experience.
Posted by: Live Chat | 08/08/2011 at 01:05 PM
Mr. Marriott -
I am not yet a member of Marriott's big family but I am looking forward to having a future with Marriott. This particular post emphasizes my reasons even more.
I love the humility and humbleness shown and reflected here. How you value your employees, including the trainees and how the company is willing to learn from the next generation. Indeed, learning happens not only by doing, but also by listening.
In your opinion, how would one who graduated with a Hotel Management degree in 2003 get back in to the hotel business after being away from it for several years?
Posted by: Linda | 08/08/2011 at 11:02 AM
Ni Hao from China, Mr. Boss Man!
I am a Chinese American currently killing two birds with one stone as an intern but also Management Trainee at one of the properties in China.
As Management Trainee, not only do I get the opportunity to learn about the basics of running a hotel at the front desk, but am also able to work closely with the resident manager on improving guest satisfaction. Working directly under the second in command of the hotel has not only helped me understand better the role of management, but has also helped me receive valuable feedback on my progress.
My advice to other students seeking an internship position with Marriott is to go where the opportunity is. Think outside your home country, especially if you speak a second language!
Posted by: Alan | 08/08/2011 at 10:12 AM