At Hilton, we believe the travel and hospitality industry has the potential to improve the lives of all. Through our Pathways Programs, we are connecting youth to career opportunities and advancement through skills training, education programs, and job placement support for the next generation of professionals. Discover how our local partnership with the Washington Alliance for Better Schools connects students to diverse career opportunities through immersive Career Tours at Hilton properties. Keep reading to hear about how students are being introduced to various roles within hospitality and how Hilton partakes in inspiring them to envision a successful career path.
Meet John Sommer
John has thirty-eight years of experience at Hilton. He has worked in various roles, from corporate to hotel operations. Now, he is the Area HR (Human Resources) Director for Oregon & Washington, overseeing HR partnerships across the region like the Washington Alliance Program.
What is the Washington Alliance for Better Schools, and how do your properties partner with them?
“The Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS) provides diverse opportunities for industries to engage with students. One significant initiative is Career Tours, which was developed in collaboration with prominent employers in Washington state, including Hilton. These tours expose students to various career paths while connecting classroom learning with real-world work experiences. We partner with WABS and our local Highline School District to host tours for 10th graders. During these tours, Hilton Team Members share a look into their career journeys and daily roles at our hotel complex. Students also participate in hands-on activities such as preparing food in our kitchen, setting banquet tables, and competing in the "Hospitality Olympics," where they demonstrate skills like rolling silverware and calculating revenue.”
What are some key lessons the Team Members aim to teach the students?
“Our main goal is to introduce these students to the various career paths in the hospitality industry! One of my most rewarding moments is seeing students get excited as they realize firsthand the breadth of career opportunities we provide.”
Why do you think a career in the hospitality industry is an excellent choice for students?
“We are in the business of serving people, all while offering a diverse array of career paths (such as sales, finance, food and beverage, room management, technology, human resources, and more). Hospitality allows individuals to explore various positions all within the same industry. It is also reassuring for high school students to know they can achieve a rewarding career in hospitality regardless of their educational path after high school.”
