30 July 2026
National Intern Day 2026 – Lessons from the 2026 Hilton Corporate Intern Class
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Every summer, Hilton’s Corporate Internship Program gives interns the chance to do meaningful work, build valuable skills, and learn from leaders across Hilton. From Brands, Human resources, Development and Technology to Finance, Communications, SaleMeaningful Work That Makes an Impact Starting on day one, this year's interns were already contributing through meaningful work and new ideas.For Esther Man, an HR Technology & Innovation Intern at our McLean HQ and a student at the University of Virginia, the level of contribution she was able to make, made all the difference. This summer, she worked on initiatives that improved proceEsther Man, HR Technology & Innovation Intern"My favorite part of interning at Hilton this summer is having the opportunity to work on meaningful projects while learning directly from experienced leaders all across the organization. It allowed me to see how ideas translate into rThat sense of ownership was echoed by Cecilia Deaton, who interned with the Record to Report (RTR) Hotel Accounting team in Hilton's Memphis office.Cecilia Deaton, RTR Hotel AccountingIntern"One thing that surprised me about my internship has been the level of responsibility I've been given and trusted with. I thought I'd mostly be observing, but instead I've been contributing to meaningful projects alongsiThroughout the summer, managers, mentors, and Team Members supported interns by sharing their advice and experiences, making every project and opportunity a chance to learn. It’s the People That Make the Experience When asked about their summer, many interns said the people made the internship unforgettable. The relationships that have been built this summer between mentors, fellow interns, and leaders have become one of the most rewarding parts As the #1 World's Best Workplace, the welcoming culture interns experience every day reflects the same experience Team Members around the world have too. In 2025, Hilton was recognized as the World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune,Brands Category Support Intern Caileigh Ross, a rising senior at Virginia Tech, found that connections came naturally throughout her summer at Hilton. Caileigh Ross, Brands Category Support Intern"I've met so many unique team members with different backgrounds and in different departments. I'm so grateful that Hilton has a culture that fosters these connections."That welcoming environment also stood out to George Mason University student Abdelrahim Osman, who spent the summer with the Enterprise Data Governance team at the McLean HQ.Abdelrahim Osman, Enterprise Data Governance Intern"Hilton is a very strong culture-first, people-first company, and it's reflected by people and how they act and how they treat you. It's a very supportive environment to be in, especially as an intern just beginning my career." For University of Miami student Caroline Wicker, who interned with Hilton Supply Management's Retail Merchandising team, those interactions created a sense of belonging from day one. Caroline Wicker, HSM Retail Merchandising Intern"Everyone has been so welcoming. Whether that's my team or just the people I pass by in the elevator. They're all so happy to chat with an intern, so that's really made Hilton feel like home.&nbsLearning Beyond Your Team The internship experience extends far beyond day-to-day project work. Through coffee chats, executive speaker sessions, leadership programming, and networking opportunities, interns gain exposure to leaders across Hilton and a deeper understanding ofScarlett Kiss, a returning Internal Audit Intern and finance student at The Ohio State University, found the internship programming to be one of the most valuable parts of her experience. The Executive Speaker Series has been one of the mosScarlett Kiss,Internal Audit Intern"They share their career journeys, what their day-to-day looks like at Hilton, and advice for us as we start our own careers. It's also an opportunity for us to ask any questions we have, whether it's about a project we're working on, what their roleAdvice for Future Interns While every intern's experience looked a little different, their advice for next year's class was remarkably consistent: stay curious, build relationships, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. That willingness Brooke Austin, a Global Distribution Intern based in Hilton's Dallas office, encouraged future interns to embrace the learning process rather than feel pressure to know everything from day one. Brooke Austin,Global Distribution Intern"Don't be afraid to ask questions because there are going to be things that are confusing and things that you don't know, and that's okay. The people here are totally willing and love to answer our questions." Thomas Walsh, a Customer Promise Intern at our McLean HQ and Virginia Tech student, believes relationships truly shape the internship experience: Thomas Walsh, Customer Promise Intern“Carve time out of your day to do coffee chats, ask questions, and have those conversations. Get connections to areas of the business that you might be interested in in the future."The interns also emphasized that growth comes from taking initiative. Andreana Frangos, a Cornell University student interning with Hilton's HRCC Communications team, at Hilton's Dallas office, shared: Andreana Frangos,HRCC Communications Intern"Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to people, schedule coffee chats, and volunteer projects. The interns that ask to be involved will get more out of the experience." Whether they were building technology solutions, supporting global brands, strengthening the guest experience, or analyzing business performance, this year's interns shared one common takeaway: Hilton is a place where interns are trusted, challenged,If you're ready to gain real experience, make meaningful connections, and see where a career at Hilton can take you, internship applications open August 17. Be sure to join our Talent Community so you don't miss future opportunities.