Former EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Hilton Corporate interns Molly Cutter and Olivia Pilborough share how Hilton’s supportive culture, strong teams, and great benefits brought them back to build their full-time careers after university. In this blog, discover their inspiring journeys and Hilton’s commitment to nurturing and creating early talent pipelines.
Meet Molly Cutter
Molly (left) began her journey with Hilton in July 2022, joining the Talent Acquisition team as part of her placement year while studying at the University of Bath. Reflecting on her time, she notes that it was an irreplaceable experience, not only for the work she did within the graduate recruitment team but also for the opportunity to be part of a vibrant intern cohort. Upon completing her degree, Molly rejoined Hilton in June 2024, seamlessly transitioning back into the same team, ready to dive back in.
“The process of rejoining Hilton was incredibly smooth. Honestly, it felt like I never left! A big part of this seamless transition was due to returning to the same team and work environment that I was already familiar with. I knew the team dynamic, the systems we use, and the nature of the work. The support from the team made the return process enjoyable, and I’ve settled back in with ease.”
Meet Olivia Pilborough
Olivia (right) joined Hilton in July 2022 as a Compensation and Benefits Intern at the Watford office, spending a year-long placement learning her role. After the internship, Hilton offered her a part-time coordinator position, allowing her to balance work with her final year at the University of Hertfordshire, where she completed a degree in Human Resources. Olivia returned to Hilton full-time in 2024 as a Coordinator in EMEA Compensation & Benefits.
“I was fortunate that my rejoining process was seamless due to the short gap of around 6 weeks. Even on my first day back, I felt comfortable diving back into projects I was previously involved in while taking on new responsibilities. It felt like I had never left!”
What motivated you to return to Hilton after completing your studies?
Molly: "When reflecting on my placement year, I always say it was the best part of my university experience—even though it technically wasn’t spent at university. Hilton gave me real responsibility and I never felt like 'just an intern.' That sense of belonging and being valued motivated me to return. I knew Hilton was a place where I could continue to thrive."
Olivia: “I developed so much during my placement year and built great relationships with my team. It was bittersweet as the internship came to an end—I was excited to finish my degree, but I knew I’d miss the team and projects. So, when the opportunity to return came up, it was an easy decision. I’ve learned so much since then, and Hilton’s supportive culture made it a clear choice to come back.”
What aspects of Hilton’s company culture and benefits influenced your decision to return?
Molly: “Hilton’s company culture is irreplaceable. I haven’t worked at many other companies, but I quickly realised how special it was when I talked to peers who interned elsewhere. Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, the benefits at Hilton are incredible. It made the decision to return even easier.”
Olivia: “The support I felt from my team and across departments was incredible. During my internship, I was part of the Women’s Team Member Resource Group (TMRG), which allowed me to work on projects outside my department. Now, I’m involved in the Family Support group. The benefits at Hilton are also a huge draw. I love Go Hilton—it’s allowed me to visit places I never would have as a student, like Iceland!”
How has your role evolved since returning?
Molly: “Even as an intern, I felt like a valued member of the team. Since returning, that hasn’t changed. What has shifted is the level of responsibility I’ve taken on. We’re a small team, so I’ve been trusted with more complex tasks and projects. I’m working more closely with hiring managers and senior leaders, and I enjoy the challenge.”
Olivia: “My current role is new, so it’s continuously adapting. I’ve been able to dive deeper into projects I started during my internship, while also learning more about compensation and benefits across EMEA. No two days are the same, and my role is flexible enough for me to grow in different areas.”
How did Hilton support you during your journey?
Molly: “Hilton has supported me throughout my entire journey, from my internship to now. The transition back into the company was seamless. I was welcomed warmly, and I continue to feel supported both personally and professionally. It’s clear that Hilton cares about its employees and invests in their development.”
Olivia: “My line manager has been incredibly supportive with regular one-on-one meetings to help me manage my workload and identify areas for growth. I’ve also had opportunities to attend industry conferences and events, which pushed me out of my comfort zone but were hugely valuable experiences.”
How do you see yourself growing with Hilton?
Molly: “Hilton offers endless opportunities for growth. There are so many long-serving employees, which speaks volumes about the company. The culture here encourages continuous learning, and I’m excited to see where my career will go within this organisation.”
Olivia: “I’m still in the early stages of my career, but I’ve already learned so much at Hilton. I’m eager to continue developing, and I know Hilton is the right place to grow. I’m excited for any future opportunities that come my way.”
Molly and Olivia’s stories highlight Hilton’s commitment to nurturing early talent and providing meaningful opportunities for growth. Their experiences are a testament to Hilton’s welcoming culture, supportive teams, and outstanding benefits, proving that Hilton is more than just a company—it’s a place to build a career.
