What comes after military service? For many veterans, that question can feel wide open.
After eight years in the Air Force, Philip wasn’t just looking for a job; he was looking for a workplace that valued where he’d been and where he wanted to go next. Now, as Senior Manager of Analytics Product Strategy, he’s applying the same mission-driven mindset and problem-solving skills he honed in the military to tackle complex business challenges at Hilton—and building a career with purpose along the way. In this Q&A, hear more about Philip’s career path, what surprised him most about working at Hilton, and his advice for other veterans considering a career in hospitality.
Tell us about your career journey, from your time in the military to your current role at Hilton.
“I enlisted in the Air Force in 2011 as a satellite communications technician and spent 8 years stationed in three countries, including a deployment to the Horn of Africa. During my final years of service, I completed my master’s at Virginia Tech and was introduced to the world of analytics.
After separating, I spent five years in the Netherlands gaining experience in analytics and product management before returning to the U.S. to be closer to family. While waiting on my wife’s visa, I applied for my current role at Hilton – it was the very first job I applied for!”
What drew you to the hospitality industry—and specifically Hilton—after your military service?
“It has been a full-circle moment for me. Before enlisting, I studied hospitality and tourism management at Roosevelt University in Chicago while working as a valet attendant at a hotel downtown. Funnily enough, I applied to become a front desk agent at various hotels in Chicago and kept getting rejected due to ‘lack of experience’ – so I joined the military.
Fast-forward to 2023: I am at a bar in Köln, Germany, with one of my best friends, and I ask if I should take the job at Hilton. He replied, ‘Phil, for as long as I have known you, you have always stayed in Hiltons and never shut up about hotels and restaurants. You would be crazy not to take this role.’”
What has surprised you most about working at Hilton?
“Since leaving the service, finding a sense of purpose and belonging has been difficult. Hilton’s human-centered mission to fill the Earth with the light and warmth of hospitality resonates deeply with me. It has also been the most supportive and inclusive company for which I have worked. The Veterans and Military Family Team Member Resource Group (TMRG) is incredibly active and supportive for its members, which I greatly appreciate.”
How have your experiences in the military shaped your approach to leading teams or solving problems today?
“The military can be a high-stakes, high-pressure environment. Though the stakes have drastically changed, the mentality of accomplishing a mission, taking ownership, and leading by example are attributes I have tried to bring with me since leaving the service.
Troubleshooting complex satellite systems also transfers well to analytics. It is all about breaking down problems, isolating key components, and working through solutions step by step.”
What support have you received at Hilton that has had the most significant impact on your personal or professional development?
“Personally, I had to juggle a lot of things to navigate an international move while my wife waited for her visa clearance. My leaders trusted me enough to learn my job and deliver results while bouncing between two countries. It made the transition for my family a bit easier and demonstrated that my leadership cares.
Professionally, it is refreshing to have the freedom to make and own important decisions while having the support of cross-functional leaders. There is an immense amount of trust that the person hired for the role can be successful without micromanagement, and that freedom stimulates professional growth and maturity.”
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in hospitality?
“Just jump right in. The water is warm and we are very welcoming!”
