Hilton is dedicated to cultivating early talent and investing in the future leaders of hospitality through our early talent programs. We want Gen Z to not only start their careers at Hilton but to grow with us. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized as a top employer for Gen Z, earning a spot as a Handshake Early Talent Award Winner for the fourth year in a row. This award highlights the best employers for Gen Z to launch their careers, and Hilton was one of the few recognized in the hospitality industry!
Don't just take our word for it—hear from some Gen Z Hilton Team Members on why Hilton was the right place to start their journey.
Victoria Perez (Penn State University, Hospitality Management)
2023 Summer Corporate Intern & 2024 Management Development Program Trainee
How did Hilton early talent opportunities help you in your early career?
“As a Hilton intern, I participated in programming that aided my personal and professional development. As a 21-year-old, corporate America intimidated me since I had no experience in it. The entire summer was full of opportunities to network, share my ideas, and present to leadership. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone grew my confidence and helped me advocate for myself.
The Management Development Program (MDP) helped me gain more confidence in my communication and executive decision skills. There is always something going on in the hotel and taking advantage of that helps me learn as much as I can. Taking ownership of my training and remaining curious led me to view things from different perspectives and apply what I learned in future instances.”
Why was Hilton a great workplace for you to start your career?
“From the moment I joined Hilton, I was treated as an equal and given responsibility. This demonstrated that Hilton saw value in my work, and I was able to gain my team's trust as I worked on more projects. My experiences and opportunities helped me grow professionally and identify what I want to focus on career wise. I don't think I would have had this experience at another company.”
Katie Hellinga (Marquette University, Human Resources Management & International Business)
2023 Summer Corporate Intern & 2024 LAUNCH Analyst
How did Hilton early talent opportunities help you in your early career?
“My internship provided hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of the business. Through my projects, I gained an understanding of hospitality and enhanced my practical skills. The program also helped me adjust to a corporate environment, teaching me how to navigate professional settings and collaborate with many teams.
Furthermore, my participation in LAUNCH has been incredibly educational. Through our partnership with Guild, I enrolled in eCornell Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management certification course that will enhance my development expertise and enable me to better support my team. My hotel immersion experience also provided me with valuable insights into the local market and business practices from the property perspective.”
Why was Hilton a great workplace for you to start your career?
“The welcoming environment at Hilton made me feel valued and supported from day one. Opportunities to advance my career such as our mentorship program, LinkedIn Learning courses, and Hilton University offerings demonstrate the company’s commitment to employee growth and development. Additionally, the Go Hilton Team Member travel program has allowed me to explore new destinations and cultures, for hotel rooms as low as $40 a night!”
Hunter Avila (University of Texas at Dallas, Global Business & Marketing)
2023 Management Development Program Trainee & 2024 RMCC (Revenue Management Consolidated Center) Specialist
How did Hilton early talent opportunities help you in your early career?
“Through MDP, I was able to grow as a leader and understand what it takes to be successful in the industry. I learned that success in hospitality is determined by one's ability to lead with a firm hand while remaining empathetic.
My experience in the RMCC challenged me to be more meticulous, helping me improve my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a result, I’m able to further support our hotel teams when facing any technical or strategic issues.”
Why was Hilton a great workplace for you to start your career?
“Hilton was a great place for me to start my career because it has a supportive company culture, in which my leaders helped me through many high-pressure situations. In addition, I witnessed many Team Members, myself included, excel to greater opportunities. I believe that these growth opportunities are a testament to how Hilton prioritizes development within the organization.”
Ready to begin your career with Hilton just like Victoria, Katie, and Hunter? Explore our different early talent opportunities including our Summer Corporate Internship Program, LAUNCH Rotational Program, Management Development Program, and Revenue Management Consolidated Center. To learn more about how we’re supporting Gen Z, check out our Handshake Early Talent Awards winner’s page.
