In this Guest Blog, step into the world of Hilton’s Elevator Program in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa through the eyes of Ana Isabel, Assistant F&B Manager at the Hilton Prague! Ana shares how the Elevator program launched her career, taught her valuable lessons, and set the stage for her to one day become a General Manager.
What is the Elevator Program?
The Elevator Program offers individuals the opportunity to accelerate their career path toward the role of General Manager within 5 - 8 years of the program completion. It consists of two exciting 9-month placements in two different countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where you learn about hotel operations, human resources, finance, and the commercial department.
My Elevator Placements
I started working with Hilton in 2021 as an Elevator Trainee at the Al Seef Cluster in Dubai, which includes a Canopy, Curio, and Hampton hotel property. The Middle East, known for its opulent hotels and world-class service, provided me with great insights into the core of exceptional hospitality. I witnessed how Dubai's hospitality is not just about meeting expectations; it is about exceeding them, leaving guests with an emotional connection that stays long after their departure.
The multicultural environment I worked in left a mark on me. In this melting pot of cultures, I found myself immersed in a beautiful mix of languages, customs, and traditions. Working alongside colleagues from different corners of the globe, I discovered that the true beauty of a multicultural environment lies in the harmony that emerges from acceptance and inclusivity. Together, we celebrated festivals, shared stories, and embraced our differences, forging lasting bonds of friendship.
After an incredibly special 9-months, I moved to Hilton Mainz in Germany for my second placement. From Dubai, a place where the concept of time was very fluid 'Inshallah', to Germany, where there was a meticulous approach to time management and punctuality, was a cultural shift.
I only knew the basics of German from school but was armed with the curiosity to immerse myself in the culture, forge bonds with colleagues, and learn as much as I could. My grandmother is German, so there was also a personal interest in reconnecting with my own heritage.
To bridge the language gap and enhance my understanding, I dedicated myself to German classes, attending daily after my working hours. After just a few months, I found myself confidently picking up the phone to handle inquiries in the events department. I was conducting site visits with clients, and with each interaction, I was not just making professional connections but also forming genuine friendships. My colleagues recognized my sincere eagerness to learn about their culture and work alongside them, and this mutual respect and understanding laid the foundation for a wonderful experience in Germany.
Lessons I Learned Throughout My Elevator Journey
Lesson #1: Adaptability & Curiosity
Throughout my Elevator journey, adapting and nurturing my curiosity were the keys to making the most of my experience. I actively sought to learn about the local customs, traditions, and work ethics in each country. From immersing myself in the cultural richness of a Muslim country during Ramadan to celebrating during the vibrant festivities of Fastnacht for the very first time, each moment was a journey of discovery. This not only helped me navigate my professional responsibilities, but also enabled me to form meaningful relationships with colleagues and guests.
Lesson #2: Visualizing
Visualization has empowered me to turn my aspirations into reality. It served as a constant reminder of what I aimed to achieve and motivated me to overcome challenges along the way. Not to get too technical, but research has found that when you lift your hand or imagine lifting it, the same area in your brain gets activated. This suggests a fascinating link between physical actions and mental imagery. Our brains connect what we do with what we imagine. The way I see it is that visualizing what I want, prepares me for success. I cannot recommend this practice enough, hope my TEDx Talk can help!
Final Reflections on my Elevator Journey
What makes the program so special is its comprehensive approach, allowing Elevator trainees to rotate through departments, experience the daily life of line staff members, and learn how to make decisions at a managerial level. This first-hand knowledge gave me a profound understanding of the challenges that individuals face at various levels of the organization, fostering empathy which is crucial for effective leadership. I also must highlight the incredible mentorship that you receive along the way.
As I reflect on this incredible journey, I can confidently say that the program unlocked doors to new horizons, which I now visualize daily!
