At Hilton, we value a family-oriented culture that extends beyond metaphors. Clare Barker, our Senior Recruitment Marketing Manager for EMEA, exemplifies this spirit by sharing her passion for Hilton with her family. Recently, Clare's daughter, Hetty, had the chance to explore the vibrant world of hospitality through a week of work experience at Hilton Cambridge.
A New Challenge and a Perfect Fit
Clare’s journey with Hilton began when she sought a more challenging and fulfilling career. Her role has allowed her to grow and lead the recruitment and marketing efforts for our global brand across EMEA.
"Hilton is such a supportive environment and aligned with so many of my values. I thought it would be a great opportunity to encourage my daughter to spend some time and experience what she could expect from the #1 World’s Best Workplace."
Hetty’s Exciting Week at Hilton Cambridge
For her work experience, 14-year-old Hetty was eager to dive into her passion for hotels by spending her week at Hilton Cambridge. Having stayed at Hilton Hotels before, she held elevated expectations and was excited to gain insight into the inner workings of hotel management. Hetty expressed, "I've always loved staying at Hilton, and I was curious to see what goes on behind the scenes."
Spending time at the front desk was the most enriching experience for Hetty. "Assisting guests and handling bookings really boosted my confidence.” She also found immense joy in helping prepare the conference area for a large event. "From arranging chairs to setting up room key cards, being part of the team was so rewarding," Hetty shared. Through these opportunities, she witnessed the meticulous planning required for such events.
Welcomed with Open Arms
The Team Members at Hilton Cambridge left an impression on Hetty. "Everyone was so welcoming and patient with me.” Despite her lack of experience, they welcomed her with open arms, demonstrating patience and kindness as they guided her through various tasks. Their willingness to teach and support her made her feel valued and inspired her to learn more.
Before her work experience, Hetty had not fully grasped the extent of effort involved in running a hotel. "I was amazed by how much teamwork and coordination it takes to keep everything running smoothly.’ Witnessing the collaborative efforts of different departments to ensure seamless operations opened her eyes to the complexity of the hospitality industry, fostering a newfound respect for those working in the field.
Growing Confidence and Gaining Skills
Through her week at Hilton Cambridge, Hetty gained practical skills and grew in confidence. "I learned so much about customer service and hotel operations," She also developed essential soft skills like teamwork and effective communication, which she believes will serve her well in the future. Overall, her time at Hilton Cambridge provided her with a memorable experience that solidified her interest in the hospitality sector. "My time at Hilton has excited me about my future, and maybe a career in hospitality.”
