Our Team Members love working at Hilton for a number of reasons – but one of them is the unique access to diverse career paths. Natasha Melanson joined Team Hilton as the Director of Sales at Hilton Toronto Airport in 2015 before transferring to Hilton Toronto as the Director of Operations in 2019. From here she was able to gain experience as a General Manager through task force assignments across our hotels in North America, including Hilton Portland Downtown, The Duniway Portland, and Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport. In December 2021, her acquired experience led her “back home” as General Manager, Hilton Toronto Airport. Below she shares her experience and advice for others looking to grow their careers with Hilton.

How has Hilton supported your career journey?

“I have been extremely fortunate to continue to work for and alongside great leaders who became my mentors throughout my career journey. They believed in the concept of transformation; they took the time to coach. Every situation became a learning possibility/teachable moment, and they believed in my abilities. When I look back at the start of my career with Hilton whether it was the General Manager, the Area Vice President or Assistant General Manager (and so many others) they all took the time to understand my career aspirations, build on my strengths, and assist in the areas of growth and opportunity.”

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Natasha, far left, with Hilton Crystal City finance team.

What advice do you have for others looking to grow their careers at Hilton?
"The advice I would give to others would be that you ‘own’ your career journey. The leadership team at Hilton is there to support and assist you, but you need to share with your leadership team/mentors what you want to do, what you aspire to be within the company, so that together you can put a plan in place to address your current skill set and areas of growth and opportunity.

This plan cannot be something that you do once and walk away and think it’s now their job to help you get there--it needs to be a living/breathing document. You need to continue to have discussions with your leadership team/mentor(s), review your progression, ensure TMX (your Hilton talent management profile) is up to date and continue to have meaningful conversations.”

Natasha, left, with a Team Members pet.

Why is Team Hilton a great fit for you?
“I absolutely LOVE working for Hilton. I often refer to Hilton when speaking to family, friends, or colleagues as ‘Big Blue’ or ‘Team Blue’ because it feels like a team, a family. When I look at Hilton’s Vision, Mission and Core Values, it aligns with my own values, both personally and professionally.

Like many during COVID-19, I was furloughed for 11 months, and during that time my GM/AVP and mentors (other GM’s) kept in touch with me, asking how I was doing, updating me on the current situation at the hotel, and discussing options like task force opportunities. What I realized even more than I ever did before was how much Hilton cares about their Team Members and that Hilton is a big part of who I am.”

Where will your career journey begin? Search available jobs today!