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Debt Free Education at Hilton: Whitney Shares her Experience with Guild 

Hilton Careers Team

06 June 2023

United States, Canada, Caribbean, Latin AmericaBenefitsTeam Member storiesWomen At Hilton

At Hilton, you have the support and resources to chase your curiosity, grow your skills, and unlock your inner lifelong learner. Hilton’s industry-first partnership with Guild Education gives U.S. Team Members tuition support and access to over 70 programs from leading universities and learning providers, including college degrees, high school completion, English-language learning, digital literacy, professional certifications, and more. 

How can this amazing program help you achieve your goals? Team Member Whitney shares how she has taken advantage of Guild, and how a mindset of lifelong learning and passion for building skills helped her be successful in the hospitality industry.

Get to Know Whitney

“I love hospitality because there is truly a job or career for everyone no matter what their passion. I started in hospitality at age 22 after a cross-country move from Wisconsin to Los Angeles and immediately fell in love with working in a people-oriented business. I started as a front desk agent and worked my way through every department in the hotel – I even had to make brownies for a group when the chef had to leave unexpectedly before their afternoon break! I now work at the Del Coronado in San Diego as a Sr. Manager of Catering. I love working with clients on planning special events whether it is their wedding or a company holiday party, and I am honored to help planners create memorable and impactful experiences for their guests. What keeps me in hospitality is that even though I absolutely love the events side, if I decide one day to be in finance, there is a path for me to do that.”  
How did you start taking advantage of Hilton’s Guild benefit?
“I heard about the Guild programs through our HR (Human Resources) department, and it has turned into a competition amongst the managers here to see who can really make the most of this great resource! I work so closely with Revenue Management but to me, it is one of the more misunderstood departments, so knowing that there are courses that I can take to help me gain a better understanding of revenue management is so exciting.  The possibilities are endless with what you can learn through Hilton’s resources. Thanks to Guild, I can take my career and professional development into my own hands.” 
How has Hilton supported you in your continued learning and development?
“I am fortunate that our HR team encourages all the Team Members at our hotel to sign up for a Guild program, no matter what your position is. The hotel director supports me and my team taking time out of our days to complete courses and assignments. Knowing that I have leadership’s support helps me stay encouraged to complete the program!” 
What would be your elevator pitch to other Team Members considering using Guild?
“Just try it! There is a course for everyone, and Guild lets you pause and learn at your own pace. As a mom of a toddler, I understand that time is truly a commodity. With the flexibility of Guild’s programs, I know that I can pause or revisit to help myself stay engaged. This is a free resource that Hilton provides to invest in its Team Members, so do not let it pass you by!” 
Why should someone consider joining #TeamHilton right now?
“Hospitality is truly one of the most diverse and resilient industries around, and there truly is a path for everyone. The possibilities truly are endless no matter what your current role is. The hotel discounts are an amazing perk as well .” 
What is the best career advice you have received?
“The best advice I was given was never to stop making mistakes and learning from them. When I was a front desk agent my manager encouraged mistakes, and he took each one as a true learning opportunity that will foster innovation and new processes. This empowered me in my role and is something I have taken with me throughout my career.” 
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Asia PacificCanadaCaribbeanEurope, Middle East, AfricaLatin AmericaUnited StatesHilton cultureTeam Member recognitionTeam Member stories

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CanadaCaribbeanLatin AmericaUnited StatesCareer path spotlightsTeam Member stories

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Asia PacificInclusionTeam Member storiesWomen At Hilton

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