Internships In Embassy Suites Hotels: Developmentthrough Management Style

Abstract

Hotel management students of today are the future of the hotel industry. They must demonstrate unique qualities enabling them to get along with all types of people. In addition, they must possess dedication, as the hours may be long. No matter what the obstacle and with these aspects considered, students eagerly continue to sincerely pursue internships in hotel management. Conclusively, these managers of the future must have it in their hearts to be a success. Embassy Suites Hotels, through internships, cultivates these desires into realities.

An internship in Embassy Suites is designed to fulfill many purposes. First, and foremost, students are encouraged to develop their management style by being given the responsibility to make their own decisions. It is through this process of trial and error that allows interns to learn by experience, a task they could not undertake in a classroom. Second, they are involved with the entire operation of the hotel, from cleaning suites and folding towels to occupancy and revenue statistics. By becoming a well-rounded individual, the intern can understand the actual mechanics of the hotel industry. In addition, this cross training is an advantage to the development of their management style. Third, they learn how to care about other employees and work as a team. Although all students applying for internship are screened meticulously, the focal points to being accepted into Embassy Suites is the way in which they can interact with people. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the two basic building blocks of management. With these characteristics, as well as a solideducation, the Embassy Suites intern can only soar into the professional world.

Embassy Suites employees, including intems, are given liberties most other hotel companies tend to restrict. They are encouraged to handle guest complaints and rectify negative situations before they become major problems. It is through these guest/employee relations that guests' needs are efficiently met in addition to the employees progressing to more demanding or difficult situations. Statistics regarding the hotel's occupancy, average daily rates and budgets are openly discussed. The intern immediately becomes involved with the data they had only studied previously. They now have the opportunity to actually work with their knowledge. Additionally, the interns are held responsible for their end in order to ensure the hotel's overall profit.

The constant ongoing training of all interns is essential. Each perspective new intern at Embassy Suites Meadowlands is interviewed not only by at least two department heads, but also by the general manager as well as three peer employees of the hotel. If hired, the new intern spends the first night at the hotel, sensing the guests experience. His first day consists of one hour in each major department of the hotel working hands-on. This allows the intern to become familiar with his coworkers as well as learn the importance of the co-existence of all departments working as a whole unit. Furthermore, the new intern is taken to lunch at the hotel's restaurant by the manager on duty as well as the general manager. The whole orientation experience serves as a foundation for each intern to build their career path. Consequently, training is held as an essential tool. Basically, when training ceases, service suffers.

In college, students are taught the theories of the hotel industry. During their internship, they experience the reality of the undertaking. However, in becoming an Embassy Suites hotel manager, they are impressed with the Embassy Suites philosophy of caring about people. It should always be remembered to take care of the employees and treat them with respect; they will, in turn, serve the guests well. It is the guests who ultimately take care of the bottom line. It is Embassy Suites policy, for example, for every general manager's desk to be easily located in the lobby of the hotel. This allows employees to be able to approach their managers whenever the feel the need. Furthermore, employees and managers relate on one level, creating a team atmosphere. It may be the general manager who pitches the ball, but he cannot win or even play without a batter or a catcher. All staff members are referred to on a first name basis creating a comfortable environment unlike the rigid management hierarchies of the past. Thus all name tags have only the first names and hometowns inscribed on them. It is realized by Embassy Suites that intimidation and lack of communication are not good examples to set. By listening to and understanding their employees, by working with their employees in their day to day duties, and by helping them, especially during peak hours, managers gain their employees respect, not demand it. Hotel management of today has quite changed since long ago. Interns are now given the opportunity to advance more rapidly in the hotel industry. By demonstrating their sense of responsibility, taking charge of situations and thinking through problems logically, they are creating an aggressive, responsive management style. It is they who will set the example for the next generation.

Future interns will learn as much in the classroom as in the hotel. College instructors and hotel managers will ultimately become co-professors, working together to produce motivated, well-rounded managers. This will be accomplished by interns not only working in the hotel, but also more involvement of hotel managers and employees in the classroom. Future Embassy Suites interns will truly be future Embassy Suites managers. Their definitive goal to be a family of hotel managers and employees welcoming each guest to their home.