How This Sales Executive Found Community: ‘Marriott’s Inclusive Culture Has Shaped Who I Am’

Name: Brittany A.
Position: Catering Sales Executive
Hotel: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Dream destination: South of France
Drink or treat of choice: Chardonnay

We could say Brittany’s Marriott Journey began in the crib. Almost. Before she enrolled in hospitality school back in 2016, Brittany grew up watching her mother and father work at Marriott for many years. While her mother worked for 11 years at the company in different hotel departments like Front Office, Operations, and Sales, her father had a 23-year Marriott career in the Food and Beverage and Sales departments.

“I was exposed to the world of travel at a very young age and witnessed the endless possibilities of what a career with Marriott could be,” she says.

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Brittany’s first role was as Front Desk Agent in the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, a large convention hotel with 1,360 rooms and an impressive 270,836 Sq ft meeting space.

“This role truly opened my eyes to the possibilities that a career with Marriott could hold,” she recalls.

She was promoted to Elite Hospitality Coordinator and then took a position as Rooms Controller. While in this role, she started to make connections with the Sales department, the one she had grown up witnessing her parents work in the most. Eventually she was offered a job as a Large Group Sales Admin at the Southwest Group Sales Office in Marriott’s Sales headquarters in Irvine. After a year in that role, she was quickly promoted to Sales Manager for Orange County, California, that led her to her current role as a Catering Sales Executive at the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort.

“I’m responsible for collaborating closely with clients and event planners to customize event packages and organize the best events and unique experiences such as weddings, cocktail receptions, galas, fundraisers, and local business meetings,” Brittany explains.

Learn more about her fast track to the top of sales in her own words below.

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?

My six years as a Marriott associate have been truly transformative. The company’s commitment to their core values, their associates, and their customers have molded my professional and personal life. Marriott’s inclusive culture has shaped who I am as a person and changed the perception I initially had as a college student and young professional. I wholeheartedly recommend a career with Marriott to anyone who is seeking a job, this is a company that not only invests in your career but fosters purpose, growth and serving others.

What was your Marriott interview process like, and any tips for candidates who want a role like yours?

Marriott utilizes the STAR interview process (Situation, Task, Action and Result) to assess the candidate through asking guided questions. It is crucial to have 5-7 examples of ways you as a candidate have demonstrated a variety of interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities in the past. When I prepared to interview for my current role — and any role I’ve held within Marriott — I reviewed the job description and listed the situation I was in, the task at hand, the actions I took, and the result. This enables you to articulate your abilities and effectively express the various skills that qualify for the position you want.

Which of Marriott’s values resonate most with you?

Innovation and the idea that “We Embrace Change” has always resonated with me the most. Embracing change is choosing to view challenges as opportunities and has transformed my mindset on a professional and personal level. As a company Marriott has shaped the world of hospitality with this mindset through adapting to emerging technologies, being relevant through a competitive market and embracing change as their customers change

Describe a moment you felt like a part of a community at Marriott.

Throughout my time working in the Southwest Sales Office, I had the opportunity to truly connect to my colleagues because of the collaborative environment where success is celebrated collectively. We were able to share resources, whether that was knowledge of the job, strategies, or closing tools, as well as engage in various philanthropic activities that deepened our sense of purpose and bond beyond the workplace. This spirit to serve one another extends beyond the workplace fostering genuine connection and allowed me to truly feel like a part of a community.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

A company with a strong commitment to associates’ well-being and exceptional customer service. The tradition of taking care of associates and taking care of the customers is ingrained in every hotel, department and detail of the organization. As a Marriott associate, I feel empowered from the strong company environment that fosters a shared commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests through innovation and recognizing the value of quality work.

Favorite part of working at Marriott?

The opportunity to travel and have professional growth opportunities. Exploring various hotel locations professionally and personally and working with clients across diverse industries has broadened my horizons allowing me to scratch the surface in experiencing what our world has to offer.

Describe a moment you felt supported at Marriott.

I’ve experienced unparalleled support through professional mentorship. A specific example in my career has been my mentor, Maribel. She has hired me and/or promoted me a total of three times now. In each role where I have worked with her as my supervisor, she has invested time and efforts into my career growth. As I navigate new challenges and learn from various opportunities, Maribel has always instilled remarkable trust and belief in my abilities. One of the many words of wisdom she has given me has been this concept: “If you win, we win.”

Proudest moment of your career so far?

My current role. I’ve grown confidence in myself and developed in my sales approach to not only capture revenue for the hotel exceeding my goal but also be genuine in building client relationships. Before the close of 2023, I was on track to achieve 135% of my sales goal for the year!

What is your favorite part of the job?

Having the honor of building relationships with engaged couples and painting a picture of what their wedding experience could be if selecting our hotel venue. A wedding location is more than a backdrop, it is a place that sets the stage for the beginning of their lives together and a place where cherished memories are made. It is a privilege to play a role in creating the perfect setting for the start of their next chapter and I am fulfilled by the relationships created with my customers.

What does a good day at work look like for you?

As an ambitious young professional, an ideal day at work for me involves successfully securing bookings and generating revenue for the hotel. I find joy in the day to day by making meaningful connections with my clients and continuously learning new things from others. Through building relationships and being adaptable I can effectively drive revenue and grow both personally and professionally.

How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?

The gift of travel and immersing myself in new surroundings is one of the benefits a career with Marriott has given me. Some of the places I’ve visited include Japan, Australia, China, Italy, Greece, Mexico, and several states and cities in the United States. Growing up with two parents who worked for Marriott, we were able to utilize travel discounts to explore new destinations from a very young age. Marriott Explore Rate has allowed me to develop an open mind and appreciate different cultures, taste extraordinary food, and experience genuine hospitality.

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