Courtesy of Katie M.
Name: Katie M.
Position: Global Sales Intern and Campus Ambassador
University: Penn State
Dream destination: Bali or Thailand
Drink or treat of choice: Iced coffee or Italian Ice
There are many college students who are unsure of what they want to do once they graduate, and uncertain what their major should be or where to get started — and then, there’s Katie.
“I’m a hospitality management student, so Marriott has always been a company I wanted to get into,” says Katie, a Penn State undergrad with a minor in labor and human relations. “It’s the number one travel company in the world!”
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Katie’s journey with Marriott started as a Room Operations Intern at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum hotel in Orange County, California. After that, Katie was asked to be a campus ambassador for Marriott at her school, helping with the recruitment and promotion of Marriott on her campus — she’ll be doing that for a second year this fall. This experience with university recruiting sparked her interest in Marriott HQ.
Courtesy of Katie M.
“I knew I wanted to interview for a corporate role to see how decisions are made that then roll down into the hotels,” says Katie, who’s originally from Long Island, New York just outside of Manhattan. “I love how this company embraces change and strives to be the best. They have so many great leaders and mentors here.”
Katie was accepted to Marriott’s HQ Internship/Fellowship Program for summer 2023 as a Global Sales Intern, where she worked on the Travel Management Sector as well as on projects with Bonvoy for Marriott’s corporate sales accounts.
Courtesy of Katie M.
“I have lots of experience in operations on property, so I wanted to see what the corporate side was like.” says Katie. “During my internship I’m networking with various departments to see where my interests are and learn as much as I can.”
Marriott encourages its interns and fellows to network throughout the program by providing opportunities like hotel tours, intern lunches and executive speakers. These experiences have allowed interns like Katie to explore the multitude of opportunities Marriott has to offer.
Learn more about Katie’s experience as a Marriott summer intern in Global Sales.
What made you want to take part in Marriott’s internship program?
I really wanted to see and be a part of decision making that impacts the future of the company on both the hotel and corporate side.
Courtesy of Katie M.
What does your Marriott internship mean to you?
It is an amazing opportunity to work for the number one hotel company in the world along with contributing to meaningful projects along the way. Having access to leaders and mentors is a great experience.
How has the program impacted your own career aspirations?
I get to see all the different departments within the company and how they work with one another. I can explore different likes and interests and see what embraces my strengths.
Courtesy of Katie M.
Where are you hoping your Marriott internship takes you?
I hope to continue working with the company as I have previous roles working property level and also am a university ambassador for Marriott with Penn State. During my internship, I am networking with various departments to see where my interests are and learn as much as I can.
Why did you pick a Marriott internship over all the other options available to college students?
I had previous experience with Marriott, and I loved the interviews and the projects I was told I would be able to be a part of.
What’s it like to be a campus ambassador?
I’m so excited to return for my second year as a campus ambassador! I love being able to show other students all the opportunities Marriott has for both undergrad and soon to be graduates. They love that they have the opportunity to work anywhere where they can either stay close to home or explore somewhere new while gaining experience.
Courtesy of Katie M.
In your eyes, what makes Marriott stand out from other companies?
They are the number one travel company in the world! I also really like how Marriott provides flexible work conditions that fit with your schedule.
What’s next for you?
I would love to continue working with Marriott in a corporate role. Global Operations or Loyalty are two departments in which I’m interested.
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