Manager in Training program elevates next generation of hospitality leaders
Atlanta, GA – September 3, 2019 – Hotel Equities (HE) welcomed a new class of trainees to its Manager in Training (MIT) program. The new group is HE’s fourth class of trainees to embark on its MIT program, first rolled-out in 2015. The program was designed for recent college graduates who have an interest in the hospitality industry.
Following a series of interviews, seven individuals were selected to participate in the program. Kareem Downer, a graduate of Georgia State University; Lauren Cohen, a graduate of Florida State University; Cammie Nguyen, a graduate of the University of South Carolina; Isaiah Dennis, a graduate of Georgia State University; Luke White, a graduate of Clemson University; Felisha Edouazin, a graduate of Georgia Southern University and Ryan Arra, a graduate of the University of West Florida.
During the 9 month program, trainees will gain hands-on experience working at all levels of hotel operations including sales & marketing, revenue management, finance and accounting. They will have opportunities to assist with new-build hotel developments, renovations, grand openings and transitions and trainees will engage with senior leadership at HE’s corporate headquarters to gain valuable insight into operating a multi-branded portfolio of hotels.
HE’s VP of Learning and People Development, Nancy Curtin Morris, explained that participants are not required to have a degree in hospitality to be accepted into the program. “This group of trainees hold degrees in Hospitality, Sports Management, Economics and Business,” said Nancy. “Their differences in background and interests are what makes the MIT program unique and it’s representative of our diverse pool of associates across the U.S. and Canada. The commonality that we look for in all good candidates is a heart to serve and this group certainly possesses that character trait. I’m proud to welcome our newest group of management trainees to the team!”
During their first week on the job, trainees spent time at HE’s Atlanta-based headquarters where they were introduced to the company through the firm’s leadership team. A nod to the firm’s culture, and similar to the onboarding process for all new managers who join the company, the trainees participated in a community service event during week one, in support of CURE Childhood Cancer. CURE is a non-profit dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research, while supporting patients and their families. The trainees created and delivered 140 care packages for patients. As part of their curriculum, the group will also organize and execute a companywide community service event during Hotel Equities’ Annual Leadership Conference in February.
Upon completion of the program, trainees are typically promoted into the role of either an Operations Manager or an Assistant General Manager.
