Marriott VS Hilton Management Training Programs

[MKCP5]

DD is a senior in college and has interviewed with both Marriott and Hilton for their post grad management training programs. She has received offers from both of them for their programs. Does anyone have first hand experience with either program? She's super excited and we are very proud of her. There is a lot to think about and she has to make her decision within 72 hours so I am seeking info for her. Thanks in advance for any info you may have!

 

[CrankyDad]

Wow talk about a post landing right in your wheelhouse.. I have been a hotel GM for over 25 years. Vast majority of the time with Marriott but last 9 or so with Hilton. All different properties and locations.

First off, both really are great.. Your DD won't go wrong with either one. Many issue you come up with are related to the specific property and not really the Brand.

I found Marriott to be great for really "hand holding" you on everything. We used to kid around that there was a SOP (standard operating procedure) for you to pee. They are that detailed. So there is appeal for a younger person to work in a strict program, learn good fundamentals and a solid base. Hilton is a little less strict but that also allows your personal style to grow. Hilton is also a little more into you expressing yourself with the Guests and building rapport..

Again, you won't go wrong. Both will be good. What really comes down to is your hotel GM and how he/she is. That person will be a huge influence in your DD intro the industry. If there are specific questions, I will be happy to try to help.

 

[MKCP5]

Wow talk about a post landing right in your wheelhouse.. I have been a hotel GM for over 25 years. Vast majority of the time with Marriott but last 9 or so with Hilton. All different properties and locations.

First off, both really are great.. Your DD won't go wrong with either one. Many issue you come up with are related to the specific property and not really the Brand.

I found Marriott to be great for really "hand holding" you on everything. We used to kid around that there was a SOP (standard operating procedure) for you to pee. They are that detailed. So there is appeal for a younger person to work in a strict program, learn good fundamentals and a solid base. Hilton is a little less strict but that also allows your personal style to grow. Hilton is also a little more into you expressing yourself with the Guests and building rapport..

Again, you won't go wrong. Both will be good. What really comes down to is your hotel GM and how he/she is. That person will be a huge influence in your DD intro the industry. If there are specific questions, I will be happy to try to help.

Oh wow! Thank you for your response! She has already seen exactly what you are talking about with Marriott. Their level of detail and information for every step of the process thus far has been amazing. She is looking at their compensation packages, relocation and associated costs of living in the area that has been offered. Do you feel either of them has a higher rate of full time hire after the program? Also, she is a hospitality and tourism management major in the business school who would like to do event management. One has offered her an event management position and the other has offered food and beverage (which she had indicated she would do as well to gain experience) Do you think it would be difficult to transition into events after her program? Thanks again!

 

[CrankyDad]

I would suggest the one that is offering the event position. I did my time in both, and my years in F&B taught me a ton. Mostly that I don't like F&B.. But then it is big part of the job so you need to learn it..

As I said been a GM for a very long time, and my path there was through all departments and I think that is best way. Not sure your DD's goal (and 100% she does not know that at this point). Just get in there, work hard, NEVER call out and don't be afraid to find a mentor. Ask ask and ask questions. Learn why things are done the way they are. Don't be afraid to offer suggestions..

Good luck to your DD. I love my job for all the ups and downs.

 

[Southernmiss]

Our dil just got a permanent job with Marriott.

She finished her Masters in marketing in August. She was hired for this summer as a poolside bar tender with the promise of working into a permanent position as one became available.

She now has a Monday-Friday assistant to the event planner office job. It's a foot in the door and starting place. She likes it and is looking forward to what happens next.

Good luck to your dd!

 

[afan]

As someone that has had both jobs in my profession and not in my profession, I agree with CrankyDad that she should take the event job. Working on events is awesome and if that's what she wants to do and has been her focus in school she'll be much happier doing that even if there are other things she doesn't like vs doing a job she doesn't really want to do and may not enjoy even if the place is more awesome. While varied experience can be helpful if she's been offered a job in events all the better to get her experience in that field and make it easier later compared to someone that has event experience and she has F&B. Not that F&B doesn't relate to events.

 

[MKCP5]

Thanks for all your thoughts. She is mulling it all over and looking at all the variables. Very exciting and quite a blessing to have a choice!

 

[MKCP5]

Events it is! With Marriott in the Voyage Leadership Program. Very excited for her adventure! Thanks so much for your thoughts