Wednesday Wrap-Up: Top Three Things You Need to Know

Edition #10

September 4, 2024

Wednesday Wrap-up:

Top Three Things You Need to Know

1) Partner Spotlight: Chartwell Hospitality – A Premium Partner Committed to Excellence

At Hospitality Internships, we are proud to partner with industry leaders who share our vision for excellence in the hospitality sector. One such standout partner is Chartwell Hospitality, a premium partner headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering career growth within the industry, Chartwell Hospitality continues to have a profound impact locally and nationally.

A Legacy of Excellence in Hotel Management

Founded in 2003, Chartwell Hospitality has quickly grown into a premier hotel development and management company in the United States. Specializing in upscale full-service and select-service properties, the company manages and operates a diverse portfolio of award-winning hotels under brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and IHG.

What sets Chartwell Hospitality apart is its unwavering focus on delivering superior guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. The company prides itself on maintaining high service standards, resulting in many of its properties being consistently recognized for excellence within their respective brands. Chartwell’s ability to create lasting impressions through hospitality has earned them a stellar reputation in the industry.

Spotlight on Christie Oclaray, Vice President of Human Resources

Hospitality Internships is honored to have Christie Oclaray, Vice President of Human Resources at Chartwell Hospitality, as one of the founding members of our newly launched Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The IAC plays a crucial role in enhancing the alignment of hospitality education with industry standards, collaborating with academia to develop robust internship standards, structured manager-in-training programs, and tailored entry-level management positions.

Christie Oclaray brings over 25 years of human resources experience to Chartwell Hospitality, where she serves as a member of the firm’s Senior Leadership Team. She is instrumental in guiding the company’s Manager-in-Training and Emerging Leaders programs, designed to equip future leaders in the hospitality industry with the skills they need to succeed. Oclaray is responsible for overseeing the firm’s human resources services, policies, and programs, including compliance audits, HRIS, and Learning & Development Systems.

Before joining Chartwell Hospitality, Oclaray held various leadership roles, including Director of Human Resources at Carlex Glass America, and served as a Lecturer at the University of Hawaii-Leeward Community College. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Oclaray’s leadership and passion for professional development extend beyond the workplace. She has been actively involved in the hospitality industry and community affairs, serving on the American Hotel & Lodging Association HR Committee, the University of Memphis Hospitality Advisory Board, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the United Way. Her dedication to fostering the next generation of hospitality professionals aligns perfectly with our mission at Hospitality Internships.

Supporting Career Growth and Professional Development

At the heart of Chartwell Hospitality’s success is its dedication to cultivating talent and providing employees opportunities to grow. The company actively invests in its people, offering various career development and training programs. Whether through internships, manager-in-training programs, or continuous learning initiatives, Chartwell Hospitality ensures its team members have the tools they need to thrive in their careers.

Through Christie Oclaray’s leadership, Chartwell Hospitality is enhancing its internship and management programs to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry. This commitment to talent development positions Chartwell as a valuable partner in preparing students for real-world success, offering invaluable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and work alongside industry experts.

A Trusted Partner for Hospitality Internships

We are honored to have Chartwell Hospitality as one of our premium partners. Their commitment to excellence, employee development, and community impact aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering high-quality internship experiences for hospitality students worldwide.

Through our partnership with Chartwell Hospitality and industry leaders like Christie Oclaray, we are confident that we will continue to build strong bridges between academia and industry, ensuring students in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, and sports management programs have access to top-quality internships, manager-in-training programs, and entry-level management positions.

We look forward to working with Christie and Chartwell Hospitality as we strive to shape the future of hospitality education and professional development.

2) Hospitality Internships Announces Strategic Partnership with Intern Bridge to Enhance Internship Programs and Student Professional Development

Hospitality Internships, LLC is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Intern Bridge, the nation’s leading internship research and consulting firm. This collaboration aims to elevate the quality of internship programs and professional development opportunities for both students and employers.

By combining their expertise, Hospitality Internships and Intern Bridge will offer enhanced resources that improve student outcomes and empower employers to develop outstanding internship programs.

Key Partnership Initiatives:

1. Complimentary Registration for Employers

Employers who purchase a premium package from Hospitality Internships will benefit from a complimentary registration to a "Total Internship Management Workshop" hosted by Intern Bridge. These workshops, available virtually or in person, provide expert guidance on building and sustaining successful internship programs. Additional participants or organizations purchasing a Bronze Package can register at a discounted rate of $399.

2. Professional Development LMS Access for Students

Employers will receive a reduced rate of $75 per student for access to Intern Bridge’s Professional Development Learning Management System (LMS) for their interns. This LMS offers essential tools and resources to enhance student skills and better prepare them for the workforce. The revenue generated will be shared between Intern Bridge and Hospitality Internships, supporting the ongoing provision of these valuable services.

Benefits for Employers:

Participating in the "Total Internship Management Workshop" offers employers invaluable insights into creating and managing successful internship programs. Topics covered in the workshop include:

Strategies for embedding organizational culture into internship experiences
Effective methods for engaging and managing interns
Recruitment techniques for developing a strong talent pipeline
Converting interns into full-time employees
Legal considerations for hosting interns

Additionally, workshop participants will earn SHRM and HRCI continuing education credits, gain access to a comprehensive resource kit, and join a LinkedIn group of workshop graduates for continued networking and professional development.

Premier Internship Designation:

Intern Bridge will establish a set of internship standards in collaboration with Hospitality Internships' Academic Advisory Committee and Internship Advisory Committee. Programs meeting these high standards will receive a "premier internship" designation, which will be promoted on the Hospitality Internships website as top-tier opportunities.

About Intern Bridge:

Intern Bridge is the nation’s foremost research and consulting firm dedicated to creating meaningful and effective internship programs. With a mission to improve the quality of internship experiences, Intern Bridge offers workshops, research, and consulting services to help employers build better internship programs that foster professional growth and long-term success.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the internship experience for students and employers alike, positioning both for greater success in the evolving hospitality industry landscape.

3) Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry: Our Vision for Hospitality Internships

By Tim Flohr, Cofounder and Managing Partner of Hospitality Internships

The hospitality industry is in the midst of a rapid transformation fueled by cutting-edge technology, evolving customer expectations, and a globally diverse workforce. In such a dynamic environment, the key to our industry's future success lies in our ability to prepare the next generation of leaders. At Hospitality Internships, we're not just keeping pace with these changes but leading the way by creating strong, lasting connections between education and the hospitality sector.

Our Vision

Our vision for Hospitality Internships is rooted in the belief that real-world experience is essential to classroom learning. We are dedicated to providing students with opportunities that enhance their academic education through hands-on internships, manager-in-training programs, and entry-level management positions. By connecting students with leading employers across the globe, we aim to ensure that the next generation of hospitality professionals is knowledgeable and equipped with the practical skills needed to excel.

Connecting Education with Industry

One of the biggest challenges facing students today is transitioning from academia to the workforce. Too often, there is a disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and the skills required by employers. At Hospitality Internships, we are committed to closing this gap by aligning our offerings with the needs of both students and employers.

For students, this means access to high-quality internships that provide real-world experience in their chosen field. For employers, it means having access to a pipeline of well-prepared, motivated candidates who are ready to contribute from day one. By fostering strong relationships with academic institutions and industry leaders, we can create a bridge that supports students as they move from education to employment.

The Role of Strategic Partnerships

Central to our vision is developing strategic partnerships that enhance the internship experience for both students and employers. For example, our recent collaboration with Intern Bridge is a testament to our commitment to providing value-added services that improve outcomes for all stakeholders. Through initiatives like complimentary registration for internship management workshops and access to professional development resources, we are helping to create internship programs that are effective and aligned with industry standards.

A Commitment to Workforce Development

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on workforce development. We believe that by investing in the education and training of future hospitality professionals, we are investing in the future of our industry. Our goal is to be the premier platform for students and employers alike, providing the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

At Hospitality Internships, we are more than just a connector; we are a partner in your success. Whether you are a student looking to gain invaluable experience, an educator seeking to enhance your program, or an employer searching for top talent, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, we aim to continue expanding our network of partnerships with top-tier hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts programs and leading employers in the industry. By connecting students with high-quality internships, manager-in-training opportunities, and entry-level management positions, we strive to ensure that they are fully prepared to meet the demands of today’s dynamic hospitality landscape.

Our commitment extends beyond simply placing students in internships. We are focused on creating structured, impactful experiences that foster professional growth, build confidence, and develop the leadership qualities that will define the future of our industry. Through our collaborative efforts, we seek to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Together, we can transform the way students experience their education and make a lasting impact on the hospitality industry. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey with our partners, students, and industry leaders.

Visit www.HospitalityInternships.com