M&R’s Internship Program Grooms Future Hoteliers
Internships provide hospitality students a way to gain hands-on experience in the real-world setting of a working hotel. Internships also help them build on their classroom studies and skills. For hotels, internships are a cost-effective way to evaluate and develop potential future employees.
The Fairfield New York Manhattan/Central Park and Tarrytown House Estate Hotel on the Hudson have welcomed interns with great success, according to Neil Genel, talent acquisition manager in M&R’s People & Culture department.
Neil, a graduate of La Guardia Community College in Long Island City, led the recruiting effort at his alma mater among students pursuing a Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree. The school promotes internships as part of its SOAR Experiential Learning Program.
“M&R’s internship program is a wonderful opportunity for hospitality major students to gain meaningful educational experience through exposure in different departments such as front office and food and beverage,” he said. “At the beginning of their internship, interns are assigned to a leader that will mentor them to provide firsthand insight into hotel management. At the end of the internship, interns are provided with a supervisory evaluation so that they can use that constructive feedback for their career development.”
This year, student Jonathan Mark was recruited for the four-month internship at the Fairfield hotel, where he was mentored by Front Office Supervisor Johnnie Bovain and Guest Service Agent Raihan Choudhury, who generously shared their knowledge and expertise.
Jonathan learned the intricacies of front desk operations, how to handle reservations with poise and the importance of great customer service. Throughout his internship, he gained insight into the ins and outs of hotel management and a deep understanding of what it means to deliver exceptional hospitality service.
According to General Manager Yan Chung, the hotel has worked with three interns since March 2023. The best part of the program, she said, is the hands-on experience and confidence it provides students.
Yan benefited from a similar program in conjunction with her formal hospitality education. “I appreciated the opportunity I received when I was an intern, so I like to offer opportunities to others,” she said.
Internships can lead to full-time job offers for students who perform well. Maria Gonzalez, who preceded Jonathan as an intern, now is a full-time guest service agent at M&R’s Holiday Inn NYC - Lower East Side.
Sandra Quinones, People & Culture manager at the Tarrytown House, said the hotel’s internship with Charan Kotthapally last year was “a great experience,” adding: “He quickly became a resource for most departments because of his willingness to chip in and provide great service.”
She noted that although his contract ended, Charan still visits occasionally and always receives an enthusiastic greeting from the staff.
