Career Advice for the Next Generation of CEOs

For high school and college students around the world – including two of my daughters this year! – May is a very special time. It’s not just graduation season – it’s an opportunity for young adults of all ages to turn the page, celebrate all they’ve achieved and enter a new chapter of their lives.

At Hilton, we see this turning of the page as the perfect time to shine a light on the endless career opportunities that are available in hospitality. That’s why each May, we host Careers@Hilton Week –an important annual event during which our properties and corporate offices around the world invite thousands of jobseekers to see firsthand what a career in hospitality could mean for them.

Careers@Hilton Week is just one way that we’re connecting young people – and jobseekers of all ages – to the world of opportunities available in the hospitality industry. It’s also a chance for us to help prepare them for successful careers in whichever industry they ultimately choose.

As I met with some inspiring young adults who were celebrating Careers@Hilton Week with us, many asked me for advice as they start out their careers. Here’s what I told them:

1. Learn on the front lines. Many years ago, my dad told me that the best way to learn about any business is to spend time on the front lines. I took his advice and got my start in hospitality working in the engineering department at a hotel, an experience that helped me understand the day-to-day operations of my industry, and one that has influenced many decisions throughout my career. Regardless of your career path or goals, understanding the fundamentals of your industry will prove invaluable.
2. Soft skills are hard to find. A 2016 report found something surprising: “while 87% of recent graduates feel well prepared to hit the ground running after earning their diplomas, only half of hiring managers agree with them.” Their key concern? Soft skills like communication, leadership, ownership and teamwork. No matter your age or where you are in your career, I can’t stress the importance of building those skills – and emphasizing them in interviews!
3. Hospitality is a mentality, not just an industry. We describe our business as “hospitality” for good reason – it’s all about welcoming visitors and making them feel at home. But I’d argue that true hospitality is a mentality that can serve you well no matter the industry. Whether it’s an interaction with a colleague or serving a customer, remember that empathy and respect are at the core of all business success.
4. Celebrate! Everyone wants to be part of a winning team. By taking time to celebrate even the small wins, you will stay motivated and confident as you tackle bigger and more complicated challenges. I encourage my team to recognize successes and acknowledge the hard work of our Team Members every day.

To everyone graduating this year – and to those of you who are thinking about starting a new career, even if graduation is many years behind you – I wish you all the best. I hope you’ll check out all the opportunities available in hospitality, but no matter which path you choose, good luck!