Taking initiative to create the career you’ve always dreamed of is an important and exciting stepping stone. I knew the career I dreamed of was one step closer when I joined the RISE (Resort Industry Student Experience) Internship program. The program is designed to develop students into successful career professionals through an immersive learning experience in the hospitality and vacation ownership industry.
As a RISE Intern, there are various learning opportunities to take part in, such as weekly Academy Days that include personal training and professional development sessions. These sessions focus on topics like time management, introspection, and communication. Interns get to embark on property tours and participate in community service events, where they can witness firsthand all that Holiday Inn Club Vacations has to offer to owners and guests, and how it serves local organizations. They also get the opportunity to hear from leaders from different areas of the company and learn from their experiences as part of leadership panels.
My favorite Academy Day sessions have included Career Prep & Professionalism and Leadership Panels. Throughout Career Prep & Professionalism, interns get the chance to showcase their resume and receive feedback from leaders, go through a mock interview and even take a new headshot photo (perfect for your LinkedIn profile!) During the Leadership Panels, executives and department leaders take time out of their day to offer career advice to students and answer any questions we might have about the company, growth and development, and so much more.
I mean, what other interns get to say they’ve met the CEO of a company?
I think most of us can agree, however, that the best part about Academy Days is being able to end the work week with other interns who have become close friends. There’s nothing quite like going from a room full of strangers to friends cheering each other on during final presentations at the end of the semester. Some interns will stay, and some will go, but the relationships we’ve built and lessons we’ve learned here will always stay with us.
Thank you to the RISE program, for being our stepping stone.
