Katherine Mercedes has been with Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated for over three years. She began as a member of the RISE program in 2019 as a Legal Intern and has since grown with the company in a number of roles including legal file clerk, legal administrative assistant II, and most recently she was promoted to a Paralegal I position.
Why did you decide to do RISE?
While working on my Bachelor’s degree program, I was choosing between two passions – education and business. On one hand, I enjoy learning and teaching others around me. On the other hand, I enjoy problem solving and researching. I previously had the opportunity to work in education and business fields, but felt that I still wanted to obtain a greater understanding how different areas of business intermingle. The RISE program gave me the opportunity to try new areas of business (i.e., legal and hospitality) and I knew I would be able to hear about the experiences of interns working in other departments. I also learned that the legal intern would be able to assist several areas in the legal department. Ultimately, learning is my biggest motivator; therefore, the RISE program and legal internship position gave me the opportunity to take both my passions and integrate them.
What was your RISE experience like?
The RISE program was the best internship experience I could’ve ever asked for. Being able to network with other interns and take on a diverse set of tasks within the legal department helped me learn more about my passions. Without RISE, I would have never about working in a legal department or growing into the position I have today. I am immensely grateful for the ALD team, my leaders, and team for encouraging me to continue grow, learn, and to my original manager for influencing me into completing a project management degree. My career would not be where it is today without the RISE program.
What is your favorite memory from your RISE internship?
My favorite memory during the internship was one of our academy of learning days where we took a CliftonStrengths Gallup assessment. After taking the assessment, we received a list of our top five strengths and a description of each. However, the best part was being able to learn how the same strengths could also be weaknesses if we were not mindful. Being able to discuss our strengths/weaknesses and compare them with the group was insightful and helpful to my own personal development.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
Stay tuned each month as we feature more RISE alumni and share their RISE-ing up stories!
