Name: Lidia T.
Position: Apprentice
Hotel: Leipzig Marriott Hotel
Dream destination: South Africa
Drink or treat of choice: Gin and Tonic

When Lidia, a native Ukrainian who had only been living in Germany for a year, started working as an apprentice at the Leipzig Marriott Hotel, one of her biggest fears was the language and cultural barriers. But instead of barriers, Lidia was lucky to find open arms.

“I felt very comfortable here in an international environment with people from all over the world and it was immediately clear to me that this was the place I wanted to stay,” says Lidia.

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Today, as a hotel specialist apprentice, she gets to know all areas of the hotel, from preparing and inspecting rooms to serving in the restaurant, working in the kitchen, and much more. “However, the core tasks are reception and reservations,” she explains.

Since Lidia is not a native German speaker, it was very important to her that she understand her colleagues well enough to be able to do her job effectively.

“That worked very well from the beginning,” she recalls about being new in her position. “My coworkers from each department helped me feel integrated and supported and showed me their trust by allowing me to take on important tasks on my own after just a few days.”

To make her feel even more welcome, her colleagues took it further by including one of her home country’s quintessential dishes in the employees’ menu.

“As ‘Special of the Week,’ our kitchen team prepared a delicious surprise for all the employees, and it was very close to my heart because it was a Ukrainian dish called borsch,” she says. “At that moment, I had the feeling that I was back home for a short while, and I was also very happy that my colleagues were able to get to know a bit of my home in our canteen.”

Learn more about Lidia’s Marriott apprenticeship and her journey to finding camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

There is a special bond between the employees at the Leipzig Marriott Hotel. They have formed a large family, where they support each other, are always ready to help and ensure that not only the guests feel at home, but also the colleagues.

When have you felt like a part of a community at Marriott?

From the start, my colleagues warmly welcomed me with open arms. Everyone was very helpful and immediately made me feel that I was not only part of the team but an important part of it.

How has Marriott supported your growth and given you the opportunity to try new things?

What I find really great is that Marriott gives its apprentices opportunities through a variety of internal programs to develop a wealth of experience so that they can achieve their career goals. In February this year, I was able to take part in one particular program at the Courtyard Hannover Maschsee, where we exchanged ideas and networked with first-year apprentices from Marriott hotels in Germany. It was an unforgettable and eventful experience for me. The two days were a great mix of exciting workshops, great talks and great trips.

What is your favorite part of the job?

I find working in an international team and with an international audience very valuable. By doing so you experience new things, also at a personal level, and you get to know yourself in a new way. When working with international colleagues and guests you can broaden your horizons, break with established convictions and perspectives, or, if you are very lucky, meet people who can become good friends.

Favorite part of working at Marriott?

Marriott International is the number one hotel chain in the world, its doors to the big world are open to you and it gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself and work your way up in the near future.

What advice would you give someone with a similar background to you, who is looking to make a change in their life or career?

I would tell them: You shouldn’t just dream, you should also make your dreams come true.

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