Starting an internship can come with a lot of tiny questions that feel surprisingly big: What should I wear? How should I prepare? What will meetings be like? Who do I ask if I’m confused?
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. We asked Emeline, an HQ Fellow, and Lynn, a summer intern at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton property, all your burning questions. From what to wear on day one to what to research, and they had a lot to say.
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Why Marriott
Emeline: Growing up in the Bethesda area, I had always passed by the Marriott HQ building. I thought it was so cool that the world’s largest hospitality company was located in my hometown. As soon as I was eligible to apply to Marriott’s Fellowship program, it was a no-brainer.
Lynn: I have always been passionate about hospitality, but I didn’t just want to work in any hotel. I wanted to experience what true luxury hospitality looks like behind the scenes. Also, Marriott has an outstanding reputation worldwide.
What to do before day one
Emeline: I looked up ‘Marriott HQ Office Tour’ on YouTube, excited to see what the building I would be working at every day had in store!
Lynn: I researched Marriott International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Arts Barcelona. I read about Marriott’s service philosophy, guest satisfaction, and The Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards. I also looked at guest reviews, photos of the hotel, and videos online.
What to wear and what not to overthink
Emeline: Preparing for the first day, another Fellow and I were texting different outfits back and forth. Since this was my first time wearing “business casual”, I also did a lot of TikTok research on what that looks like. I ended up wearing black slacks and a black blouse! Thanks for your help, Ava!
Lynn: I probably spent way too much time thinking about what to wear. I remember trying different outfits and asking myself, ‘Is this formal enough? Or maybe it’s too formal?’ Eventually, I chose a professional business outfit. When I arrived at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton property, I immediately realized I had made the right choice.
What the first week really looks like
Emeline: I had a little bit of imposter syndrome. I was also nervous about meeting all the other Fellows and my team, but everyone was so welcoming! Marriott has a department for almost everything and hires people of all different majors! You don’t have to be a hospitality major (and I’m not!) to work here. There are people doing law, finance, design, technology, etc. No matter what you study or what you’re interested in, there is a job for you.
Lynn: The biggest surprise was how genuinely welcoming everyone was, taking the time to introduce themselves, answer my questions, and help me whenever I needed it. I was also surprised by how much teamwork and attention to detail happen behind the scenes. Guests only see the final experience, but there are so many small gestures that might seem insignificant but can completely change a guest’s experience.
Best questions to ask your mentor, manager or team
Emeline: “Who are two more people you think I should talk to? Can you introduce me?” My mentor (a past Fellow himself) gave me the idea of asking this question, and it has led to some great connections!
Lynn: One of the best questions I asked was whether I could become involved in projects and activities beyond my daily responsibilities. Because I asked, I had the opportunity to participate in incredibly exciting initiatives that taught me much more than if I had only completed my daily tasks. They made my internship much more valuable.
What I’d text my pre-internship self
Emeline: Say yes to everything: Fellow lunches, a project, joining the meeting, running the errand. Be the person people can depend on. It goes by fast, so really lean into these 10 weeks!
Lynn: There will be days when you doubt yourself, feel overwhelmed, or think you’re not good enough–but don’t listen to those thoughts. Trust yourself, ask questions, say yes to every opportunity, and never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Every challenge will help you grow into a stronger, more confident version of yourself. Enjoy every moment, because before you know it, you’ll look back with pride at everything you’ve achieved.
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