Whitney Brown
Cedar City, Utah
Business Management
Leadership Engagement Track
 

Marriott Vacation Club Summer Internship
 

For my EDGE project, I completed an internship with Marriott Vacation Club in Park City, Utah.  Through this internship, I was able to gain real world experience, learn about the logistics of working in the front office of a hotel, and made valuable career connections.  I spent the summer in Park City learning from hospitality professionals about the business, to determine if hospitality is a path I would like to take for my career. My EDGE project helped to set me apart from other business management majors because I gained experience in hospitality management.  My main goal was to gain hands on experience outside of the classroom, and I did just that.    
 

Now that I have completed my project, I will be able to use the valuable experience gained to get a full-time position with the company.  I had a wonderful experience with Marriott and when I completed my internship, I was offered a full-time position upon graduating in December.  I was also able to decide that the hospitality industry is something I love and would love to continue in the future.  Participating in the EDGE program and applying for this internship has prepared me for my future after graduation.  I was unsure of what career path to take before, and now I am sure of what I would like to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

 

 

 

​

​

The point of the EDGE program is to help students learn independently outside of the traditional classroom setting.  I knew I wanted to do an internship for my EDGE project to get some real world experience beyond the classroom. Marriott Vacation Club came to the career and internship fair at the school and I spoke with the recruiters and decided to apply.  Working in a hotel is something that I have always wanted to do, especially at the front desk.  In addition, I had taken a few hospitality classes and really enjoyed them, so I figured I would like this internship.

 

One major challenge of my internship was moving to Salt Lake City. I loaded up all of my stuff, lived with some family for the summer, and commuted to Park City every day.  Being from Cedar City, I had never had to commute or plan for traffic.  That was probably the biggest challenge of my internship.  I learned quickly that I needed to leave early to make it on time each day.  Another challenging part of my project was learning the property management computer system at the hotel. A very complex system that required hours of training to understand.  I was grateful for managers and supervisors that were willing to answer questions and provided great instruction.

 

Part of interning with Marriott Vacation Club is an intern project.  All of the interns are required to come up with a project to help improve the resort.  My group came up with a game to help the guests enjoy the view that was less desirable.  Guest satisfaction surveys are sent to all of the guests after they stay at the resort, and one major negative comment was the view facing the hill.  The game was implemented and helped to improve the guest satisfaction survey scores, which benefit the resort immensely.  These scores are used to rank the resort within the company, so it was important to come up with an idea to improve their ranking.

 

I am taking numerous benefits away from my project.  I had an incredible experience and I am extremely grateful that the EDGE program has been put in to place to push students to do something more than just attend class. Not only did I enjoy my time in Park City with fun coworkers and guests, I was able to network and make connections with people in the hospitality field. I saw what I would be able to accomplish in the future past graduation.  I will be able to build a career off my summer internship all because I had to complete an EDGE project.   

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Guest Satisfaction Surveys are crucial to the growth of the resort.  Managers and supervisors depend on every employee to perform to the highest standard.  I felt like I was being pushed to do my best, while also being supported.  I love that only 5 weeks in I feel comfortable to ask questions and learn from everyone around me.”

 

“On my very last day I was able to have a performance review with my manager Daniel.  He gave me great advice on what my options are for the future, and all of the things i excelled in during my internship.  I am so grateful for this opportunity.  I learned and grew so much over the 16 weeks I was able to spend in Park City.”