MIAMI—In two and a half years since it expanded, the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Career Development Office has successfully placed more than 200 students in management positions immediately after graduation, while 100 percent of students graduate with internship or work experience.
The office, which is funded by The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, provides students with access to internships, jobs, and management in training programs with brands across the hospitality industry. It also funds scholarships to attend industry events, national conferences, and global competitions.
Now, with an additional $225,000 grant providing an additional three years of operating funds, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will continue to take the lead in promoting hospitality education worldwide, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the pioneers for which it is named.
“The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Career Development Program at the Chaplin School helped me shape and expand my understanding of the hospitality and tourism industry. The services they provided gave me the skills and confidence to get a head start in my career,” said Stephanie van Romondt, who was selected to participate in a management in training program in Dubai with Kerzner International.
The goal of the grant is to ensure that students receive a well-rounded academic education with a focus on professional skills in the areas of communication, language, leadership, and cultural awareness.
“The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation is a big supporter of the hospitality industry as a whole and of our program, in particular. The success of the career development office demonstrates how FIU and the Marriott Foundation are working together to create development opportunities for students, so they can reach their maximum potential in life and career,” said Mike Hampton, dean of the Chaplin School.
The Marriott Foundation aims to prepare students for the rigorous demands of hospitality careers by supporting exceptional hospitality programs at select colleges and universities across the United States.
“As hospitality education is a priority focus area for the Marriott Foundation, we are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives and helping prepare them for successful careers in the hospitality industry,” said Anne Gunsteens, executive director of the Marriott Foundation. “We are very pleased with the impact of this grant and will continue to nurture our long-standing relationship with FIU’s Chaplin School.”
