My Capstone Projects
For my Capstone Project, I really wanted to get involved with companies that currently have a global presence and corporate responsibility in trying to make the world a better place to live in and connect with the multitude cultures and people has to offer!
The Walt Disney Company
Disney College Program
Since I was little, TWDC has always meant a lot to me. The way that you could escape life's trouble and worries and leave them temporarily at the entrance is amazing even till this day. I dreamed to be a part of the cast members that could change someone's vacation even in the smallest way possible.
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When I accepted the offer to go to Orlando and intern with my dream company, I knew that would come with personal and career challenges. For one, I had never moved anywhere to live by myself and it wasn't easy at the beginning. I had also never worked a day in my life and I go anxious just thinking "what if I don't do it well". It was rough, but seeing all the guest smile through even the smallest of gestures meant it all for me. I knew I had to change my attitude of approaching these challenges and I was going to do it the best way I knew, make magic for others. One of my favorite memories while being there was with Ms. Lily (her story is one the picture on the left posted through Lily's mom's FB), I took initiative of her situation and added some Disney magic and her smile and happiness meant it all especially that I was in the right place, I was at home. I'm sure that I'll (nor Lily) will ever forget that. I also had the opportunity to meet and speak to the sweetest WWII veteran and was able to thank him for his service and give him a complimentary meal on Mickey. I was constantly driven to make magic for every guest that was near me or my direction. I would also extend the niceness and courtesy to my fellow cast members and new cast members. My leaders saw the determination, initiative, and leadership traits that led me to be one of the only two intern trainers at my property. It was a prestige as interns do not normally get the opportunity to do so due to our short programs. When my program at Disney came to a close after 13 months, I was incredibly sad, but I was grateful all that it did for me.
At Disney, I was able to discover my true passion for the hospitality and service industry. I have always been passionate about serving others and being in business doing so. That was the end to that internship chapter, but the start of a new one was closely approaching without me knowing it.
Hilton Worldwide HQ
Hilton Corporate Intern
If there's any advice I could give any student, it is never be afraid to apply to a job listing even if you do not hold all the experience for it.
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When I applied to be a Hilton Corporate Intern, I'll be completely honest. I did not think I would get in, but I knew that it would be great to practice my interview skills. My interviewing process was not easy, but I gave it my best shot and 6 interviews and one denial call later I was offered to be a Food and Beverage Development Intern for Hilton Corporate. However, while I was excited to be working for Hilton Corporate, I did not know the magnitude of people that had applied and were not able to get in. I am one of 36 corporate interns, only one representing FIU and South Florida, with other interns from Universities such as Cornell, Penn State, UCLA to name a few.
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One of Hilton's main focuses is on sustainability and global awareness on climate change. Some of my tasks involve being innovative and creative in thinking of new ways to be more sustainable, not cutlery or plates. Taking it a step further and seeing how we can reduce food waste and using other forms of energy for our projects. It hasn't been easy, but I enjoy the challenges that life brings in my way because it is an opportunity to discover new potential and to demonstrate to others that I can do it.
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As an intern, I got the opportunity to be a part of Executive Leadership Spotlight Series. It gives me an insight to what many of the SVPs of our respective Hilton brands have experienced and how the ended up leading at one of the world's leading hotel companies. Each of their stories are inspirational showing that with time, preparation, humility and drive, we could go very far in our respective careers.
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Each and everyday I remind/pinch myself of how proud I am to be a FIU Panther.
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I hope to one day lead a company like Hilton, because they took an chance with me and I hope to do the same for someone like me in the future.
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