What position are you holding at the moment?

Six Sigma Manager, Heathrow Hotels, UK

What did you do after you finish your program?
(Career Path/First Position):

Assistant Front Office Manager

What was your goal when you started the program?

To learn all aspects of the hotel operation, grow a strong network inside and outside the hotel and start as an Assistant Front Office Manager at the end of the program

Did you change your goal towards the end of the program?

No, but I did change shortly after I finished the program as I was given the opportunity to become coordinator of the acquisition of the Le Méridien brand

What were the challenges that you faced during your program?

Taking in all the learning opportunities around me, deciding which areas would be best to focus on for my future career and keeping in touch with the rest of Starwood whilst in a remote part of Scotland!

Did the program go as you expected?

It went a lot better! I thought it would be good but was amazed by the flexibility and variation of the program.

Currently, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

General Manager of a Starwood property

What are the benefits for being VF Alumnus?

A fantastic network, continued motivation and progression and friends across the globe!!

What were highlights of your career with Starwood?

For me some of the best highlights have been the ‘stretch’ opportunities I have been thrown by Starwood; working on a 3 month breakthrough innovation project with senior leadership across multiple properties whilst on my VF program, acting as coordinator for the team managing the acquisition of 130 Le Meridien hotels and taking on the role of Six Sigma manager for two of our large airport properties.

Other Comments/Stories:

The Vita Futura program equipped me with the skills, tools and knowledge necessary to begin a great career in the hotel industry. I wouldn’t have swapped for any other program and any other hotel company!!