Multinational hotel group Marriott International launched a collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU) to “nurture and create the future talent pipeline for leadership roles” within the brand’s portfolio of properties in the Maldives.
Marriott and MNU jointly organised a panel discussion that was attended by about 50 students. High-level representatives from Marriott sought “to inspire students to reflect on their career journeys, what it means to ‘live fully’ with Marriott International, and how to take the next step in growing their career to who they want to become within the company,” according to the company.
Emma Jones, Area Director HR for Singapore Malaysia Maldives (SMM), Cheng Yee Lee, HR Manager SMM and HR & Learning and top management officials from all seven Marriott Bonvoy resorts in the Maldives joined Zeenath Solih, the Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, who moderated the discussion.
The discussion focused on collaborative grounds to attract, train and retain students who graduate from the national university. It was followed by an interactive session between the students and the Marriott International team about the opportunities offered at the seven Marriott resorts.
The students were informed about the Marriotternship, a structured six-month programme that provides on-the-job exposure to all resort operations and support departments, and offers the opportunity to work alongside and learn from hospitality experts.
The Marriott representatives also discussed its Global Leadership Development Programme, Voyage, an 18-month programme that seeks to build on the current strengths of high potential students by providing continuous guidance and learning opportunities, thereby creating a talent pool of future supervisory and mid-management level leaders. The programme is currently offered by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa. Marriott plans to offer the programme at all their properties in the near future.
All seven resorts offered direct hiring opportunities for the students present at the event.
“Marriott International representatives truly wish to keep this momentum alive and collaborate on many such development opportunities with Maldives National University,” the company said.
