Hilton Colombo Residences participates in Hilton Worldwide’s largest annual global career initiative

• Careers@Hilton Live showcases the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in hospitality for job seekers around the world

 Hilton Colombo Residences has taken part in ‘Careers@Hilton Live: Youth in Hospitality Month’, Hilton Worldwide’s annual global career event showcasing the many opportunities available in the hospitality industry for young people. Throughout the month of May, Hilton Worldwide hotels and corporate offices around the globe are hosting hundreds of events to inform those looking for employment about the exciting and diverse career opportunities in the hospitality industry. This initiative is a part of Hilton Worldwide’s ‘Open Doors’ commitment, which aims to positively impact at least one million young people by 2019 and better prepare them to reach their full potential.

On 23 May, Hilton Colombo Residences hosted over 300 students representing over 20 schools in the Colombo District. The objective of the event was to familiarise students with the exciting career opportunities within the industry and to encourage the youth to choose hospitality in their careers.

The half day program began with an introduction to the hospitality industry, and then the students were then assigned in groups to participate in activities with experts in hotel departments. 

Students will be exposed to gain hands on experience under three identified key segments in the hotel industry: Housekeeping, Kitchen and F&B. Workshops are educational, entertaining and interactive, which will leave memories in the hearts and minds of the attendees to take home with them. They will also be treated to a panel discussion with the following industry experts:

Ruwan Punchihewa – Consultant, Human Resources Management

Achala Zoysa – Head of Human Resources, Hilton Colombo

Shevanthi Jayasuriya – Country Manager, Room to Read

Natasha Bergenvik – Chief Executive Officer, TRAC 

Minoli Senanayake – Asst. Manager – PR

“The hotel industry is one the oldest in the world and in Sri Lanka. With current noticeable growth in the industry, especially in this part of the world, it’s important that we, as hoteliers educate our future talents about the business and employment opportunities that exist locally and internationally. As initiated by our CEO, Chris Nassetta, Hilton Group practice many methods and ways to develop and support the youth; this youth forum is another of our attempts to give a basic understanding about industry to the next generation to consider this lucrative industry as a one of their career paths,” said Hilton Colombo Residences General Manager Karim Schadlou. 

‘Careers@Hilton Live: Youth in Hospitality’ events are a unique opportunity for Hilton Worldwide Team Members to inspire job seekers about careers in the hospitality industry, and to support them by providing guidance on the skills that are vital to succeed in the workplace and beyond. Participants have been joining Hilton Worldwide Team Members for events ranging from résumé clinics to networking, as well as presentations from team members on their career paths in hospitality.