In our special Hospitality ON issue on hospitality management schools and trainings, we unveil human resources programmes from hotel groups. Here's our interview of Francisca Martinez Chief Human Resources Officer in Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International.
Any innovative or unique aspects of the programme?
Our partnership with eCornell for Voyage specific courses and the global MentorCloud partnership where graduates have access to senior leaders and alumni across the globe. The course is very practical on property with a great alumni network and regional support. In addition, the programme has a standardized curriculum in all locations as Voyage runs globally.
Who and/or what ideas are behind this programme?
Voyage is our graduate programme to attract and develop high potential talent. Voyage allows us to jump start the careers of graduates interested in a long-term career in the hospitality sector. We provide them with leadership and discipline training so that we can begin developing them from the very beginning. It’s important that Voyagers have the opportunity to start managing projects while they are in the programme - that way they are practicing managerial skills during their journey and learning the business at the same time.
The target position upon completion of the programme is an entry-level management role. We are committed to continuing to develop Voyagers so that they can one day become future GMs or other senior leaders at Marriott International.
If partnerships outside the company are involved in this programme, what types are they?
Voyagers have to complete 2 eCornell courses that are tailored to the leadership skills needed. We also work with MentorCloud to match the Voyagers with a Mentor to support their growth and development needs.
How sustainable is this programme?
The programme is very sustainable - we have two annual intakes of Voyagers based on the requirements of our hotels. We see consistent demand from university graduates to complete their management development programme with Marriott International.
To what extent is this programme part of your employer brand communication strategy?
The Voyage programme is an integral part of the university programmes recruitment strategy under the umbrella of the Marriott International Live Fully employer branding strategy. We are present at key university fairs and schools presenting the programme, e.g. in France we attend AIM. Other key fairs we attend in Europe are the Business & Hotel Management School Luzern, Cesar Ritz Colleges, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Hotel Management School Maastricht and Hotelschool The Hague, among others.
What are the KPIs measured and their results or trends? Number of people trained, career development, etc.
We measure the number of participants, number of graduates, gender and discipline, position after graduation, and track their career development.
