Why We Recruit is a series of interviews with our recruiting partners covering a variety of topics ranging from their experience working with HBS to what they want students to know. New interviews will be released throughout the year to dive into unique perspectives of recruiting.
Name, Title and Organization
Stephanie Atiase, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy, Hilton
Describe your organization in three to five sentences.
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!
How long has your organization been recruiting at Harvard Business School and what roles do you hire for?
Hilton has always had an interest in recruiting at HBS, but it was more targeted in the past based on specific roles. This year we launched a structured MBA rotational program where MBAs have an opportunity to work across different functions of the company (e.g. Corporate Strategy, Brand Strategy, Commercial Services, HR, Marketing, etc.) and actively recruited at HBS through Corporate presentations, coffee chats, and on-campus recruiting days.
What recruiting tactics have you found most successful in engaging with students and/or alumni at HBS?
We like to enable students to dive into a topic relevant to our industry and hear their points of view: presentations on thought leadership, student led consulting opportunities, opportunities to engage with students on a strategic question all are great ways to engage with students.
Give us your elevator pitch – what is the one thing students should know about working for you?
At Hilton people are incredibly smart and passionate about embodying a spirit of hospitality. We are looking for strategic thinking but that alone is not enough. We are also looking for people who exhibit our values and want to impact our guests, team members, and the broader community.
Is there anything else you would like to share with fellow recruiters or those who are new to recruiting with HBS?
At HBS students are tasked with making a difference in the world. We aim to find students whose vision of making a difference in the world is aligned with our corporate vision. To fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality – by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time.
