Sydney Halverson’s Post

Internship opportunities

When I walked into the doors of the Corporate Support Center at United Airlines as an intern in Summer 2012, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the opportunity to lead and be part of some of the most interesting projects & programs of my career – Customer Rebooking Modernization, Baggage 2020 & Support, Service Recovery, Employee Recognition, AO Performance & Execution, Station Support, Training Programs & Front-Line Engagement, to name a few. I formed the first Airport Operations Summer Intern Program, led our United Summer Associates Program and my current role in Change Management where my team supports large enterprise projects in our airports to transform our employee and customer experience. Oh what a ride it has been!     Change is hard, even for the leader of the AO Change Management team. It is bittersweet to share that after eleven years, I am about to step into my next ‘Era’ as I take my last walk out the doors of the Sears (Willis) Tower today, leaving my role at United. I’ve had some of the best leaders over the last decade and grown so much. I’ve had the opportunity to be a people leader for the vast majority of my time – both to corporate and front-line teams. Our front-line Operational Leaders and front-line teams will always hold a special place in my heart.   I’ve had the opportunity to captain Team United with the Corporate Challenge Running Series. I have been able to represent United speaking at many conferences – AAAE, Design Symposium, Star Alliance, IATA Baggage Working Groups, IABSC & more. Fantasy Flights, Holiday Meals, Flier Friendly Days, IRROPs support and the list goes on and on of my amazing opportunities.    The ability for my family & I to travel the world over the last decade has been nothing short of spectacular. Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, Barcelona, Paris, nearly every state, Tar Heels basketball games, Michigan football games (GO BLUE!) and the ability to run half marathons in fifteen states (still got 35 to go)!   Why have I stayed at United? The people and culture, of course. Watching the culture of this company evolve through our past & current leaders has been one of the most remarkable transformations. Being a fully customer-centric organization where we give our front-line co-workers the ability to take care of our customers and connect people and unite the world only happens because of great people & leaders.   As I transition to my next era, I am forever a United fan. I am confident the team will continue the great work to make United the biggest and best airline in aviation history. I’ll be awaiting the day when every mainline aircraft has large space bins, power outlets and blue tooth technology.    Stay tuned! I am just getting started – I know that the best is yet to come. Some exciting news to share soon. Much love & gratitude, Steven

So inspired this week by working for an industry that has so much opportunity and development potential! Looking through my LinkedIn feed this week, just about every other post has been "Started a New Position"! It is not people that are simply job-hopping but those growing and developing in their careers. While hospitality doesn't own the slogan "Be all you can be", it truly applies to our industry. Where else can you grown and learn so much, not just about work but about yourself? When I was trying to pick my college major as a typical 18-year-old not knowing what to do with their life, I chose Hospitality as a catch-all. From there, I was able to explore F&B, theme parks, hotels, front-of-house, back-of-house, operations, development, sales, marketing, etc. - the whole gamut until discovering my true passion in revenue management. That wouldn't have been possible without the opportunity that Hospitality allows, and I am so grateful for all the lessons I have learned along the way and the people that have led me to where I am (you know who you are!) since my not-so-fresh-faced teenage days. So once you have found your passion in Hospitality, the sky's the limit! Be all you can be this year! While there are always growing pains, take the time to appreciate all the learning you are getting along the way.

After my one year of experience in the hospitality industry as an intern, I have realized that ATTITUDE is everything. Why? Because you not only handle guests with a positive smile and attitude, but how you treat your colleagues as well. Let's put it this way. When you have a positive attitude, that energy reciprocates onto the next person. Imagine someone was having a bad start of the day and your positivity and care was felt by that person... eventually the negative mood will start to fade away. Remember working in the hotel is always a challenge, but working as a team and making a difference can change perspectives. Think about it 😁 #realtalk #hotelindustry #positiveattitude #workculture

Internship opportunities

As the New Year unfolds, I find myself in a reflective state, and in awe at the incredible journey that a hospitality career has brought me. 🎉 It's a testament to the unpredictability of life and the power of seizing opportunities with an open heart and mind. When I was a Sophomore in college, I embarked on this journey in the world of hospitality with little expectations. It was just a job to help save money. Little did I know that every smile shared, every guest I met (positive, or gloomy) and every connection made would play a pivotal role in shaping my professional trajectory. The hospitality industry has been my steadfast companion, offering me a platform to learn, grow, and contribute in ways I never anticipated. The dynamic nature of this field has honed my adaptability, problem-solving skills, and instilled in me a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences for others. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have been a source of inspiration and support. Their guidance has been invaluable, and has helped me navigate the twists and turns of this exciting industry. Today, I stand at a juncture where the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the relationships built have paved the way for new opportunities and horizons. I'm extremely thankful and excited to be at IDeaS Revenue Solutions. Helping give back to the hospitality industry after it gave so much to me. This wouldn't have been possible if I didn't try a new career like hospitality back in college. To those contemplating their own professional paths. Whether it's joining the world of hospitality or leaving. I mostly want to encourage you to embrace the unknown with an open heart. Your journey may surprise you, leading to unexpected destinations that enrich your skills and perspective. Here's to the New Year and the endless possibilities it brings! 🚀 Let's continue to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in our respective fields. Cheers to the hospitality industry and the incredible individuals who make it an enriching and rewarding place to be. 🥂 #NewYearReflections #CareerJourney #HospitalityPassion #GratitudeInCareer #meetingsandevents #revenuemanagement #frontdesk #sales

Maybe you never thought you'd work in hospitality until it found you. Or maybe you ended up here after thinking it would only be "a summer job." Whether you've been here 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years, there are a couple of characteristics that will let you know that you're meant to be in hospitality. Here are our top five! #hospitality #nycstaffing #nycevents #eventstaffing

"Embracing My ADD: How a Passion for Hospitality Became My Superpower" At 18, I was diagnosed with ADD, a revelation that came thanks to a perceptive math teacher. Throughout high school, my busy life—juggling dance, social activities, and the stigma around ADD—masked my struggles. By the end of my freshman year in college, despite having made many friends, my academic performance was dismal. I was on the brink of failing, which was particularly frustrating given my interest in behavioral psychology and political science. Recognizing my brain worked differently, I transferred to a university closer to home. There, I worked at my aunt’s restaurants, immersing myself in a vibrant hospitality environment. Balancing work and school proved challenging, and I was again struggling academically. However, this period sparked my passion for hospitality and led to a major shift in my career direction. By my fifth year and during an internship at a Houston hotel, I was both determined and anxious about graduating. My father’s words, “Megan, just walk across that stage, your talent is people,” became a turning point. His support made me realize that my grades didn’t define me; my ability to connect with people did. I graduated with a mix of relief and pride, and from there, my career took off. At 24, I became a Director of Sales & Marketing and was honored as DOSM of the Year by Starwood for limited service hotels. By 27, I joined The Venetian Resort, which I believe is the best hotel in the world. My role here continues to challenge and excite me, and I’ve found that the hospitality industry is where my ADD thrives as a unique strength. Hospitality is more than a passion......in the words of Lady Gaga, “I was born this way.”  #CareerJourney #ADD #HospitalityIndustry #PersonalGrowth #FindingYourPassion #motivation

Ever wondered how early career exploration can shape the future? I’ve found that diving in early sets the stage for both- professional and personal growth, especially in dynamic fields like hospitality. During my time at Jamboree Education Private Limited, I had the opportunity to help high-school students find internships and explore career options. I saw firsthand how aligning them with their passions early on could lead to meaningful success. After all, it’s not just about choosing a career; it’s about discovering what truly lights you up. For instance, imagine yourself assisting with event planning, greeting customers at the front desk, or working in a busy kitchen. By fusing academic knowledge with real-world experience, these practical skills build a strong foundation for your future and prepare you for the needs of the industry. What I find most inspiring is seeing how young professionals grow through these experiences in the hospitality sector. They’re not just preparing for jobs; they’re positioning themselves to lead, innovate, and drive positive change. By diving in early, they set themselves up for careers with opportunities to drive meaningful contributions, from promoting sustainability to enhancing guest experiences. Check out the blog that influenced my views on this: https://lnkd.in/g4-iFnns #careerexploration #hospitalitycareers #futureleaders #unlockingpotential

✨How a Leap of Faith Led Me to Where I Am Today✨ In 2019, I found myself at a crossroads. Teaching at Town Public High School had been a rewarding journey for three years, but I yearned for a new challenge. The leap into the corporate world was daunting, but I believed in embracing change. My first step was a 1-month internship at PEL in the sales and marketing department. It was intense, fast-paced, and exhilarating. I learned the ropes quickly, understanding the intricacies of market dynamics and customer engagement. This experience was a springboard into the next phase of my career. The real turning point came when I joined Sky Marketing as a business development executive. It was a steep learning curve, but every day brought new lessons and opportunities. I spent a year honing my skills, building relationships, and driving growth. The thrill of closing deals and seeing the tangible results of my efforts was incredibly fulfilling. After Sky Marketing, I transitioned to HighReturn Realty. Starting as a sales manager, I immersed myself in understanding the real estate market, leading my team to success in just five months. The experience was transformative, and it led to my current role as an HR manager. In HR, I found my true calling. Combining my experience in sales, marketing, and teaching, I focused on developing talent, fostering a positive workplace culture, and driving organizational growth. My journey has come full circle, as I now help others navigate their career paths, just as I did. Looking back, every step, every challenge, and every leap of faith has been worth it. The key lesson? Embrace change, take risks, and believe in your ability to grow. Your career path might be winding and unpredictable, but it’s those unexpected turns that often lead to the most rewarding destinations. #CareerJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #EmbraceChange #CareerTransition #HRLife #SalesExperience #MarketingJourney #TeachingExperience #RealEstateCareer #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #Inspiration #CareerAdvice #Motivation #LinkedInStories