How to get luxury brand hospitality internships

The global luxury market reached €1.5 trillion in 2023, up 10% from 2022, driven by increased demand for high-end experiences. Luxury hospitality offers the challenge of delivering exceptional service in prestigious settings and attracting a discerning clientele. An internship with a luxury brand provides invaluable experience, teaching those who carry one out the highest service standards and attention to detail. This hands-on learning prepares interns effectively for a successful career in the high-end hospitality industry.

The process, however, is competitive and requires a clear approach. There are several ways to improve your chances of landing a coveted internship position with a luxury brand, from choosing the right hospitality school to effectively networking and preparing compelling applications. This article outlines essential tactics for securing an internship in this exclusive sector, offering practical advice and actionable tips to help you negotiate the competitive landscape successfully.

What are luxury brand internships?

Opportunities that provide hands-on experience in high-end hotels and resorts, luxury internships involve working in various departments, such as guest services, food and beverage and event planning. Interns are guided by experienced professionals, learning the intricacies of delivering exceptional service and gaining insights into maintaining the high standards expected by luxury clientele.

By rotating through different roles, interns gain a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations and the level of service required. These internships not only build practical skills but also improve interns’ resumés, making them more attractive to future employers in the luxury hospitality sector.

What are common types of luxury brand internships?

High-end hospitality placements vary due to the broad range of  hospitality venues and departments involved in the industry, but some of the more common include:

• Guest services internships: assisting with check-ins, concierge services and guest relations, learning how to provide personalized and exceptional customer service
• Food and beverage internships: working in fine dining restaurants, bars and banquet services, focusing on culinary arts, service etiquette and drinks delivery
• Event planning internships: helping organize and deliver upscale events and meetings, gaining experience in logistics, vendor management and guest interaction
• Housekeeping internships: learning about the meticulous standards of cleanliness and presentation expected in luxury accommodations, involving room preparation and maintenance
• Sales and marketing internships: assisting with promotional activities, market research and client relations, learning strategies to attract and retain high-end clientele

The advantages of an internship with a luxury hospitality brand

Completing a placement with a high-end company offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact a career in the industry, for example:

• Hands-on learning: practical experience in various departments, enabling interns to put their theoretical knowledge into real-world scenarios
• Understanding excellence: working with luxury brands provides insight into the meticulous standards and attention to detail required to maintain exceptional service levels. Interns learn the importance of quality, precision and consistency in hospitality businesses
• Networking opportunities: a chance to build relationships with industry professionals, mentors and peers, leading to valuable connections and potential career opportunities
• Skill development: communication, teamwork, problem solving and time management become second nature through practical tasks and taking on responsibilities in a luxury hospitality setting
• Brand knowledge: gaining an in-depth understanding of the brand’s heritage, values and customer expectations, enabling interns to deliver  personalized and memorable guest experiences
• Career advancement: internships improve your resumé and demonstrate commitment to the industry. They can open doors to future employment opportunities with the brand or at similar high-end establishments

By studying for the right hospitality degree, you can unlock highly sought-after internship opportunities with a luxury hospitality brand.

Examples of top luxury brand internships

From luxury hotels to exclusive resorts, there are many venues where students and young people get the chance to develop skills and professional experience in a high-end setting and build a potential career.

Marriott International

This multinational hospitality company has luxury brands such as the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and JW Marriott in its portfolio. Marriott International offers internship opportunities that provide practical experience in upscale hotel management. Interns at Marriott gain hands-on training across various departments, including guest services, operations and event planning. They benefit by learning from industry professionals and gaining an understanding of the standards of service expected in luxury hospitality settings. Exposure to Marriott’s global network also helps interns’ future career prospects.

Hilton Worldwide

A distinguished player in luxury hospitality, renowned for its upscale brands such as Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Internship opportunities at Hilton focus on providing hands-on experience in premium service delivery, operations and guest relations. Participants gain valuable insights into maintaining high standards and catering to discerning clientele. Hilton’s internship programs are designed to hone practical skills and offer a pathway for aspiring professionals to launch successful luxury hospitality careers.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

This luxury hospitality brand offers internship opportunities that immerse participants in its renowned service culture. Interns at Four Seasons gain experience across various departments, including front office, food and beverage and guest services. These programs encourage professional development through mentorship from industry leaders and exposure to high standards of guest care. Interns learn about the meticulous attention to detail and personalized service that define Four Seasons, preparing them perfectly for future roles.

How to get luxury brand hospitality internships

Investing time and effort in researching opportunities, networking with industry professionals and preparing polished applications is essential if you want to land one of these prestigious placements. Some of the steps that may help you secure a luxury brand internship include:

• Choose a reputable hospitality school: enroll in a recognized hospitality school that integrates hospitality internships into its curriculum. These institutions often have established relationships with luxury brands, facilitating access to internship opportunities
• Research and preparation: investigate luxury hospitality brands early in your academic journey. Understand their internship programs, requirements and application processes. Tailor your resumé and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, skills and passion for the industry
• Use career services: take advantage of career services offered by your hospitality school. They can guide you on resumé writing, interview preparation and connecting with industry professionals
• Network effectively: attend industry events, workshops and seminars to expand your connections in the luxury hospitality sector. Networking can alert you to internship openings and potential referrals
• Apply strategically: submit internship applications that align with your career path goals and interests. Customize each application to showcase your understanding of luxury hospitality standards and enthusiasm for delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Internship interviews: prepare by practicing common hospitality industry questions and scenarios. Demonstrate your knowledge of luxury service expectations and your willingness to learn and grow with the brand
• Follow up: after interviews, send a thank you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the internship and willingness to contribute to the brand’s success

What qualifications and skills are required for a career in luxury hospitality?

Most luxury brands require aspiring professionals to hold a hospitality degree, demonstrating they’ve gained specialized knowledge and practical skills tailored for careers in luxury hospitality. These degree programs provide insights into service excellence, guest relations and luxury brand management, preparing graduates to deliver exceptional experiences and pursue managerial roles in prestigious hotels, resorts and fine dining establishments globally. Students also benefit from practical training through hospitality internships with prestigious brands.

Alongside a hospitality degree, you also need specific hard and soft skills for a career in luxury hospitality, such as:

• Customer service skills: the ability to anticipate and meet the needs of affluent guests with professionalism and discretion is crucial
• Attention to detail: precision in maintaining impeccable standards across all aspects of service, from room presentation to dining experiences
• Communication: clear and effective interpersonal skills to interact confidently with guests and collaborate seamlessly with colleagues
• Cultural sensitivity: understanding and respecting a wide range of cultural differences and preferences among international clientele
• Problem solving: quick thinking and resourcefulness to resolve issues promptly and improve guest satisfaction
• Teamwork: collaborative skills to work harmoniously with colleagues across departments to deliver seamless guest experiences
• Technical competence: proficiency in using hospitality management systems and familiarity with industry-specific technologies

Conclusion

Securing an internship with a luxury hospitality brand can be a game-changer for aspiring professionals seeking a career in this prestigious sector. The global luxury market’s growth underscores the increasing demand for exceptional service, making finding relevant work experience desirable and also highly competitive. This experience can offer first-hand exposure to the inner workings of luxury hospitality, from guest relations to operational management, that classroom learning cannot replicate.

Internships are not just about adding a prestigious name to your resumé; they are stepping stones toward a successful career in hospitality. The relationships you build and the skills you acquire during this time will shape your professional trajectory. Stay open minded and proactive, as each interaction and opportunity contributes to your growth and understanding of the industry.

A hospitality degree can help you secure a luxury brand internship and lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the luxury hospitality industry.

Photo credits:
Main image: Getty Oscar Wong