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Employees discuss what experiences help them in their jobs.

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By Kristina Holtrop

We all know that the Washington Hospitality Association helps communities around Washington State. What we might not know is that it doesn’t only help businesses and the people who work at and patronize them, but it incubates the workforce of tomorrow with a thriving internship program.

Every ten weeks, college students rotate through the headquarters in Olympia, WA, simultaneously receiving a wage, college credits, and valuable immersion in anything from government, business, accounting, video production, marketing, to anti-human trafficking.

Take it from an intern

The Association has sponsored approximately forty internships in the last four-and-a-half years, and I was one of them, providing accounting support to the Internal Operation department over the summer of 2017. I valued my experience so much that I made a short documentary about entering the workforce through working at the Washington Hospitality Association for a college project while working here part-time and finishing my degree.

I can confidently say that my internship was one of the most valuable parts of my education, and all nine of the employees featured in my film will agree that real-world experience is important when first entering the workforce.

Beyond the classroom

One thing that impressed me when first starting here was how important having a good company culture is to the Association. By working in the department responsible for human resources, building relationships with C-Level executives who do the hiring, and interviewing mostly recent graduates, I learned about what makes a employee a good one.

[blockquote style=”1″]I think the best thing I can do is look for great people and give them the avenue to be themselves.[/blockquote] -Anthony Anton, President/CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association

Interns can learn from example about what it takes to be a great employee. They learn how to communicate and take control of their learning and career. All the people prop up the pillars of the Association, and in turn, the members. A well-oiled organization doesn’t only help its members succeed: it also nurtures the next generation of employees as a turning cog that mutually helps the community at large.

[blockquote style=”1″]Probably one of my favorite things about working here is that it is so invested in its employees.[/blockquote] – Zooie Arnold, former Executive Assistant to the CEO/Government Affairs, current Staff Accountant

Become an intern

If you are interested in interning with the Washington Hospitality Association at their headquarters in Olympia, WA, any contact David Faro at .

Everyone enrolled in any four-year, two-year, or online college is encouraged to inquire.