Las Vegas Internship - MGM MIRAGE
Amanda
Purdue University
Class of 2006
Assistant Hotel Manager - Treasure Island
"I love to hear a guest say they had the time of their life on their vacation. It is very satisfying to know that my staff and I were partly responsible for their wonderful memory."
- 3:00 p.m. - Received status report from earlier shift's manager
- 3:15 p.m. - Assessed room/suite counts and room rates and checked staffing
- 4:30 p.m. - Communicated with casino management to best accommodate recent influx of guests
- 5:00 p.m. - Met with my mentor, the Vice President of Hotel Operations
- 6:20 p.m. - Resolved guest issue
- 8:00 p.m. - E-mailed executives hotel status updates
- 9:00 p.m. - Received high praise from a first-time guest
My essential play list:
- John Mayer - Stop This Train
- Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
- Raul Midon - Keep on Hoping
- Jason Mraz - Song for a Friend
- Anything Linkin Park
Why MGM MIRAGE?
When I graduated, I was not exactly sure what I wanted to do with my degree. The MGM MIRAGE Management Associate Program (MAP) provided me with a wonderful opportunity to experience cross-training in many departments of a successful company.
Have you been mentored at MGM MIRAGE?
In MAP, my mentor was Catherine Siefert, Vice President of Hotel Operations. We still meet for coffee and lunch every few months to assess my professional progress, set future goals, and catch up. My Executive Director of Guest Services, Diana Ritchie, sets the growth of her managers as a very high priority. As an Assistant Hotel Manager, I am mentored and guided by her.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Maintaining fairness and consistency with my guests and my employees. Every word you speak and every action you perform either adds to or takes away from your credibility as a manager. Sustaining a level of excellence on a daily basis is very challenging.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love to watch my employees grow. There is nothing more rewarding than to watch someone progress from an unsure new hire full of questions, to a wonderful clerk who provides exemplary guest service, to an assistant manager who helps you run your hotel.
What have you done that "they didn't teach you about in school"?
In school, there was much more focus on academics than on character. To be successful at MGM MIRAGE, character is critical. My parents taught me to be friendly, polite, and respectful to everyone. Little did I know this would be a smart career move. During my MAP rotation, I gained the reputation of a smart, ambitious, and kind young professional. Now that I am an Assistant Hotel Manager, this reputation is serving me well.
"If I knew then what I know now"
I would not have been so nervous or afraid to make a mistake. During my first year in the work force, I have learned that you grow the most in times of conflict and struggle.
What do you do for fun?
I love to get away from the city every once in a while to go hiking at Mount Charleston. Sometimes I will go by myself and enjoy the peace and quiet. Other times, I will go with a group of friends, pack a picnic, and make a day out of it.
What surprised you about Las Vegas?
If you are not on "The Strip", Las Vegas is just like any other city. Before I moved to Vegas, I thought everything would be covered with neon lights and slot machines, but that is not the case at all.
MGM MIRAGE College Recruits
Amanda: Purdue University
Assistant Hotel Manager
Treasure Island
