Aramark hosted numerous Career Exploration Days this past year, providing students and young adults with opportunities to explore various career paths within the hospitality industry.
The Aramark Community Relations team collaborated with departments such as Culinary, Technology, Digital Marketing, Corporate Communications, Legal, and members of the Aramark Sports + Entertainment team to offer career advice, resume building, and networking events. These events also helped illuminate career paths within Aramark as well as more broadly in the field of hospitality, sports, communications, and marketing.
Developing Interviewing Skills with Coach Across America
During a visit to Aramark’s Philadelphia headquarters, Coach Across America fellows participated in one-on-one mock interviews with Aramark Sports + Entertainment team members. After the interviews, students were given feedback on their performance and areas of growth and development.
One fellow said, "The mock interviews were very helpful in improving my confidence and showing me where I can grow."
The fellows also listened to a presentation from ToastMARKer’s, Aramark’s public speaking group. Aramark ToastMARKers is a corporate club and part of Toastmasters International.
In addition, the fellows went on a tour of Citizens Bank Park and connected with the onsite Aramark team.
Exploring Careers, Developing Future Leaders
In the spring, two standout events took place, including one in partnership with Hopeworks, an organization that fosters a supportive environment for young adults to build strong futures, and another with Downingtown High School in Pennsylvania.
During the Hopeworks visit, participants had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders at Aramark and gain exclusive insights into Hospitality IQ, Aramark’s proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) program led by the Emerge Team. In addition to learning about Hospitality IQ, students attended a panel discussion featuring Aramark professionals from Data Services, IT, and Talent Acquisition, who shared their career journeys and day-to-day responsibilities.
During the Downingtown High School event, students were tasked with developing a special event promotion that could run during a meal period for K-12 students.
“Our partnership with Aramark has been tremendous for our students,” said Troy Podell, Supervisor of Teaching and Learning, Downingtown School District. “They had a blast gaining a greater understanding of Aramark’s business and operations. The level of care and support the Aramark team showed to our students motivated them to do more and be more.”
During their visit, students toured Aramark’s headquarters, engaged with members of the Aramark Collegiate Hospitality marketing team and presented their marketing ideas to a judging panel. The collaborative effort provided students with valuable real-world experiences and fostered a sense of achievement and confidence as they saw their ideas come to life.
“Our students walked away envisioning a future in the industry, and with a greater sense of self-confidence and self-realization,” said Podell. “That’s the recipe for developing the next group of future world-beaters for any company.”
