In today’s evolving business landscape, the hospitality industry stands at a crucial intersection of tradition and innovation. As technology advances and guest expectations evolve, the need for forward-thinking talent has never been more important. Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a cornerstone of the UAE’s hospitality and events sector, recognises that the future of hospitality rests on nurturing the next generation of industry leaders by empowering talent through unique internship experiences.
Redefining the Internship Experience
The concept of internships has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What once served as mere stepping stones to employment has evolved into innovative development programmes that shape the future of industries.
Through structured, hands-on learning, DWTC has witnessed how this can spark innovation, unlock potential, and fuel long-term success through its hospitality internship programme.
DWTC: A Catalyst for Talent Development
DWTC’s hospitality internship programme embodies this evolution, offering a structured approach to professional development that goes far beyond traditional learning. The programme has shown impressive results, with around one in six interns receiving full-time offers in DWTC’s Hospitality division upon completion of the programme. By the end of 2024, a total of 165 interns would have gained invaluable exposure to the inner workings of the hospitality sector, with over 15% already onboarded into full-time roles.
Immersive Learning Through Cross-Functional Experience
What sets DWTC’s internship programme apart is its holistic approach to professional development. Interns are fully immersed in diverse roles, from culinary operations to event management and customer care, allowing them to discover their passion and shape their career path while gaining comprehensive industry knowledge. This breadth of experience equips them to navigate a fast-paced industry while honing the skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
This cross-functional exposure sees interns in Event Operations and Management actively participate in coordinating major events like Arab Health and GITEX Global, gaining firsthand experience in large-scale event management and guest services. Through hands-on involvement in handling guest enquiries and resolving challenges, interns in Customer Care and Excellence develop essential problem-solving skills and learn to enhance guest experiences; while in Engineering and Sustainability, they support facility maintenance and sustainability projects – gaining the technical knowledge crucial for modern venue management. There’s also a focus on developing business skills, including rotations in revenue management, to understand the financial aspects of hospitality operations and digital marketing and communications and gain exposure to the importance of marketing strategies in the hospitality sector. In Housekeeping, opportunities include learning about maintaining exceptional cleanliness standards across venues and understanding the crucial role of facility presentation in guest satisfaction.
The value of internships goes beyond job-specific training. It’s about cultivating future leaders who can thrive in all areas of hospitality. This comprehensive rotation ensures that interns develop a thorough understanding of how various departments interconnect to deliver world-class hospitality and catering experiences. The hands-on experience they gain is invaluable, allowing interns to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop practical solutions to industry challenges.
Nurturing Innovation Through Fresh Perspectives
A fresh perspective is one of the greatest assets an intern can bring to any organisation and has proven to be a catalyst for creativity at DWTC. Their curiosity and imagination often spark new ideas, bringing innovation to the forefront. DWTC’s award-winning hospitality business has seen how interns are more than capable of contributing to impactful change. Intern-driven initiatives have helped streamline processes, enhance sustainability efforts, and elevate the overall guest experience. This spirit of collaboration is integral to our commitment to continuous improvement.
Aashish – a former intern and now a Commis Chef at DWTC, exemplifies the value of this hands-on learning. He states, “My journey at the Dubai World Trade Centre began as an intern, I was immediately immersed in a dynamic kitchen environment. Learning from top chefs, I gained essential culinary skills and was inspired to innovate and excel. The transition from intern to full-time chef was seamless, thanks to the solid foundation built during my internship. Today, I’m proud to be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence.”
Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
DWTC’s hospitality internship programme plays a crucial role in creating a robust talent pipeline that ensures sustained organisational success. By investing in early career development, DWTC not only secures its future talent needs but also contributes to the broader growth of the hospitality industry. The programme’s success is evident in its retention of former interns remaining with the organisation for more than three years after their initial placement. B Lokesh Rao, a former intern who transitioned to a Customer Care Assistant, says, “Transitioning to a full-time role on completing my internship validated my hard work while entrusting me with new responsibilities. Today, I continue to build on the skills and knowledge gained during my internship.”
Looking to the Future of Hospitality Talent
The future of hospitality lies in the hands of those who are entering the industry today. DWTC’s commitment to nurturing this talent through comprehensive internship experiences provides a platform for the next generation of leaders to be well-prepared to face industry challenges and drive innovation. Through mentorship, real-world experience, and exposure to diverse aspects of the business, DWTC is not just filling positions – it is developing the industry leaders of tomorrow.
As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, DWTC remains dedicated to supporting and empowering young professionals through meaningful internship experiences. This investment in talent development isn’t just about building careers; it’s about shaping the future of an industry that plays a vital role in Dubai’s economic growth and global reputation as a premier destination for events and hospitality.
