Inspiring Future Hospitality Leaders

Aramark is connecting with students and community members looking for employment opportunities by showcasing the breadth of career opportunities within the hospitality sector.

The group’s multifaceted approach to career enablement combines established nonprofit partnerships with career showcase events. These events highlight various jobs in the hospitality industry and tap into the skills and professional expertise of its employee volunteers, to highlight the potential for fulfilling careers in this dynamic field.

By hosting events that nurture the development of hospitality skills, and sharing information about the tremendous progression opportunities our career paths offer, we are creating a pipeline for a diverse and inclusive workforce

Building Capacity and Inspiring Careers

“Aramark is a company devoted to hospitality. It’s at the heart of how we serve our clients and our guests,” says Abigail Charpentier, Aramark’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “By hosting events that nurture the development of hospitality skills, and sharing information about the tremendous progression opportunities our career paths offer, we are creating a pipeline for a diverse and inclusive workforce, inspiring future hospitality leaders, and providing employment opportunities across a range of careers.”

Aramark’s subject matter experts volunteer their time and actively participate in these career showcases, which can include:

• Presentations: Aramark leaders deliver presentations on various topics such as the talent acquisition process, career progression (including culinary, nutrition, and operations), corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, corporate marketing, and communications.
• Panel Discussions: Facilitated panels provide deeper insights by having small groups of experts engage in robust discussions with participants. Topics include specific roles or functions, pathways to success in the hospitality industry, and advice on building meaningful careers.
• Interactive Workshops and Demonstrations: Aramark prioritizes active learning and hands-on experiences. Workshops and demonstrations encourage participation and foster a deeper understanding of the industry.

Real-time Impact

Earlier this year, Aramark’s Temple Dining team at Temple University hosted a career showcase for students from the Urban League of Philadelphia’s (ULP) Aramark Ignite program. Aramark Ignite connects several of Aramark’s Philadelphia collegiate and healthcare partners with a high school-based enrichment program focused on career exposure to the food services and facility management industries.

We have been sponsoring the Aramark Ignite program for several years, but the most recent event at Temple University was an elevated experience for the students.

The Temple Dining operations team organized and supported the event, while the human resources team members engaged with the students and created a welcoming environment that celebrated Aramark’s hospitality and service culture.

Jami Leveen, Vice President of Community Partnerships at Aramark, comments: “We have been sponsoring the Aramark Ignite program for several years, but the most recent event at Temple University was an elevated experience for the students.

“The Temple Dining team has set a high bar and will serve as the example going forward, as we explore how best to incorporate hospitality career preparedness into our community work, create opportunities to connect students with operations and talent management, and elevate our volunteer experiences.

“Currently, three students from the Temple event have accepted job offers from Aramark, and we look to expand our numbers in the future.”

Upcoming career showcases will be tailored to the community groups in attendance and will highlight different careers within various industries, including culinary and skills development, building inclusive work environments, sports and entertainment, and communications and marketing.