Intern J1- Hotel Effie

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

Position Summary

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection is proud to offer a structured 6- or 12-month J-1 Front Desk Internship designed for international students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in luxury hotel front office operations. As the premier luxury hotel within Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Hotel Effie combines sophisticated accommodations, exceptional dining, and elevated guest experiences, making it the ideal environment for aspiring hospitality professionals.

This internship provides practical training in luxury guest services, front desk operations, reservations support, and leadership development within a full-service Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Interns will gain valuable exposure to Marriott luxury hospitality standards while learning how exceptional guest experiences begin at the front desk.

Through rotational learning opportunities in Front Desk, PBX (Guest Services), Reservations, and Dispatch, participants will build operational knowledge, strengthen guest relations skills, and gain the confidence needed for future leadership roles in the global hospitality industry.

Program Objectives

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of luxury hotel front office operations.
• Gain hands-on experience with guest check-in, check-out, and front desk procedures.
• Strengthen communication, problem-solving, and service recovery skills.
• Learn Marriott Autograph Collection luxury hospitality standards and guest service expectations.
• Build teamwork, leadership, and professional confidence.
• Develop cross-functional knowledge between Front Office, Reservations, PBX, Dispatch, and Hotel Operations.
• Participate in cultural exchange and professional development opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Front Desk Operations

• Welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality while creating memorable first impressions.
• Assist with guest check-in and check-out using the hotel's property management system.
• Process reservations, room assignments, upgrades, and special accommodations.
• Answer guest inquiries regarding hotel amenities, dining, spa services, local attractions, and resort activities.
• Process payments, billing adjustments, and guest folios accurately.
• Maintain front desk organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
• Uphold Marriott brand standards and luxury service expectations during every guest interaction.

Guest Services

• Deliver personalized concierge-style service and recommendations for the Emerald Coast.
• Assist with VIP arrivals, special requests, celebrations, and unique guest experiences.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly through effective service recovery techniques.
• Coordinate with Housekeeping, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Valet, and other hotel departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Learn escalation procedures and best practices for guest satisfaction.

Leadership Development

• Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and Marriott service workshops.
• Shadow Front Office leadership to gain exposure to supervisory responsibilities.
• Complete learning projects focused on hotel operations and guest experience.
• Develop professional relationships across multiple hotel departments.
• Learn how luxury hospitality teams collaborate to deliver exceptional service.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the internship, participants will:

• Understand luxury hotel front office operations within a Marriott Autograph Collection property.
• Demonstrate exceptional guest service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Confidently manage guest interactions while delivering personalized hospitality.
• Understand reservations, billing, room inventory, and service recovery procedures.
• Gain hands-on experience through rotational training in PBX (Guest Services), Reservations, and Dispatch operations.
• Learn how PBX supports guest communication and hotel coordination.
• Develop an understanding of reservation booking processes, inventory management, and guest arrival planning.
• Gain experience with Dispatch operations by coordinating guest requests and communication between hotel departments.
• Build leadership skills and operational knowledge for future hospitality careers.
• Strengthen teamwork, professionalism, and confidence within a luxury hotel environment.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to participate in a J-1 Internship or Trainee Program.
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a hospitality, tourism, business, or related academic program.
• Strong interest in luxury hotel operations and hospitality management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude with a strong willingness to learn.
• Professional appearance and polished demeanor.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Outstanding customer service skills with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to walk throughout the hotel and resort property as needed.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, guest-facing luxury hotel environment.
• Ability to operate computers, telephones, and front office systems for extended periods.
• Ability to work indoors and occasionally outdoors while assisting guests throughout the property.

EOE M/D/F/V