2015 Beau Rivage Hospitality Internship (Human Resources Intern)

Ten different personalities, nine different fields of interest, four different colleges, and one amazing experience, made up the 2015 MGM Resorts Hospitality Internship Program at Beau Rivage, better known as HIP 2015.

While most college students were hanging out at the beach with friends, the ten of us were spending our summer at one of MGM's regional properties gaining expertise and insight on our chosen professional career. Located on the coast of Mississippi, the Beau Rivage is known for its breathtaking ocean views and southern hospitality.

MGM is big on giving back to the community especially through volunteer work. So, as part of our experience, we volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Loaves & Fishes, and even the Ronald McDonald House in New Orleans!

Every intern experience was different, but personally, mine was amazing. I was fortunate to be selected as the Beau Rivage's Human Resources Intern. I must say the perception of HR has been misconstrued over the years. Human Resources is FUN, EXCITING, and very IN THE KNOW! My experience started with a meet and greet of the various executives on property, from the Vice President of Human Resources to the Vice President of Marketing. Hearing all of the amazing stories of their profession and how they came into their current role was very inspirational. It motivated me to make sure I took advantage of this magnificent opportunity to not only network, but also develop myself personally and professionally. As the intern, I was able to work in every one of the Human Resource departments. I gained knowledge, skills, and abilities in the Talent Acquisition, Learning & Training Development, and Business Partners areas.

In the last two months, my knowledge of HR has expanded exponentially. Some of the things I learned are:

• Gaming Commission policies and procedures
• Recruitment
• I9, 8850, MS State Tax Form
• Facilitation

During my time, I got the chance to witness and be a part of a Human Resources/Applicant Tracking system conversion. The Beau Rivage, along with two other regional properties, were the first in the company to work with this new system. Data validation, questionnaires, and anything you can think of that comes with integrating a new system, I had the chance to be a part of. To get everyone on property excited and knowledgeable of the new system, the Human Resources team hosted excellent training sessions. The theme was "CAUTION, BEWARE, NEW SYSTEM"

Every intern was assigned a project that aligned to respective department. My project was to develop and execute a training class. My manager pitched an idea to me and I ran with it. I twisted and turned idea into the Powerful Women's Breakfast: Connecting Across Generations. 

The program was perfect timing! MGM had just hosted their Women's Conference in Vegas so it was like the Beau would be having its own miniature version of the Women’s Conference. My objective of the program was to inspire, empower, and uplift women. I had a panel of speakers (women from the property) that represented the different generations. I even represented my millennial generation. We spoke on work/life balance, overcoming challenges, and offered advice on networking to dressing. The program generated a lot of buzz and became very popular. So popular that I had to request a bigger room to accommodate the 85 people who reserved a seat.

The speakers were truly inspirational and left the audience in awe. You would think, as an Intern, having this responsibility would have scared me off, but I welcomed and embraced the project. I am very thankful for that opportunity. It gave me the chance to show not only my bosses' but also other Beau Rivage employees what I, Tamia Watts, could bring to this wonderful organization.

As the end of August approaches, nine of us are returning back to school while the other one is graduating! I am proud to say that I am a one of MGM's Hospitality Internship Program Graduates. I am taking away more than the knowledge, skills, and abilities that I started with. I am taking away wisdom, amazing friendships, and a plethora of network connections.

My advice for future HIP Interns, and even non-HIP Interns, is that when opportunity comes knocking on your door, open it! Embrace the unknown. Get the most out of your internship and utilize that time to transform yourself into a Professional Guru (if you aren't already one). And most importantly NETWORK! Grab those business cards, randomly drop in the office and say "Hey, so how did you get started in ____". The stories you hear will amaze you and fuel your drive, determination, and motivation. I can personally attest, it did for me!