Since the age of 14, when she began working at a posh country club in the Hamptons where her father was assistant manager, Kelly Euell ’06 says she became “determined to work in some aspect of the hospitality industry.” So perhaps it’s destiny that Kelly became only the second US student and first from JWU to be accepted into Marriott’s highly competitive International Graduate Management Program, "Voyage." Following an extensive interviewing and test process, Kelly was selected from among more than 4,000 applications for one of the 80 program positions. For the duration of the 24 month fast-track course, Kelly found herself working at London’s 5-star Park Lane Hotel, gaining management level experience in various facets of the hotel’s operations. Euell has excelled at every stage of her career pursuit. She took second place in The Hospitality College’s "Outstanding High School Student Leader of the Year" competition, earning herself a scholarship. Once at JWU, she pursued a triple concentration and completed her degree requirements in 3 years. Along the way, she participated in summer term abroad programs in both Greece and Canada, and spent a term studying in Sweden. Kelly also enjoyed a rigorous internship at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and was awarded a JWU Presidential Trophy in 2005. In 2010, Euell was offered a position in HEI Hotels' 11-week Manager-in-Training Fast Track program. Her initial placement was at the Westin Minneapolis, a fast-paced hotel just blocks from Twins Stadium and Vikings Field. "Working with sports fans is intense!" she says. When HEI's founders came on site to inspect the property a few months later, they took note of Kelly's work ethic and enthusiasm. An opportunity became available at the Westin Philadelphia, a 293-room hotel in the heart of the city. After an interview, Kelly was offered her current position as assistant director of housekeeping."The Westin is beautiful," she says. "The hotel is extremely busy and there's always something going on. Last month, they filmed a movie here. Just a few weeks ago, the Green Bay Packers stayed with us for an Eagles game!" Euell speaks of her time at JWU with the same enthusiasm. “JWU has all the resources you could need,” she says. “The curriculum is excellent and your professors help you network with top companies.”
To current students, as well as those considering JWU, Kelly offers the following advice: “Get out of your comfort zone. Experience new things and take advantage of everything JWU has to offer.”