Doubletree by Hilton Director: Career Advice

Clay started out valet parking in college: Now, with his JWU hospitality degree, he’s managing DoubleTree by Hilton’s brand at 250 hotels around the world.

3 Hotel Career Insights
From Clay Snyder ’93
Senior director, global brand performance
DoubleTree by Hilton

1. Use your JWU Alumni Network
“JWU alumni connections have opened each opportunity — from my first job as a valet parking attendant, to my current role with Hilton.”

His freshman year, Clay connected with Biltmore Hotel, where he worked until 1995. Since then, he’s:

• Worked with Westin, Omni and Adam’s hotels
• Been a university representative to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
• Been general manager of an award-winning DoubleTree Suites by Hilton hotel in Atlanta
• Helped open hotels in Tanzania, Russia and China

Hear from Clay and other hospitality alumni in this video:

2. Think Globally
“Global growth is critical to expanding the hospitality industry,” says Clay. “Many countries have a need for quality organizations, to fill a necessary void with the expanding middle class.”

3. Go Greek at JWU
“Being part of establishing our local chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity at JWU, I was able to take that experience and utilize it in my career — building successful teams and organizations.”

It's why Clay stays connected to JWU, from serving as an alumni council president to joining Hilton Worldwide reps in presenting JWU with a $1 million gift — to help you connect with hotel leaders and JWU alumni in your career field, too.