As one of the world's leading hotel companies, IHG has announced partnerships with two top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College. Through this, IHG will contribute resources and expertise to support the professional development of students aspiring for careers in hospitality and create a robust pipeline of future employment opportunities within the company.
The partnerships with Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College are a part of IHG's commitment to promoting career recruitment among historically underrepresented groups and diversifying its talent pool and workforce. This includes engagements with other colleges and universities, affinity groups like the National Black MBA Association, and more.
As a Premier Corporate Partner to Clark Atlanta University, IHG will help support academic experiences in various ways. For example, preparing students for interviews and resume during career week. IHG executives will also partake in information sessions and speaking opportunities to connect with students interested in hospitality, which includes collaboration on a hospitality club and access to its e-learning platform, IHG Skills Academy. In addition, IHG will recruit students for its internship programme and fund a student lounge.
As a Gold Corporate Sponsor and Morehouse College's exclusive hospitality partner, IHG will partake in the school's Business Association Week, Spring Symposium, Firm Day and Freshman Colloquium. IHG will also be backing the college's new student orientation, recruiting students for IHG's internship programme and partnering on select signature campus events.
"The more companies like IHG intentionally seek out partnerships and pipelines to minority-serving institutions, the more equity we will create for our nation's economic future," said Douglas Cooper, Executive Director of Career Development and Engagement, Morehouse College.
Over the summer, students from both schools joined IHG for its internship programme. This included engagements with senior leaders and various in-depth projects across different business areas, including Operations, Marketing and Revenue Management. Soon, IHG has plans to offer scholarships to Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College students interested in building a career in hospitality.
