ESG Intern Review

As an ESG Intern at Hilton, I support the delivery of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy across the EMEA region. My role focuses on sustainability reporting, internal communications, and helping hotels implement environmental and community impact initiatives effectively.
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
Data monitoring and reporting:
I work with Hilton’s LightStay system to review and track hotel performance on key ESG metrics, such as energy, water, waste and community impact. This involves identifying data issues, supporting hotels with corrections, and contributing to regional dashboards (e.g. Community Promise reporting).
Supporting hotel teams:
I regularly engage with General Managers and hotel teams to provide guidance on ESG programmes, including reporting requirements, best practices, and ongoing initiatives. I also help respond to queries and troubleshoot issues to ensure accurate and consistent data submissions.
Communications and engagement:
A large part of my role involves drafting and refining internal communications—such as emails, guidance documents, and campaign materials—to encourage participation in sustainability initiatives (e.g. volunteering activities, energy reduction efforts, and Travel with Purpose programmes).
Project coordination:
I support key regional projects, such as dashboard updates, ESG campaigns, and partner initiatives. This includes coordinating timelines, collecting input from stakeholders, and consolidating impact stories from hotels across the region.
Impact storytelling and analysis:
I help gather and summarise real-world examples of environmental and social action from hotels, turning them into insights or reports that demonstrate Hilton’s progress toward its ESG goals.
Overall, my role is a mix of data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and communications, with a strong focus on driving measurable sustainability impact across the hotel portfolio.

Yes, I was given a high level of responsibility throughout my internship, which made the experience both engaging and rewarding.
From early on, I was trusted to manage key tasks independently, particularly around ESG reporting and communications across the EMEA region. For example, I worked directly with hotel teams and General Managers to support their reporting in Hilton’s LightStay system, helping resolve data issues and ensuring accuracy in their ESG submissions.
I also took ownership of drafting and sending internal communications, including emails, guidance documents, and campaign materials. These were often shared at scale across the region, so it required a high level of attention to detail and professionalism.
In addition, I supported the coordination of regional projects such as Community Promise dashboard updates and Travel with Purpose initiatives. This involved collaborating with multiple stakeholders, managing timelines, and consolidating inputs from different teams.
Overall, I felt that my contributions had real impact, and I was treated as a valued member of the team rather than just an intern.

Yes, I have developed a wide range of new skills while also strengthening many of my existing ones during my internship.
One of the key areas of development has been data analysis and reporting. Through working with Hilton’s LightStay system and regional dashboards, I’ve improved my ability to interpret large datasets, identify trends, and ensure data accuracy. I’ve also strengthened my Excel and Power BI skills, particularly when supporting reporting and performance tracking.
I’ve also significantly improved my communication skills, especially in a professional corporate setting. I regularly draft emails, guidance documents, and campaign materials for hotel teams and senior stakeholders, which has helped me become more confident in tailoring messages to different audiences and maintaining a clear, professional tone.
In addition, I’ve developed strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills. Working with General Managers and teams across different countries has improved my ability to communicate clearly, respond to queries effectively, and build professional relationships.
Finally, I’ve enhanced my organisation and project management skills by supporting multiple regional initiatives at the same time, managing deadlines, and coordinating inputs from different stakeholders.
Overall, the internship has helped me become more confident, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced professional environment.

I received a high level of support and guidance throughout my internship, which made it a really positive learning experience.
From the start, my manager and team provided clear onboarding and were always available to answer questions or offer guidance when needed. I had regular check-ins, which helped me stay aligned on priorities, get feedback on my work, and continue developing my skills.
At the same time, I was given the autonomy to take ownership of my tasks, which allowed me to build confidence and work more independently. The balance between support and responsibility was really valuable, as I felt trusted while still having guidance whenever I needed it.
Overall, I felt well-supported throughout my placement, both professionally and personally, and I was encouraged to take initiative while knowing help was always available

The company culture was very positive, supportive, and inclusive throughout my internship. From the start, I felt welcomed into the team and treated as a valued member rather than just an intern.
The general atmosphere was professional but also very collaborative and friendly. People were approachable and willing to help, which made it easy to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others across different functions and regions.

I really enjoyed my placement overall and found it to be a very rewarding experience.
The role was both interesting and challenging, which kept me engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the variety of work—from data analysis and reporting to communications and project coordination—as it allowed me to develop a broad skillset and gain insight into how ESG is delivered at a global company.
I also found it very fulfilling to work on projects that had a real impact, especially those linked to sustainability and community initiatives. It was motivating to see how my work contributed to Hilton’s wider Travel with Purpose goals.
In addition, the supportive team environment made a big difference to my experience. I felt welcomed, encouraged, and trusted, which helped me build confidence and get the most out of the internship.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed my placement to a great extent and it has been a valuable step in my career development.

Yes