Hilton Worldwide : tests veteran hiring program in Phoenix

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) has partnered with Chicago's Kendall College to create a program that trains veterans to become hospitality professionals by providing real-life experience and classroom training. The first participant of Hilton's veteran intern program was placed at Phoenix's Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

Hilton's goal is to be the preferred choice for customers when it comes to travel, said Hilton's Director of Military Programs Melissa Stirling. She said U.S. veterans are the men and women to help the company do that.

"We respect military experience and appreciate our nation's military service around the world," Stirling said. "We've built a multifaceted military program centered around our commitment to hire 10,000 veterans and family members over the next five years."

Cassandra Ekblad is the first intern. She served for five and a half years in the Army as a linguist. She speaks Spanish, Arabic and sign language.

At the Pointe Hilton, Ekblad is working in a number of capacities, learning the ins and outs of the hotel industry. She is also taking online hospitality management classes from Kendall College. Once her six-month internship is finished, she will be offered a leadership position with the company.

Ekblad said her military training and skills are paying off with her work at the resort.

"In the military we have books and books of rules and regulations. We manage based off those and you learn to manage based off those you were under," Ekblad said. "Coming out of the military, I see management can be done so many other ways. Learning what is a good management style for me outside of the military is my biggest learning experience."