Sodexo recently participated in the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) National Conference held in Indianapolis. With more than 600 top hospitality management students representing colleges and universities around the country, the conference is the premier event of the year for talent. At the event, more than 20 Sodexo representatives moderated panels, conducted interviews and awarded scholarships to many deserving students.

With the downturn in the economy, many companies have cut back on their college recruitment programs. Sodexo has taken a different approach. We view the investment in college students as an investment in the future leadership of our company and have continued to expand our program to bring in top students.

Abir Roychoudhury, Sodexo Operations Manager

The unwritten motto throughout Sodexo is that people are our biggest asset. When Abir Roychoudhury, Sodexo Operations Manager at Fordham University was asked why he decided to leave his account for four days and give up his entire weekend to attend the NSMH conference to meet and interview top students, his response was very telling: "It’s simple; I realize the value of tapping into this talent pool. Looking at those students was like déjá vu. I saw so much of myself from 20 years ago in them. Someone took a chance on me and I want to pay it forward."

Another way we are tapping into NSMH students is through our Sodexo Future Leaders Internship Program. Several students interviewed at the conference received on-the-spot offers for positions in our spring and summer internship sessions, which feature challenging work assignments, mentoring from experienced professionals, and frequent professional development sessions. With internship locations nationwide, participating in the program provides students the opportunity to turn their leadership potential into valuable professional experience and to get a head start on their future careers. Our hope is that upon graduation, those careers will be with Sodexo! Applications are still being accepted for the summer session. To learn more about the internship program and the application process click here.