College students who participate in professional organizations often find that their investment can lead to valuable contacts and great jobs with great companies.

For example, Kevin Covington, resource manager for the healthcare market, was a student attendee at the 2009 National Society for Minorities in Hospitality conference, where he was selected for an on-site interview during the conference and ultimately hired. I recently sat down with Kevin and had a conversation with him about his experiences with Sodexo.

Q: Why did you want to work for Sodexo?
A: The managers and recruiters looked as though they really loved their jobs. This made me want to look into the opportunities that were available within Sodexo. I spoke with different Sodexo employees and learned that I could have a great future with hard work and persistence, so I went for it.

Q: How was the onboarding process with Sodexo?
A: It was seamless. I was made an offer after going through the interview process and was instructed about every detail before my start date. They really handled every detail to ensure that I could hit the ground running with starting in my new position.

Q: When did you start with Sodexo?
A: In March, 2010. I just celebrated one year and it has been great.

Q: What is your position and what do you like best about it?
A: I am a resource manager who travels to different units on assignment. I step in to provide managerial assistance when a unit is short or when a manager is on vacation. In each position, I have learned a great deal about how we do business. While the systems are the same, every unit is different. I have covered units in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Miami. It is a great job. Just when I learn a different position in one unit, I travel to a different unit and learn a new position. The opportunity for learning has been fantastic. I have learned retail management, culinary as well as patient services. I have learned how to manage costs and have learned great employee relations skills.

Q: What is next for you and where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I enjoy working in the capacity that I am in currently, but I really want to work in Marketing. I see myself working as a Director of Marketing within one of the divisions with Sodexo. I am willing to put my time in and work toward that next position. Sodexo gives me the flexibility to move around and since I can relocate, the sky is the limit.

Kevin has a great story, but the stories about Sodexo continue in the lives of so many people. Connect with us today, and let your story be told.