Hospitality Students Discover Career Opportunities with LRA by Deloitte

by Danielle Ahini '17 (Danielle is studying Jounalism and Philosophy)

“When you represent us on the road, you’re a team of one. You’re not only representing us but also the brand that is our client,” observed John Roberto, a veteran practice leader with LRA by Deloitte, the company’s brand protection and customer experience measurement unit.  Roberto and Deloitte recruiter Tara Berwick met with Isenberg hospitality students on October 7th to describe the unit’s services and employment opportunities.

LRA by Deloitte, noted Roberto, provides examinations, mystery shopping experiences, and research and consulting services in a wide variety of industries: hospitality and lodging, gaming, travel and transportation, restaurant, food services and dining, retail and shopping centers, sports and entertainment, healthcare and senior living, and real estate, facilities and services.

The company’s main focus involves the brand and customer experience, with several main takeaways: the guest experience; employee engagement; emphasis on the brand; continuous improvement through disruption; and honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

To that end, HTM graduates who find employment with LRA by Deloitte would participate in field inspections, visiting client hotels in the U.S. and Canada and star hotels around the world. They would conduct field research and insure best practices through coaching and data-driven recommendations.

So, what is Berwick and the rest of the company looking for in their new hires? The answer is individuals who are self-motivated, well-organized, and demonstrate proactive time management skills. They must also be knowledgeable, empathetic and personable—consistently attentive to their customers. Those, in fact, are qualities that Isenberg HTM students have in abundance.