How Identity Has Influenced a Director of Sales and Marketing at Santa Monica Proper Hotel's Career
Erin's career progression has been significantly shaped by the scarcity of high-level female leaders in hospitality; this motivated a proactive search for mentors to emulate and navigate the path to "the highest levels," thereby overcoming underrepresentation at the corporate level. The pursuit of these mentors and their support has been key to their career focus and success.
Networking, Mentorship, Leadership, Women in Business, Career Advancement
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erin Bennett
Director of Sales and Marketing
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Boston University 2008
UCLA EMBA 2023 (expected graduation June 2023)
Hospitality Administration
Hospitality, Restaurants & Events
Sales and Client Management
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Finding women mentors in high-level hospitality roles was crucial for career advancement.
2. There is a disparity in the number of women at corporate vs. management levels in the hospitality industry.
3. Building a strong network and maintaining relationships with mentors is vital for achieving career goals in this field.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
As a woman, I think it impacted my career looking for other women who had succeeded in hospitality at a very high level. I sought out mentors whom I could emulate to grow into a corporate level.
While many women dominate the manager level of hospitality and hotels, you'll find many women working as sales managers. But really, that's the top level, maybe as directors as well.
You'll find fewer and fewer women at the corporate office level. So for me, in navigating my career, I've always looked for mentors and kept great correspondence with those who have navigated their way to the highest levels. This has helped me continue my focus on my ultimate goal and have the network and support to teach me how to get there.