Aramark offers hundreds of unique internship and early career opportunities for students still in school or for those who have recently graduated. With hands-on growth, mentorship from industry leaders, and a variety of environments to work in, young professionals can explore their passions and gain valuable professional experience. Our Step Up to Leadership (S2L) program is a paid, 10–12-week summer internship for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while our Accelerate to Leadership (A2L) program is a paid, year-long leadership development program, giving recent graduates the potential to fast-track into leadership roles.
Continue reading to discover how three young professionals are making an impact at Aramark locations across the country.
Cristina Gomez, A2L Class of 2022 - Food Service Manager
Recent A2L graduateCristina (she/her) sees a future for herself at Aramark. She began her journey as a Food Service Worker at Florida State University, and in just a few short years, now oversees her own team and runs operations as a Food Service Manageron FSU’s campus. Combining her love of food and healthy eating with the passion she has for serving others, Cristina has become a trailblazer in her own right.
What do you envision for yourself in the future?
My goal is to keep growing with Aramark. I hope to be in my Regional District Manager’s position in a few years.
How have your passions helped you navigate your career path?
I’ve always loved food and healthy eating; I’ve always considered myself a chef and have been cooking since I was eight years old. I wanted to be a registered dietitian when I was in high school, but I didn’t get into the program at FSU. During my sophomore year of college, I changed my major to Family and Child Sciences, which would still prepare me for working with people and helping others. Being around people is my favorite thing – I knew I didn’t want to have a career sitting at a desk all day. Around the time I switched my major and started working in the dining hall, I picked up a minor in Hospitality. It wasn’t until my senior year that I realized I needed to make the decision of what I wanted to do with my career. I knew I had a great job on campus and the opportunity to move up, so I stayed.
What is your favorite part about being a Food Service Manager?
I love feeding the student population. I was very recently in their shoes, eating at these dining locations on campus. Now, suddenly, I’m in charge and the one feeding them. It makes me so happy to see them smile when the food looks and tastes so good. Another one of my favorite things is that I’m able to grow at Aramark. That’s huge for me. I have the most incredible people on my team – from managers to directors to chefs – and I get to learn so much daily.
How would you describe your relationship with your managers and mentors?
My management team helped me grow into the person I am today. I was recommended by my Director of Operations for the A2L program. My supervisors and managers saw my potential to grow when I was a student and have supported me ever since. They recognized how much I care about the students we serve because I want them to have the best dining experience no matter where they are on campus. My supervisors have afforded me incredible opportunities too, like traveling to Aramark’s Roadshow and selecting me for an Employee Engagement award.
What have you learned during your time as a worker and now as a manager?
I know now that I’m capable of doing things that I never thought I was capable of. My mentality has really shifted, and now I’ll never say again that I can’t do something. My experience in the dining hall and throughout the A2L program prepared me for the real world, not only in customer service with the people we serve daily, but how to network and be a great manager to others.
Cristina Gomez
Anna Haley, A2L Class of 2017 – Recruiting and Training Manager
After graduating from St. Joseph’s University in 2016, Anna (she/her) joined the A2L program as a Talent and Development Specialist at Aramark’s global headquarters in Philadelphia. She worked with the Talent Management and Learning Groups, launching employee engagement surveys, managing projects for company-wide initiatives, collaborating with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, among other tasks. While she enjoyed her time in Philadelphia, she relocated after her A2L program to support Aramark operations in Yosemite National Park in California. Since 2017, Anna has helped lead HR initiatives in Yosemite, where she continues to make an impact daily.
How foundational was the A2L Program for your career?
Working at the corporate office was a very special opportunity. I was able tobe a part of some amazing projects and met some incredible people. The connections I made during my year as an A2L allowed me to bring my career to Yosemite National Park.
What is a piece of advice you’ve carried with you in your career?
Say yes. I transferred to St. Joseph’s University when I was a sophomore, and I had an extremely difficult time in that transition. I remember a great mentor of mine who I became very close with at St. Joe’s would always say to me “say yes.” If someone asks you to go with them to a club meeting, say yes. If someone asks you to grab dinner or coffee, say yes. Go do it and get the experience. I carried that mentality with me to Aramark. You’re going to make mistakes, but you have to put yourself out there.
Why were you drawn to the A2L program?
I studied Leadership, Ethics, and HR in college, but at the time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my degree. I did know that I wanted to stay in Philadelphia. Along with being a Philadelphia-based company, Aramark had openings that interested me. It all fell into place.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to know our employees well through the onboarding process, orientation, and seeing them throughout the park. I really love having those interactions and being able to meet different people from different places. I absolutely love being a part of our international hiring process and the cultural exchange that comes with it. Another part about my role in HR that I love is that there’s constant learning. From recruiting and training, to being an HR business partner, to understanding compliance and contracts, I’ve been able to learn so much as things change from day to day. It keeps me moving.
Do you have a favorite Aramark memory?
I’ve been able to travel internationally to Eastern Europe and Asia to hire students and people for J-1 visas. I now oversee the J-1 visa program at Yosemite.
Anna Haley
Left to Right: Cristina Gomez, William Hall, Anna Haley
William Hall, S2L Class of 2022 – Operations Intern
William Hall (he/him), a rising senior at the University of Kentucky, is spending his summer as an Operations Intern at Citi Field in New York. While learning the ins and outs of food service and facility operations at one of America’s most famous stadiums, William has been able to experience everything from thrilling baseball games to incredible rock concerts. Through the S2L program, he’s gained a valuable understanding of operations and management, which he hopes to bring with him in his career post-grad.
Why were you interested in Aramark’s S2L program?
When I was looking for internships, I was applying to anywhere and everywhere that related to my Management and Marketing majors, but I didn’t have an idea of the direction I wanted to go in. That all changed when I went to a career fair at my school and ended up speaking with someone from Aramark. I was already interested in opportunities with Aramark but having a genuine conversation with the recruiter is something I really remembered and why I applied.
What have you learned through the S2L program and what have you enjoyed the most?
At the beginning of my internship, I started out by following our Operations Director, learning what he does every day, and understanding every position at the stadium to get an idea of what everyone does. As each week went on, I started doing more detailed work, took on new roles, and was given the opportunity to oversee certain aspects of our operations.I’ve been able to learn about the background of Citi Field. You don’t really understand how much goes on behind the scenes until you are part of it, and it’s been one of my favorite things to watch the whole process from beginning to end.
What is your relationship like with your teammates?
From the start, I was accepted and have always felt comfortable having conversations, whether it was about work or being new to New York. I’ve been able to get to know my colleagues well. I didn’t expect that to happen, but I’m so grateful that it’s turned out this way.
What advice would you give to someone interested in an internship at Aramark?
It’s entirely worth it to take the risk. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a good thing. Being from Kentucky, very few of my friends have left Kentucky. I really had no idea what would happen when I came to New York for the summer, but it was a decision I realized I was going to have to figure out for myself. I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve had for anything.
Do you see yourself working in this same area after graduation?
I’m going into my senior year, and like many kids my age, while I still may not know the exact direction I’m headed in, this internship has definitely given me insight into knowing that it’s worth it to take a chance on a new job. I ended up finding my role in operations to be incredibly interesting and something I learned a lot from, even if it’s not what I’ll end up doing in my final career. The knowledge I’ve gained here is something that can be carried out in any field.
Aramark offers hundreds of unique internship and early career opportunities for students still in school or for those who have recently graduated. With hands-on growth, mentorship from industry leaders, and a variety of environments to work in, young professionals can explore their passions and gain valuable professional experience. Our Step Up to Leadership (S2L) program is a paid, 10–12-week summer internship for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while our Accelerate to Leadership (A2L) program is a paid, year-long leadership development program, giving recent graduates the potential to fast-track into leadership roles.
Continue reading to discover how three young professionals are making an impact at Aramark locations across the country.
Cristina Gomez, A2L Class of 2022 - Food Service Manager
Recent A2L graduateCristina (she/her) sees a future for herself at Aramark. She began her journey as a Food Service Worker at Florida State University, and in just a few short years, now oversees her own team and runs operations as a Food Service Manageron FSU’s campus. Combining her love of food and healthy eating with the passion she has for serving others, Cristina has become a trailblazer in her own right.
What do you envision for yourself in the future?
My goal is to keep growing with Aramark. I hope to be in my Regional District Manager’s position in a few years.
How have your passions helped you navigate your career path?
I’ve always loved food and healthy eating; I’ve always considered myself a chef and have been cooking since I was eight years old. I wanted to be a registered dietitian when I was in high school, but I didn’t get into the program at FSU. During my sophomore year of college, I changed my major to Family and Child Sciences, which would still prepare me for working with people and helping others. Being around people is my favorite thing – I knew I didn’t want to have a career sitting at a desk all day. Around the time I switched my major and started working in the dining hall, I picked up a minor in Hospitality. It wasn’t until my senior year that I realized I needed to make the decision of what I wanted to do with my career. I knew I had a great job on campus and the opportunity to move up, so I stayed.
What is your favorite part about being a Food Service Manager?
I love feeding the student population. I was very recently in their shoes, eating at these dining locations on campus. Now, suddenly, I’m in charge and the one feeding them. It makes me so happy to see them smile when the food looks and tastes so good. Another one of my favorite things is that I’m able to grow at Aramark. That’s huge for me. I have the most incredible people on my team – from managers to directors to chefs – and I get to learn so much daily.
How would you describe your relationship with your managers and mentors?
My management team helped me grow into the person I am today. I was recommended by my Director of Operations for the A2L program. My supervisors and managers saw my potential to grow when I was a student and have supported me ever since. They recognized how much I care about the students we serve because I want them to have the best dining experience no matter where they are on campus. My supervisors have afforded me incredible opportunities too, like traveling to Aramark’s Roadshow and selecting me for an Employee Engagement award.
What have you learned during your time as a worker and now as a manager?
I know now that I’m capable of doing things that I never thought I was capable of. My mentality has really shifted, and now I’ll never say again that I can’t do something. My experience in the dining hall and throughout the A2L program prepared me for the real world, not only in customer service with the people we serve daily, but how to network and be a great manager to others.
Cristina Gomez
Anna Haley, A2L Class of 2017 – Recruiting and Training Manager
After graduating from St. Joseph’s University in 2016, Anna (she/her) joined the A2L program as a Talent and Development Specialist at Aramark’s global headquarters in Philadelphia. She worked with the Talent Management and Learning Groups, launching employee engagement surveys, managing projects for company-wide initiatives, collaborating with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, among other tasks. While she enjoyed her time in Philadelphia, she relocated after her A2L program to support Aramark operations in Yosemite National Park in California. Since 2017, Anna has helped lead HR initiatives in Yosemite, where she continues to make an impact daily.
How foundational was the A2L Program for your career?
Working at the corporate office was a very special opportunity. I was able tobe a part of some amazing projects and met some incredible people. The connections I made during my year as an A2L allowed me to bring my career to Yosemite National Park.
What is a piece of advice you’ve carried with you in your career?
Say yes. I transferred to St. Joseph’s University when I was a sophomore, and I had an extremely difficult time in that transition. I remember a great mentor of mine who I became very close with at St. Joe’s would always say to me “say yes.” If someone asks you to go with them to a club meeting, say yes. If someone asks you to grab dinner or coffee, say yes. Go do it and get the experience. I carried that mentality with me to Aramark. You’re going to make mistakes, but you have to put yourself out there.
Why were you drawn to the A2L program?
I studied Leadership, Ethics, and HR in college, but at the time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my degree. I did know that I wanted to stay in Philadelphia. Along with being a Philadelphia-based company, Aramark had openings that interested me. It all fell into place.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to know our employees well through the onboarding process, orientation, and seeing them throughout the park. I really love having those interactions and being able to meet different people from different places. I absolutely love being a part of our international hiring process and the cultural exchange that comes with it. Another part about my role in HR that I love is that there’s constant learning. From recruiting and training, to being an HR business partner, to understanding compliance and contracts, I’ve been able to learn so much as things change from day to day. It keeps me moving.
Do you have a favorite Aramark memory?
I’ve been able to travel internationally to Eastern Europe and Asia to hire students and people for J-1 visas. I now oversee the J-1 visa program at Yosemite.
Anna Haley
Left to Right: Cristina Gomez, William Hall, Anna Haley
William Hall, S2L Class of 2022 – Operations Intern
William Hall (he/him), a rising senior at the University of Kentucky, is spending his summer as an Operations Intern at Citi Field in New York. While learning the ins and outs of food service and facility operations at one of America’s most famous stadiums, William has been able to experience everything from thrilling baseball games to incredible rock concerts. Through the S2L program, he’s gained a valuable understanding of operations and management, which he hopes to bring with him in his career post-grad.
Why were you interested in Aramark’s S2L program?
When I was looking for internships, I was applying to anywhere and everywhere that related to my Management and Marketing majors, but I didn’t have an idea of the direction I wanted to go in. That all changed when I went to a career fair at my school and ended up speaking with someone from Aramark. I was already interested in opportunities with Aramark but having a genuine conversation with the recruiter is something I really remembered and why I applied.
What have you learned through the S2L program and what have you enjoyed the most?
At the beginning of my internship, I started out by following our Operations Director, learning what he does every day, and understanding every position at the stadium to get an idea of what everyone does. As each week went on, I started doing more detailed work, took on new roles, and was given the opportunity to oversee certain aspects of our operations.I’ve been able to learn about the background of Citi Field. You don’t really understand how much goes on behind the scenes until you are part of it, and it’s been one of my favorite things to watch the whole process from beginning to end.
What is your relationship like with your teammates?
From the start, I was accepted and have always felt comfortable having conversations, whether it was about work or being new to New York. I’ve been able to get to know my colleagues well. I didn’t expect that to happen, but I’m so grateful that it’s turned out this way.
What advice would you give to someone interested in an internship at Aramark?
It’s entirely worth it to take the risk. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a good thing. Being from Kentucky, very few of my friends have left Kentucky. I really had no idea what would happen when I came to New York for the summer, but it was a decision I realized I was going to have to figure out for myself. I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve had for anything.
Do you see yourself working in this same area after graduation?
I’m going into my senior year, and like many kids my age, while I still may not know the exact direction I’m headed in, this internship has definitely given me insight into knowing that it’s worth it to take a chance on a new job. I ended up finding my role in operations to be incredibly interesting and something I learned a lot from, even if it’s not what I’ll end up doing in my final career. The knowledge I’ve gained here is something that can be carried out in any field.
This National Intern Day, we’re recognizing the invaluable contributions of interns who bring innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to companies across the country.
Eleven students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were chosen from 130 applicants to participate in the second cohort of the Aramark HBCU Emerging Leaders Program.
At Aramark, we believe in creating meaningful experiences and opportunities to pursue what matters. Our Early Career programs are designed to help shape today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.
Along with their shared love for cooking, Student Nutrition Executive Chef Alicia R. and her son Seth M. have a common bond: they both have pursued culinary careers at Aramark.
