NAF Advisory Board Member, Cedrick Rivers, On Careers in Hospitality

At NAF, we recognize the hospitality and tourism industry as a vibrant pathway for students to explore dynamic, people-centered careers. We spoke with Cedrick Rivers, an established HR executive with J.W Marriott and dedicated NAF Advisory Board member, whose career journey reflects the possibilities this industry offers. From early roles in hotel operations to his current work in human resources, Cedrick has seen firsthand how hospitality can shape both professional growth and personal purpose—and why preparing the next generation of talent is critical to the industry’s future. Check out our Q&A below!

Tell us how you got involved with NAF and eventually became a board member?

Hospitality, of course, was struck very hard by COVID-19. At that time, I was working in Washington, D.C. for a W brand property. Management sent me to a Miami property that needed some extra hands, as the tourism in Florida was not as badly impacted by the pandemic. I was given the opportunity to start working in HR, and early on in my tenure I was tapped by NAF to see what I could do to support the academies in that area. The property wanted to get involved and determine how we could tap the talent pipeline at the high school level.

Once I got to know the program a little bit more, I incorporated high school visits and got other properties involved with giving students exposure to the different aspects of the field. When COVID-19 began to wind down, I came back up to DC and transferred to VA and was tapped to incorporate NAF in the DMV area.

You’ve had an impressive journey from operations to Director of HR Operations at J.W. Marriott. What first drew you to a career in hospitality and tourism?

I got my start working at the front desk at a hotel in New York and I fell in love with it! It was a perfect fit for me, because I loved talking to people and getting to know people. I became enamored with the idea of traveling the world, which I absolutely love doing. One of the managers at a hotel where I was working asked me how I wanted to further my career. He suggested I try Human Resources. After one trial day, I fell in love with it. It gave me the ability to impact the human-to-human contact between internal and external guests.

From your vantage point, how have you seen the hospitality sector evolve in recent years?

Often when I meet with high school students, it becomes clear that when they imagine working in hotels, they think of front desk and housekeeping, full stop. But the industry is so broad. Accounting, for example, is vital to the industry. When we meet with students we help them see that the industry encompasses marketing, HR, and so many other functions.

What excites you most about the future of travel and tourism?

There’s so much going on behind the scenes that shapes the guest experience in hospitality. For example, AI is playing a huge role in the behind the scenes work right now. We communicate via AI in the field and it’s a completely different language. For those of us in the industry right now, there are feelings of excitement and apprehension about AI and making sure we retain that human touch. The exciting thing is that connecting with high school students makes “the future” seem less daunting, because there’s a whole body of young people heading into the industry with their own ideas and familiarity with technology.

What skills or mindsets do you think are most critical for students entering the hospitality and tourism field today?

Communication is a huge factor. As much as AI is coming into play, the industry relies on the warmth and personality and human touch that is a part of strong communication. So, be comfortable introducing yourself and having conversations with new people.

I advise young people to continue to be themselves, that’s what will drive your career and growth is being really grounded in who you are.

For current or prospective NAF students or interested educators, the recently updated Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Course, with updated lessons and projects aligned to today’s industry trends, and all materials are available free of charge and ready to explore!