The Bristal Assisted Living Launches Internship Program with Cornell

The Bristal Assisted Living, a leader in senior living communities across New York and New Jersey, is launching its first-ever Hospitality & Leadership Internship Program designed to recruit the next generation of professionals for an industry whose demands for outstanding staff will only increase. This program is offered in collaboration with the Nolan School of Hotel Administration at The SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, through The Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures.

The internship program will provide graduate and upper-level undergraduate students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in service-driven senior living operations and leadership by example. Students will be immersed in every aspect of luxury senior living operations, gaining valuable insight into the intersection of hospitality and healthcare management. Interns will receive a competitive compensation package and depending on location the option of paid housing in select areas.

"At The Bristal, we are steadfast in our commitment to shaping the future of senior living,” said Amy Silva-Magalhaes, Chief Operating Officer of The Bristal. “Through our partnership with The Nolan School of Hotel Administration and The Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures, one of the world's premier hospitality schools, we are investing in the next generation of leaders who will sustain our standards for excellence, compassion, and innovation."

An eight-week curriculum emphasizing empathy and service

The program will take place over the course of eight weeks, with on-site placements at The Bristal’s 24 communities, located on Long Island, Manhattan, Westchester, and New Jersey as well as the company’s other properties 305 West End Assisted Living in Manhattan and The Encore Luxury Living in Jericho.

“Cornell’s partnership with The Bristal underscores the invaluable role that real-world experience plays in shaping the next generation of leaders in hospitality and healthcare, said Heather Kolakowski, Executive Director, of The Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures. “For students, this internship program opens doors to hands-on learning and career-defining opportunities, equipping them with the skills and insights necessary to excel in the industry. For The Bristal, this partnership is essential in cultivating a pipeline of top-tier talent, ensuring that their future workforce is not only skilled but also aligned with the values of innovation and quality that are core to their mission. Together, we are shaping a future of excellence in both hospitality and senior living care."

“A student selected to participate in an internship at The Bristal will gain valuable exposure to the day-to-day operations of a senior living community, including administration, resident services, wellness programs, dining and culinary services, and community relations,” said Silva-Magalhaes, “This immersive experience will help interns connect theoretical knowledge to practical application in the fields of hospitality, healthcare, and business administration.”

Key highlights of the internship include:

• Executive Mentorship: Interns will be paired with senior leaders who will provide guidance, support, and career advice throughout the program.
• Cross-Functional Rotations: Interns will rotate through key departments such as Administration & Compliance, Wellness & Resident Services, Dining & Culinary Services, Programming & Memory Care, Community Relations & Marketing, and Housekeeping & Environmental Services.
• Capstone Project: Interns will work on a community-based project that addresses an operational opportunity, culminating in a formal presentation to The Bristal’s executive leadership panel.
• Networking Opportunities: Interns will have the chance to participate in weekly Lunch & Learn sessions with corporate and regional leaders, as well as attend other professional development activities.
• Professional Development: Interns will benefit from weekly reflection journals, individual coaching, and regular feedback from the learning team and executive directors.

The reasoning Behind The Bristal’s commitment to this program

“Internships are such a powerful way to gain hands-on experience in a supportive, real-world setting. My own career in senior living began because of an internship, and it completely changed my trajectory. I saw firsthand how impactful and purpose-driven this industry could be, and The Bristal is passionate about creating those same opportunities for others,” said Evan Rossi, Regional Director of Resident Experience at The Bristal. “One of the most exciting aspects of our program is the Capstone Project, where interns identify an operational challenge within their assigned community and conduct research, interviews, and data analysis to benchmark best practices and propose strategic solutions. It’s the perfect example of taking what hospitality students learn in the classroom and applying it meaningfully in the field.”

Interns will submit an executive summary by the seventh week of the program and present their findings to the senior leadership panel in a 10 to 15-minute presentation at the end of the program. Sample project areas include enhancing resident satisfaction, optimizing dining service workflows, improving staff communication, and aligning the tour experience with marketing materials.

The Hospitality & Leadership Internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Public Health, Gerontology, or related fields.

Defining success

“A successful candidate will possess a strong interest in operations, service innovation, and leadership within a healthcare or hospitality context,” said Rossi. “Most importantly, the student will be comfortable interacting with older adults and working collaboratively with various teams across The Bristal Assisted Living.”

Students interested in applying for the Hospitality & Leadership Internship should submit their resume and a brief statement of interest through their campus career portal (e.g., Handshake) or directly via email to jrapczyk@ultimatecaremgmt.com Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates will be invited for virtual interviews and community placement matches. The application deadline is Friday, April 18th

About The Bristal Assisted Living

For 25 years, The Bristal Assisted Living communities have proudly served families across the tri-state area. With 24 locations spanning Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, New Jersey, and Manhattan, The Bristal offers exceptional independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. To learn more about their offerings and locations, visit thebristal.com