I liked how much we got to work, and how well we were payed. Alaska has great overtime laws so working up there is highly conducive to making money over the summer. I also really enjoyed the job itself. The train is a gorgeous place and you get to see some of the most amazing things while working with great coworkers and guests who are so happy to be seeing the 49th state. It's not necessarily easy work, but it is rewarding in more ways than one.
What I wish was different
Every company has its flaws, and seasonal work lends itself to several difficulties seeing as no one is there permanently. However, I think that the company does a good job adapting to the issues that they're faced with and doing their best to improve each season.
Advice
If you want to work for HAP, I would suggest going with some friends because you'll regret spending so much time in Alaska without the people you care most about since it is such a beautiful place. It also makes living situations easier because you don't have to live with people you don't know.
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Guest Service Host
April - September 2019 • Anchorage, AK
What I liked
I loved being able to work with other people my age in ensuring that operations went smoothly and the guests had good experiences for their vacation.
What I wish was different
I wish that there was more variations in the hours or shifts available, but that wasn't very much of a concern. It was a very well-put together operation and I fully enjoyed it both summers I worked.
Advice
This job requires perkiness and patience, as its talking and dealing with problems from guests all day long. This is a guest service position, so you need to be good with interacting with people.
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Driver guide
May - August 2019 • Fairbanks, AK
What I liked
The work environment and friendships made
What I wish was different
More pay, more hours
Advice
Work hard and have fun
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Driver-Guide
April - August 2019 • Anchorage, AK
What I liked
I was in Alaska!!
What I wish was different
More Flexibility
Advice
There is no better summer job. At all.
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Hotel Guest Service Agent
April - August 2019 • Talkeetna, AK
What I liked
It was a very good learning experience, not a job like I had had before.
What I wish was different
My immediate supervisors definitely picked favorites and for 2 of the 3 I was not one and for 1 I was and this cause issues with my co-workers who believed there was unfair treatment.
Advice
No matter what happens make sure to stick it out, it was a great experience even though there were some really rough times.
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Guest Service Representative
April - September 2019 • Skagway, AK
What I liked
It was a different experience and a unique adventure.
What I wish was different
More clear expectations and better carry over from each season.
Advice
Be prepared to be thrown into the job.
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Operations Supervisor
April - September 2019 • Skagway, AK
What I liked
HAP is such a fun company to work for - every day is spent working on creating the best vacation experience for cruise ship guests. I love detail work, which was quite important in this job! I love working in an office environment, doing all the behind-the-scenes work, which was majority of my internship.
What I wish was different
I wish pay would have been higher and more than 40 hours a week would be allowed - there's a LOT of work to be done, and sometimes we have to work overtime to get it done.
Advice
If you plan to work as an Operations Supervisor, the keys are attention to detail, professional communication techniques and quick response/ability to work with a time pinch in stressful situations.
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Dock Rep
May - September 2019 • Ketchikan, AK
What I liked
I loved the work environment and the people I worked with.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Be prepared to be around a lot of people your age and have an unusual work schedule. Also, safety is a big focus so always be safe and take extra precautions.
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Operations supervisor
May - September 2019 • Juneau, AK
What I liked
I loved the location and the perks that came with the job. I lived ten minutes away from a glacier and went king salmon fishing almost every day after work. I saw so many incredible things that are unique only to Alaska
What I wish was different
I wish we knew more about our contract options. We were under the impression we had to work as long as possible, and that there wasn’t a hundred day minimum
Advice
Don’t be afraid to go to Alaska! It’s the best place ever and literally so much adventure around every corner
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Driver guide
April - August 2019 • Juneau, AK
What I liked
I got lots of hours and made a good amount of money while seeing the beauty of Alaska
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Research which part of Alaska you want to go to first
