ALL of us must wonder at times why we selected – or accidentally slipped into – a particular career in the first place.
And some of us might regret making job changes over the years.
What if you’re working in the tourism/travel business?
Maybe for an airline, a cruise company, tour operator, in hotel/hospitality, or ideally a travel agency.
There you’re in demand if you like working with people and have good communication skills.
It is not so easy to get the full picture, but we hear the tourism/travel industry employs more people – directly and indirectly – than any other industry in the world.
So why does this group show a relatively high employee turnover rate?
If we dig deeper, we find that many do stay in the industry for a good length of time but might often change employer or location.
This is one of big attractions of a job in this global industry.
Employees might move from one airline to another, for example, or switch hotels as their experience with one helps them get a better job at another.
At the same time, one of the big advantages of working for the same hotel group or airline is earning credits – free flights or free hotel stays after so many years of service.
Maybe the best place to start is with a travel agency as this gives you access to lots of travel.
It is all part of the job.
Familiarisations – or famils – educationals and inaugurals, are regularly offered as it’s how you learn on the job and equip yourself to help clients with their travel plans.
The big attraction for Mia Templey when taking up her first job with Helloworld Travel at Carindale, was not just the opportunity to travel, but her desire to meet and work with people.
As she had enjoyed family trips to a number of Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, she now loves being able to help people realise their travel dreams and desires.
When people come into Helloworld Travel, Mia listens carefully to what they have in mind.
“I can then suggest places for them to visit, show them tour and cruise brochures, and recommend what I think will suit them.”
Mia thinks it’s very important to explain what is included in every tour package.
“People – our clients – need to know exactly what they’re paying for, and to know they’re getting real value for money,” she said.
Mia appreciates the training she’s been given by her colleagues, in person, as well as online.
She’s learned all about the travel business, as well as appreciated the support from cruise and tour operators she has met and worked with.
Owner manager Suraj at Helloworld knows that young people like Mia are just right for the job in travel if they are good with people, have the right attitude, and have a happy and friendly outlook.
“She has the passion for travel we like to see. She’s a fast learner, paying attention to detail and with very good communication skills,” he said.
“All the travellers we know value personal recommendations and real conversations.”
