5 quick questions with ITC Head Tutor Tessa Henwood
Tessa Henwood with ITC Managing Director Kerry Priestley at the 2015 Graduation Ceremony.
Tessa is the Head Tutor at ITC’s City Campus. She has had an amazing career in travel and tourism and brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. We asked her five quick questions to give you an insight into her role at ITC.
1. What sparked your interest in travel and tourism?
I am from the UK and what really sparked my interest in the tourism industry as a career was moving to New Zealand and spending almost 2 years travelling and working around the country. I met some amazing people, and saw how many opportunities are out there to really have fun while you work.
The best thing about working in travel and tourism is getting to meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultures, it helps give you ideas of places to travel to and also broadens your mind to see the world in a more open way.
2. Do you have a favourite place you’ve visited?
One of the best travel experiences for me was climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with my Dad (who was 67 years old at the time). It was an amazing challenge, but I also saw first hand the extreme poverty that some people live in and it made me feel very grateful for all the things I am lucky to have in my life.
3. Do you have any travel tips for those setting out on their first overseas adventure?
For the first trip you do, travel in a group either on a tour or with friends, and if you do go solo pick an English speaking country. Culture shock can be very challenging when you are travelling alone, in a strange country.
Tessa (centre) with one of her graduating classes. One of the best parts of her job is awarding each student with their qualification – hard work really does pay off!
4. What are your favourite subjects to teach?
I love teaching International Travel Advice because you can learn about some whacky and weird places to travel, and I also love teaching marketing because it is in our lives every day without us even realising.
5. What advice do you have for students who want a career in this exciting industry?
Tourism is about fun, but also hard work! There might be long hours or shifts, difficult customers or other challenges along the way, but if you work hard and keep a positive attitude it will also be heaps of FUN!
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