A Dream Come True for Three ITC Students

Posted on 12/04/2013 by itcnz

International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) graduate Michelle Phillips is one of three ITC students to land a fantastic job at Disneyworld.

Michelle graduated from ITC’s City Campus with distinction in March this year. During her studies she was selected for a work experience programme with Renaissance Tours (Cruise Ships). She took on a role as a customer services consultant, which saw her checking in guests for cruises.

“From the beginning she was made of the right stuff,” says Michelle Chatfield (City Campus Manager). “She got involved in all aspects of college life and was always an active and willing participant in class.”

After graduating Michelle saw an advertisement to work at Disneyworld.

“The opportunity to work in the place ‘where dreams come true’ is amazing,” says Michelle.

The application process was not simple, but Michelle got stuck in with her usual can-do attitude, says Michelle Chatfield. And it paid off. Michelle was selected to work for Disneyworld on their cultural exchange programme.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for her and I am so very proud of her!  It shows that hard work, the right attitude and never giving up pays off”, says Michelle Chatfield.

Michelle can’t wait to start her new adventure: “I have the chance to grow, live away from home, make new friends and learn in the workplace. But getting on the plane and saying goodbye to family and friends will be hard.”

She credits ITC with teaching her the skills and practical processes to be able to work in teams, work with customers “and, most importantly, to believe that I can go and do something new and exciting. Disney gives me all these chances. What more could you want?”

Celeste Reid and Soteria Alia from Botany Campus will also be taking on roles at Disneyworld in January 2014.

Celeste will be completing her Level 4 qualification with ITC in June and is over the moon that she was selected for the cultural programme, which will get her career off to an amazing start. Celeste also took part in the work experience programme with Renaissance Tours, welcoming and directing guests from around the world as they docked in Waitamata Harbour on the luxurious Celebrity Cruise Liners.

Celeste is still pinching herself about this amazing opportunity: “It hasn’t really sunk in and I don’t think it will for a while, but I am really looking forward to this new adventure.” Celeste will be celebrating her 21^st birthday in Disneyworld and her parents plan to fly up to ensure they celebrate this milestone with her.

“Celeste is someone who has that cheeky, infectious personality – this obviously shone through during her presentation, as she was asked to complete the interview on the same day!” commented Natasha Allen (Botany Campus Manager).

Soteria Alia graduated from our Level 3 Certificate in Travel in March after completing the Certificate in Aviation last year. Soteria is known to be on the quiet side; however, Natasha encouraged her to apply.

“We have a good relationship with the Disney recruiter for Australia and New Zealand, and I knew that they would see past this. They also told me: ‘We don’t mind if they are shy – it all changes after some time with us!’”

Soteria’s home tutor Rachel says that she is lots of fun and eagerly participates in all activities. On a recent famil trip with her class, “she was up for everything and was not afraid to experience new things” says Rachel. “This attitude will definitely help her to jump into this awesome opportunity and will ensure she gets the most out of the Disney experience.”

“I am so excited and proud that we have three students from ITC who were successful in this placement,” says Natasha. “This opportunity will change their lives.  Disneyworld has an amazing cultural work experience programme that is described as “Live, Learn and Earn”. The students will live and work in the happiest place on earth and their learning will be further supported by classes and seminars, so they will get the most out of this experience”.

ITC wishes Michelle Celeste, and Soteria all the very best in their exciting journey.

Posted in Student success | Tagged Disney, ITC, ITC Award winning training, Tourism training |