Five tips for fast-tracking your tourism career
A great way to fast-track your tourism career is to treat every job like it’s your dream job.
If you’ve been reading the news lately, you’ll know it’s never been a better time to enter the tourism industry.
There are more job vacancies than applicants, tourism businesses are expanding, and international visitor numbers continue to rise.
Tourism is thriving, and that creates the perfect conditions for you to fast-track your tourism career and take advantage of opportunities that come your way.
That’s not to suggest it will be easy. Achieving big goals is always a challenge – but that’s why it feels so good when you succeed!
Here are some of our best tips for fast-tracking your career, getting noticed by employers, and creating the tourism career of your dreams.
1. Go slow to go fast
We live in a time of instant gratification. We want things now – right now! But sometimes you have to go slow to go fast.
Pause and take a moment to reflect on your goals.
What do you want to achieve in the next six months, one year, two years, five years? Then make a list of all the things you need to get you there.
You might need to enrol in a tourism qualification or even return to complete a higher qualification if you’ve already studied.
Or you might need to speak with your employer and ask for advice on how to progress to the role you want.
A goal without a plan is just a wish! So, make a plan and take one step at a time.
2. Treat every opportunity like your dream job
Whether you’re packing supermarket bags at checkout to gain customer service experience or doing unpaid work experience in the school holidays, treat every opportunity like it is your dream job.
Be enthusiastic, ask questions, be grateful for the opportunity, and bring your A game to work. A positive attitude goes a long, long way in this industry. If you do your best from the beginning, you will get noticed for all the right reasons.
3. Be better than average
To fast-track your career, you need to be better than average. Aim to be exceptional. Even when you think you’re doing a good job, find ways you can improve. Great leaders know there is always room for improvement, no matter how good you get.
“Always try your best,” says ITC graduate Jasmine Tua who is now working for Menzies Aviation as a Passenger Ambassador.
“Be bold, follow your heart, and work even harder when you think you’re doing just fine. Read, study, and pursue knowledge.”
4. Put yourself out there
To be considered for your dream job, you have to apply for it first! Many people hold back from applying for jobs because they believe they’re not good enough or experienced enough. This might be true, but how will you know unless you try?
Every job interview is an opportunity to learn and you never know what an employer might see in you. It’s worth putting yourself out there and showing employers that you’re serious about your career.
“Do take risks and apply for jobs you think you’re not ‘good enough’ for,” says ITC graduate Shinal Chand. Shinal now works for Aerocare as a Customer Services Agent.
“Keep an open mind about the tourism industry,” he adds. Sometimes your dream job is not what you thought it was, so be open to all opportunities.
5. Stay positive
Working towards your goals is hard and sometimes you will feel like giving up. But try to stay positive, even when it feels challenging. You never know what opportunity could be right around the corner.
“Always have a positive attitude, don’t let others knock you off your target, and never give up!” says Elena Moseeva, a Customer Service Representative for Apex Car Rentals.
“Time management, hard work, diligence, and a positive attitude will open many doors for you.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Do you dream of a career in airline, travel or tourism? Get in touch today to learn how we can get your tourism career off to a flying start.
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