From tourism student to Director of Sales & Marketing: This is Lisa’s story

Posted on 28/08/2018 by Jess O'Connor

Lisa Breckon has enjoyed a wonderful tourism career so far – and she says it all began at the International Travel College (ITC).

Today she is the Director of Sales and Marketing at CPG Hotels New Zealand, and she still remembers the excitement of studying at ITC.

“The environment sold it for me. It was a boutique place to train with specialised tutors and it had a great feel about it,” says Lisa.

“It wasn’t your normal ‘cookie cutter’ university and it felt right for me.”

Lisa completed an Advanced Diploma in Travel, Tourism & IT (which is equivalent to our Level 3 & Level 4 qualifications today). This set her on the path to where she is now: working in senior management for one of New Zealand’s top hotel groups.

“I enjoyed that the qualification was full-time and full-on for a six month period. I loved the interaction the tutors had with the students. It felt like I had a very personalised experience,” she says.

Lisa enjoyed her time at ITC so much that she joined the company after graduating as Student Services Team Leader, before she left to work at Waipuna Hotel. She stayed at Waipuna for 6.5 years before moving on to Rendezvous Hotels and then TFE Hotels. In 2017, she started her current role as Director of Sales and Marketing at CPG Hotels.

“I love my job,” says Lisa.

She advises future ITC students to “work hard but have fun along the way” and to think carefully about what it is they are truly passionate about.

“You spend a lot of time at work so ensure you’re passionate about the job you do. It will certainly be hard work – but that’s half the challenge and excitement at the same time.”

Are you inspired by Lisa’s story? Get in touch today to learn more about studying airline, travel or tourism with ITC.

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