Industry work experience leads to permanent role for ITC international student

Posted on 26/11/2014 by Jess O'Connor

It’s been a week of job-related celebrations at the International Travel College (ITC). Yesterday we announced that 50 ITC students were employed by Renaissance Tours and today we are celebrating the success of Lisa Chen, who recently started a new part-time job at Base Backpackers in Auckland.

Lisa is an international student from China and is currently studying towards a Level 5 Diploma in International Tourism and Travel Management. She is working for Base as a part-time receptionist while she finishes her studies.

Finding work as an international student is one of the best ways to meet new people, improve your English and gain experience in the New Zealand tourism industry. Lisa is extremely happy to have found a job that fits around her class timetable. She credits ITC with helping her find a role that suits her interests, skills and future career path.

“My home tutor Sandy helped me a lot by giving me some advice about what kind of job I would be suited for. It wasn’t about finding any job, but finding a job that I would like to work in every day,” Lisa said.

“ITC has helped me get to know what I enjoy, through industry activities such as the Famil college trip. During the Famil, I found out that I am not an adventure person, so I couldn’t do tour guiding jobs or work at Sky Jump. My favourite role is to work at the reception desk.”

When Lisa figured out what type of job she wanted, Sandy put ITC Account Manager Ceri Jenkins on the case. Ceri emailed the Base Auckland Marketing Manager to ask if Lisa could come in for some work experience.

Work experience is a great way to get a foot in the door with a company, as it shows you are enthusiastic, willing to learn and dedicated to improving your skill set.  Lisa did work experience at Base for two weeks and they were so impressed with her that they offered her a permanent position.

Lisa’s favourite part of the job so far is interacting with guests and helping them settle in to Auckland.

“I like to talk to people and solve their problems. You might get a question like where is the nearest pharmacy or which restaurant has the best value food,” Lisa said.

The social aspect of the job is also great fun, giving Lisa the chance to make new friends.

“The staff are friendly, and you also get a free staff drink after you finish your shift at the bar. How awesome is that!”

Lisa is in New Zealand on a Student Visa that allows her to work up to 20 hours a week outside of class time.

Posted in Student success | Tagged Auckland, China, education, ITC international students, jobs, Student success, studying in New Zealand, Tourism, tourism jobs |