Meet Esther Fanene: The graduate who has seen NZ tourism bloom first hand!

Posted on 16/03/2022 by Hayley Clark

Esther Fanene is a wonderful ITC graduate who knew she wanted to be part of the New Zealand tourism industry from the outset.  

To do that, she enrolled with ITC, and the rest is history.

Esther has recently started a fantastic job with the Explore Group here in New Zealand. We asked her a few questions about her time at ITC, her new role, and her advice for anyone considering following in her footsteps.

Which qualification did you choose to study at ITC and why?

I studied for Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate of Travel and tourism as I have been so interested and had quite a few future plans for travelling for quite some time, and just wanting to experience what’s it’s like to be a part of the industry.

I was also hoping to experience what it’s like working outside of NZ, but those chances will come later on the future – ITC has offered better alternative choices and it has been a blast! 

Congratulations on your new job with Explore! Can you tell us a little about what you’ll be doing in your role?

Thank you! 

For my role I take care of making reservations for customers, tending to peoples phone calls and assisting with their bookings. I also do customer service up at the Kiosk on the Viaduct and try sell our products to people that walk by and answer their questions. 

It’s a lot of things but I enjoy meeting a lot of new faces through this job and creating close relationships. 

How did ITC prepare you for this job?

With a lot of lessons, theories and roleplays along with my peers, it has prepared me well enough to settle down with this job in less than a week or two which isn’t so bad. The tutors have been so helpful with making sure I understood each lesson and have no trouble in repeating and answering questions in certain parts of each criteria.

I would also like to mention especially Andrew who had been teaching us the Amadeus course, and it had to be the hardest unit we learnt through level 4. But due to his willingness to teach us and not giving up on us, making sure I pass, I’m very grateful for that.

You completed your qualifications during the pandemic – were you quite optimistic about the industry getting busy again after you graduated?

Oh yes, when I started off it was pretty calm, however going three days in the business just hit the roof and the industry had just sky rocketed.

Looking at our partnerships and other companies’ rise was spectacular. There maybe have been some moments where it had been a little overwhelming but soon it had become adjustable and seeing a lot of people come out and take time to get on some of the experiences they’ve always wanted to go on has been a great sight to see. 

Honestly it was such an honour granting their wishes and giving them what they want, going on these tours and having the best time of their life, all thanks to ITC helping me pass my courses and earning a qualification out of it. 

Do you have any advice for anyone considering studying with ITC? 

If anyone’s doubting about taking any course at ITC because of the pandemic or any other reasons – don’t worry, there are so many opportunities and ways ITC can help you. And it’s true when they say that tourism will bloom.

The industry has definitely started to rise, so don’t let anything or anyone stop you from working and studying towards your dream job within the Industry and just go for it! Not only will you be able to study towards your dream job – You’ll meet the best and funniest tutors on campus as well as many friendly and amazing peers! It’ll be blast for you!

I personally want to thank Allison, John and Andrew for taking care of myself and my sisters last year. It had been such a complicated yet fun experience during the courses, your work will never go unnoticed! I’d also like to Thank Sarndra for helping me land this job at Explore Group, I have no regrets and am enjoying myself so far with my colleagues! 

‘Explore’ your future career like Esther

Esther landed herself an incredible role with the prestigious Explore Group – where might you end up if you study with ITC?

Get in touch today to find out more about our courses and enrol!

Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.itc.co.nz/contact-us/

Posted in News, Student success, Study inspiration | Tagged Graduate interview, ITC Award winning training, Passion for tourism |