Meet Jessica Fuiono – ITC graduate and one of AJ Hackett’s newest team members!
Jessica Fuiono discovered her love of adventure tourism through ITC – and now works for AJ Hackett!
At first, Jessica Fuiono didn’t know what she wanted to do with her career. She tried another study path elsewhere, but quickly realised it just didn’t feel right for her. That’s when she came to us at ITC, where we introduced her to some of the many pathways you can take in travel and tourism.
All it took was jumping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge to discover her passion: adventure tourism.
Jessica then did her work experience with AJ Hackett Auckland, but even though they loved her, they didn’t have a job for her at the time. ITC Employment Consultant Sarndra knew that Jessica was considering a move to Brisbane when an AJ Hackett job came up in Queenstown… so Sarndra sent the application link though anyway.
“I emailed Priel at AJ Hackett to let her know Jessica was keen to move to Queenstown to work for them, and Priel said she would contact the team there immediately to let them know how fab she is – and the rest, as we say, is history,” explained Sarndra.
So that’s how Jessica came to land her role working for AJ Hackett! We asked Jessica some quick questions to learn more about her time at ITC, finding her career path, and getting started in the industry!
How has your study experience been so far at ITC? Do you have any favourite “college life” moments?
My experience at ITC was great, I got to meet new people, experience different parts of the tourism industry and learn more about myself- especially being a newly graduate from high school. I’d say looking back at my time at ITC, my favourite moments were my interactions with peers and tutors; I’ve gotten the opportunity to listen to stories from all walks of life which I love.
What were your career goals when you first started? Have these changed during your journey?
My career goals when I started at ITC were SOOO uncertain. Initially, after I graduated high school I was enrolled at AUT to study for a Bachelor’s in Art but I never felt like that was right for me, so I decided to give ITC a go with my friend, Michelle V.
Halfway through level 3 I started thinking more about a pathway in the tourism industry particularly adventure and tours. Then we went to the AJ Hackett at the Harbour Bridge and I did the bungy which locked it in for me that I wanted to give adventure tourism a go; particularly landing a job at AJ Hackett.
You recently completed Work Experience as part of your Level 4 studies — how did ITC help prepare you for this?
For my work experience I was fortunate enough to be able to work for AJ Hackett. To be fair it was during the quieter season but I was able to get the gist of what a typical day for sales and service role looks like – greeting customers, briefing/hosting, harnessing, casual conversation, and congratulating them after their activities to general maintenance of the work space.
Where did you complete your work experience, and what did a typical day look like?
Work experience is a great program especially for students/people who are unsure of what to pursue. Some experiences may not be as positive as mine but that also means you get to figure out what does and doesn’t work for you. My work experience helped me lock in what direction I wanted to go in- working for AJ Hackett.
What’s next for you?
Obviously now I work at AJ Hackett in Queenstown! I’ve met so many amazing people and the culture down here is a vibe!! I’m the type of person where I’ll change my plans once it doesn’t feel right anymore but in the meantime I will be staying for a while.
“This is an example of how our Employment Consultants are able to support the students and reach out to our partners in the industry to ensure the students have every opportunity,” added our Employment Consultant Sarndra.
Not sure what to do with your career?
Like Jessica, many of our students come to us with no idea what to do with their careers. They often simply have a general interest in travel or tourism – but that’s all it takes!
We make a point of introducing our students to as many career paths as possible. It’s often during this time that students discover something that interests them, which helps them to decide what to do next.
Interested? Check out our course options here, or get in touch with any questions here!
