Meet our new Student Services Team Member: Leilani Leith!
Leilani is recently back from a Disney Exchange overseas, and is now our newest Student Services team member!
Sometimes, new team members feel like they’re just meant to be part of the whanau.
That’s certainly the case with Leilani Leith, our newest Student Services team member. She joins us to replace Leilah Va, who has just left to begin her Disney Exchange. Making this hire even more impressive is the fact that Leilani has just returned from her Disney Exchange!
Of course we wanted to learn a little more about Leilani’s background, her travels, and her advice for anyone considering a career in tourism or aviation!
Tell us a little about yourself
Hi, my name is Leilani. I studied Levels 3 and 4 here at ITC’s Botany Campus before graduating and taking part in the Disney College Program, where I spent 12 months living and working at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Before attending ITC, I studied at Macleans College, where my tourism class first introduced me to the industry. Through that class, I had the opportunity to complete a short course with Laura at ITC, which played a big part in encouraging me to pursue tourism further.
I have a passion for travelling and exploring the world, experiencing different cultures, and seeing the incredible landscapes and architecture different countries have to offer. I’m excited to continue building on my experiences and discovering where a career in the travel industry can take me.
What stood out about ITC on your Airport and Airline Experience with Laura?
What stood out to me most when I did the short course, that I completed through ITC while I was still in high school, was how enjoyable and interactive the learning experience was.
We had the opportunity to visit the airport and Air New Zealand’s training facility, where we learned more about how our national airline trains its staff and got to see some of the equipment and emergency simulators they use. Being able to experience these things in person, especially after learning about them in class, made the course really memorable and gave me a much better understanding of the industry.
What were some memorable moments for you studying with us on campus?
One of my most memorable parts of studying at ITC was the friendships I made and the connections I built with other students.
I also really valued the practical experiences we were given throughout the course. One highlight was my work experience at Wētā Workshop in the city, where I was able to see behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of how they operate and create experiences for their guests.
I also took part in a famil to Paihia at the end of Level 4, which I really enjoyed. We stayed at the Haka House, and it was a great way to experience the destination firsthand while connecting what we had learned in class to real travel experiences. Having the opportunity to apply what we learned in real environments was really valuable.
What adventures did you go on after graduating?
After graduating, I began one of the most memorable chapters of my life by moving from New Zealand to Florida to take part in the Disney College Program. I lived and worked in the United States for a year doing merchandise, which was an incredible opportunity to experience a completely different culture and way of life.
The program came with its challenges, but those experiences helped me grow personally and professionally. I learned how to adapt to new situations, overcome challenges, become more independent, and gain a clearer understanding of what I want for my future.
I also met people from all around the world, made lifelong friendships, and created memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Tell us how your experience so far will help students at ITC?
I hope my experiences can help students at ITC by giving them someone they can come to with questions about studying, working overseas, or getting started in the travel industry.
Having recently gone through the same journey myself, I can share advice based on my own experiences and give students a realistic idea of what opportunities are available to them and what they can expect when taking that next step.
What advice do you have for anyone considering entering into the Travel or Airline industry?
My biggest piece of advice would be to take every opportunity that comes your way and make the most of it. You never know where one opportunity might lead you.
The travel and airline industry can open doors to so many different careers and destinations around the world. My own journey took me from studying at ITC to living and working at Disney World in Florida, something I never could have imagined when I first started studying tourism.
Be open to new experiences, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and make the most of every opportunity you’re given.
Learn from industry pros like Leilani at ITC
Leilani brings real-world experience – both as a student at ITC and as someone who has worked on a Disney Exchange – to our team. She is the perfect person to offer advice and insight for our students who want to follow in her footsteps.
Our entire team at ITC is made up of similar professionals. Whether they’re just getting started in their careers, or have spent a lifetime working in travel, tourism, or aviation, they’re all hugely experienced and passionate about the work.
That’s the kind of environment we create at ITC, because we know it helps our students to thrive and begin their own exciting journeys.
Want to know more? View our upcoming course options here, or get in touch with any questions here!
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