At the end of YTN’s 2019 Trusted Advisors Program, five student participants feel better prepared to begin their careers in tourism.
Claudia (Monash University), Hayley (William Angliss Institute), Jacqui (Holmsglen Institute), Rajat (Victoria University) and Thao (The Hotel School) met with industry professionals in their workplace to learn about their roles in entrepreneur, hospitality, digital, events and public tourism.
Anita Donnelly (City of Port Philip), Anthony Szostak (Melbourne Marriott Hotel), Clare West (Expedia Group), Fiona Sweetman (Hidden Secrets Tours) and Jordana Baron (Resolution X) shared their journeys that led them to their current positions and they gave valuable advice to the students about what employers look for when hiring and how to stand out in an interview (read about each session here).
The students enjoyed seeing a tourism workplace in action. They found learning about the industry is much different than actually being part of it. When it comes to their own careers, they learned to expect the unexpected and being comfortable realizing its a journey to get where the professionals are now, it won’t happen overnight.
“Before [the Trusted Advisors Program] I was considering going into hotel management, but now I want to keep my options open after seeing so many sides of the tourism industry,” one student mentioned during the final session.
Another student said she “learned to be brave, have an open mind and go from there.” Before the program, she was feeling uncertain but the professionals showed how things can come together in unexpected ways.
For another student, the program offered more than she imagined; she feels better prepared to launch her career after learning to be brave and think big during the Trusted Advisor Program.
We were thrilled to have this group of student join us for the 2019 Program. We cannot wait to see where the exciting, often winding, tourism road leads these bright individuals.
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YTN would like to thank the advisors who generously gave their time and insights to the program – we were as inspired as the students!
*Don’t forget to keep an eye out for expressions of interest applications early next year if you’re interested in being part of YTN’s 2020 Trusted Advisor Program!
Written by: Olivia Salsbery
Olivia has experience in agency, non-profit, public and private communications. Her major focus has been on strategic digital communication, research and cause marketing. She has a bachelor of Arts (Public Relations and International Studies) and is currently studying her Master of International Sustainable Tourism. Connect with her on Linked In @oliviasalsbery.