Trusted Advisor Program

About the Program

The Young Tourism Network’s Trusted Advisor Program connects emerging tourism, events and hospitality professionals (Advisees) with established industry professionals (Advisors) in a 10 week coaching program. We aim to match advisees and advisors based on career interests and experiences.

Advisees and advisors catch up (online or in person) for 30-45 minutes every fortnight from early August to October with an opportunity for workplace visits where possible. The sessions are semi-structured with flexibility and scope for each pair to co-develop a plan that suits their schedule and needs.

Advisee

Advisees are early career students and professionals with a keen interest in pursuing a career in tourism, events or hospitality.

Benefits
Connect and learn from a tourism professional
Learn about career pathways and types of job opportunities available
Understand how the tourism industry works
Enhance your professional experience
Career guidance
Apply NOW (ADVISEE)

Advisor

Advisors are passionate leaders keen to share their experiences with those starting out their careers in the tourism industry.

Benefits
Enhance leadership and communication skills​
Learn from Mel Neil (Founder and CEO, Mind Insurance)​
Reflect on own experience working in the tourism industry
Chance to give back to emerging leaders
Professional development
Apply NOW (ADVISOR)

Eligibility to Apply

Advisee applications are open to YTN members only. If you are not a YTN member yet but wish to apply, sign up here.

NEED ASSISTANCE?
If you’re not sure whether you should apply as an advisee or advisor, or want to learn more, get in touch with Lucy Dewhurst via email info@youngtourismnetwork.com.au to have a chat.

JOIN YTN NOW

Participant Expectations

Attend the launch and closing events, with the closing event being in person.

Take part in a minimum of five 30-45 minute fortnightly catch-ups
Maintain a positive attitude throughout the program.

Complete a compulsory post-survey – this will be sent to you via email once the program has concluded.

Advisees will be expected to initiate contact and organise meetups/phone calls/Zoom conversations with their respective advisors.

It is not the responsibility of the advisor to secure a job for advisees, the program aims to support and encourage emerging professionals through career progression and guide advisees towards a chosen path.

APPLY NOW (ADVISEE)

Advisor Trainer – Mel Neil
(Founder & CEO, Mind Insurance)

With a passion for enabling an ever-growing number of people to access the science of human flourishing, Mel Neil has been coaching and consulting for over 15 years.

Using her strengths-based approach, she designs and delivers custom leadership and performance programs for clients in the public and private sectors.

Mel has developed the Happiness Lab and Academy platforms in response to the demand for a space in which individuals can engage with the science of human flourishing and apply their learning to improve the areas of their life that they choose to change.

APPLY NOW (ADVISOR)

Key Dates 2025*

01.

Applications Open
(Advisors & Advisees)

Tuesday 24 June 2025.

02.

Applications Close
(Advisors & Advisees)

Tuesday 15 July 2025.

03.

Program Launch at Ambassador Event
(Advisors & Advisees)

Thursday 7 August 2025.

04.

Mel Neil Workshop (Advisors Only)

Tuesday 12 August 2025.

05.

Advisee Virtual Briefing

Wednesday 13 August 2025.

06.

Program Begins (Advisors & Advisees)

Thursday 14 August 2025.

07.

Advisee Mid-way Check in Session

Tuesday 9 September 2025.

08.

Advisor Mid-way Session with Mel Neil

Wednesday 10 September 2025.

09.

Closing Event
(Advisors & Advisees)

Week beginning 27 October 2025.

*Please note that these dates may be subject to change

What previous participants have said about The Trusted Advisor Program…

My advisor was extremely
easy to converse with, we
had some wonderful
discussions together, he
had an excellent
knowledge of the tourism
industry, and he was
extremely positive and
approachable.

Anna de Leeuw Pool

Advisee

The match could not have
been more perfect, our
interests were aligned and
we were able to share
really valuable learnings
together as we had similar
lived experiences. It was a
pleasure to see her growth
through the program.

Maddy Sawyer

Advisor

The experience of being a recent graduate still seeking my next steps forward has often felt very isolating and confusing, but participating in TAP really helped me realign with my goals and affirmed that I am not alone in navigating this transition. I have a much better sense of what is next for me, and more insight into the industry.

2023 Advisee

The Trusted Advisor Program gave me an opportunity to give back to the industry. I was able to help guide my Advisee through the range of career pathways and options available to her, and seeing her grow over the months was extremely rewarding. I would recommend the Trusted Advisor Program to anyone considering taking part.

2023 Advisor

I was so happy I could meet someone a few years ahead in their career to give me tips. It really gave me hope that I would find a job in tourism that I love.

2023 Advisee

Mind Insurance psychonaut Mel Neil always provides valuable insights, and she scattered numerous pieces of gold across this Trusted Advisor Program.

2023 Advisor

READY TO APPLY?

Applications are now open for the
2025 Trusted Advisor Program!

APPLY now

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