Case Study
Lynsey how she got onto the tourism career ladder
After completing my Foundation Degree in Travel and Tourism Management at Belfast Met, I went on to complete a BA Hons Degree in Tourism Business Management. More recently I decided to go back to university and gained a master’s degree in Professional Software Development. Throughout my studies I worked part time in various roles both inside and outside of the travel industry. My first full time job within the industry was with Northern Ireland Travel News working as a Marketing and Events Co-ordinator. I then went on to work for Travel Solutions as a Marketing and Commercial Executive.
Can you describe a typical working day?
I am not sure there is such a thing as a typical day within my role. This week I’ve spent a couple of days renewing annual travel contracts for corporate clients, attended meetings and carried out product training with key leisure accounts. Most days I take a number of calls, anything from general enquiries to a Travel Agent having an issue with a booking. Today I had taken a call from a corporate traveller who wanted to find out more about our frequent flyer programme.
What has been your educational/career path to this post?
After completing the FDSc in Travel and Tourism Management at Belfast Met, I went on to complete a BA Hons Degree in Tourism Business Management. More recently I decided to go back to University and gained a Master’s Degree in Professional Software Development. Throughout my studies I worked part time in various roles both inside and outside of the travel industry. My first full time job within the industry was with Northern Ireland Travel News working as a Marketing and Events Co-ordinator, I then went on to work for Travel Solutions as a Marketing and Commercial Executive. From 2015 I have been in my role with Emirates.
What are the most valuable skills or the necessary skills for you in your role?
Strong customer service skills and capable of building rapport with others. Ability to sell and negotiate. Possess good time keeping, organisation and multitasking skills. Be commercially aware. Have experience within the industry.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
It has given me the opportunity to develop my career within the travel industry. I enjoy the work, the flexibility and variety of the job role, the challenges that it throws, the people I work with and the relationships that I have built along the way. When not working I love to travel so the great flight perks go along way!
Can you say anything about the future job prospects in your industry?
In my own opinion, the world is more accessible than it’s ever been. Travellers are becoming more adventurous, long haul is now the new mid haul, holidays that where once deemed for only the few are available to the masses, so where there is demand there will be a host of companies ready to supply. Of course the industry is not without its challenges, for example the Coronavirus which we are currently in the grip off has had a negative impact on travel on a worldwide scale, however, the industry as whole has proven before that it can ride a storm and come out the other end. Locally, there has been an increase in new Travel Agencies opening up and Tour Operators expanding their holiday portfolios. On the corporate side there has also been growth in various companies expanding their operations around the globe which in turn increases the demand for travel. I believe the future career prospects in the Travel Industry look good!
What advice would you give to any young person thinking of a career in your industry?
Try to establish what part of the industry you would like to work in, it is very diverse and there are many job roles that you may have not already thought off. A lot of jobs will require experience so be prepared not to land your dream role straight away. Gain experience part-time while studying if you can. It definitely helps to have an interest in your field of work. Once you find a job within the industry you will start to understand it more and can grow your career in the direction that is best suited to you.
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