Career horizons — 3 routes into your dream tourism job

According to stats gurus Statista, the travel and tourism industry contributes $US 7.6 trillion to the global economy annually — making it one of the world’s largest sectors.

And if you’re a regular holidaymaker in search of a new career, it could be an exciting vocational destination.

There are several ways to carve out a career in travel, depending on your requirements.

So if you want to expand your job horizons, here are three routes into your dream tourism job.

1. Internship

If you’re approaching the end of high school and considering whether to proceed to college, university or the employment market, finding a travel and tourism internship is a great way of dipping your toes into the sector before diving into job applications or a vocational course.

You might spend a month in an exotic location trying out various roles — from front desk duties to cooking and even entertainment.

And as well as building your confidence through dealing with customers in person, you’ll gain valuable insights from permanent staff with years of experience.

But find a paid internship if possible — your labour should be rewarded regardless of your experience level.

2. Apprenticeship

Once you’ve decided that this is definitely the industry for you and want to get stuck into the nitty gritty of paid work instead of topping up your education, starting a tourism apprenticeship is an excellent way of gaining hands-on experience as you climb the career ladder.

A college or uni course has its advantages — but with dedication and diligence, you might work your way up to a senior or management position just as quickly through starting as an apprentice.

Apprentice roles are diverse and include everything from digital marketing to aviation engineering, retail and finance — so there’s the opportunity to focus on a specialist niche from the start.

Choose your company carefully — you’ll be spending lots of time there over the next few years, so it’s crucial that you’re comfortable with the culture.

3. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

When you want to establish your own tourism business or increase your chances of being the prime candidate for a senior salaried role, studying for an online MBA with a reputable university boosts your CV and accelerates your plans.

This qualification will endow you with a range of corporate skills like finance for decision making, strategic management and entrepreneurial action.

If you fancy yourself as the next Richard Branson or Butch Stewart, this type of formal qualification lays firm career foundations.

And the advantage of an online degree is its flexibility — you’ll study when it suits while holding down your current job and taking care of family responsibilities.

So there are three routes into your dream tourism job — pick the most appropriate one today for a one-way ticket to success.

How did you get started in tourism? Share your story in the comments section.