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| Photo Credit: www.mbahighway.com |
Young Lady's Email Letter:
Hi Loren!
I wanted to see if I might be able to wrack your brain for a
moment. I have been doing a lot of
research on travel industry jobs, which led me to your website. As someone young who has turned a love for
travel into a career, I'd love to get your thoughts and opinions!
I caught the travel bug early through trips with my family,
but as I got older it has become increasingly hard to find travel
partners. For a couple years, I tried to
organize trips to Europe with friends, and everyone was interested...until it
came time to buy tickets or commit and then everyone was too busy or didn't
have enough money. Finally, I said
[forget] it and in Oct of last year, I booked an impromptu trip to Barcelona
and Paris for two weeks. It turned out
to be the most incredible trip of my life.
I had been to Europe several times before, but never alone....never
stayed in hostels....had never been forced to figure out my way around a city
or take public transportation on my own.
I feel like I grew so much in those two weeks, I gained so much
confidence in myself -- it was incredibly empowering. Nine months after that I took a second solo
trip to Berlin, and am now planning my 3rd to Thailand in April. I think travel is one of the most educational
things a young person can do, and it makes me sad when I see people who haven't
experienced it (and probably will never).
I am 26 years old and currently working in digital media --
producing and project managing branded entertainment (web series and Internet
videos all sponsored by brands). A bit
of a jack of all trades, I have a solid basis for video production, working
with brands, writing, social media, and more.
I like it, but I am eager for change.
I've been at the company for three (3) years and have had difficulty
moving up because our company has been in acquisition and every 6 months or so
I move to a different department with a new boss. Sometimes I dream about quitting my job and
just going and teaching English in SE Asia or something, but I think I may need
more of a career than that--although the idea of living somewhere different for
a period in my life is very appealing.
I'm good at everything I set my mind to, and am very hard-working,
ambitious, and passionate.
I love travel so much and would love to share that passion
with others. I'm curious to know what
sorts of career options exist within the travel industry. Is there any background or training
required? Are there any career paths
that might benefit from the type of experience I currently have? I am sure you are super busy, and totally no
worries if you don't have time to respond.
But any advice you have would be much appreciated.
Hope to hear from you!
My Reply
Hello!
It is an absolute pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I'm so glad that your Internet search led you
to my website so we can exchange thoughts regarding the travel industry and how
my experience can assist in planning your future. Where to begin...its been such a
journey. Let's start with background. I
majored in English with a concentration in Print Journalism. I learned in undergrad that journalism
doesn't really make much money, but I had such a passion for writing that I
proceeded anyway. Once I graduated, I took
a job as a Technical Writer for the federal government. Note: Remember this for later as I explain
why I'm still there. While working for
the government, I still could not give up on looking for a job in journalism so
I started interning at a local news station.
It was great experience, but it was too much to handle while working
full-time as a technical writer...from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. (graveyard
shift!). I eventually let it go and I
have been working as a technical writer for nine years now. The good part about it is it has afforded me
the opportunity to maintain my travel business and maintain a solid nine to
five. Take into consideration, I am a
wife and mother so it's not just me I'm thinking about. If it was different and I was single and
didn't have any children, this would be a totally different story. But, I'm so blessed to have them in my life!
Moving towards the development of Destinations Reached
Travel Consulting and Services. I had a
great full-time job with great pay and benefits, but I ALWAYS wanted to be an
entrepreneur. I also wanted to obtain my
masters degree. So many of friends went
to graduate school right after undergrad.
But I didn't know what I wanted to study. I didn't want to just study
anything just to say I have a masters.
After taking some time to evaluate how I was doing in my career and discovering
what I truly have a passion for, I confirmed that I have a gift for business
consulting and I am always traveling.
So, I decided to take the first step and go to travel school. Yeah, I could've Googled travel terms and
joined a pyramid scam. But not me. I wanted to educate myself so I can build my
own empire. Make a long story short, I
first completed travel school and obtained my Destination Specialist (DS)
certification. Then, I studied and obtained my Certified Travel Associate (CTA)
certification. And finally, I went to
graduate school and obtained my Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree
in Hospitality and Tourism. I provide
you with this all of this background not to beep my own horn, but I stress the
importance of educating yourself on the subject and to learn/absorb as much
knowledge as you can on the industry.
The travel industry is extremely broad. There's a number of travel careers out
there. As for agents, you can work
directly for an agency, as an independent contractor, or even start your own
agency like I did. There are travel agency web designers. There are vendors, travel journalists,
bloggers...the list goes on. I recently
took a leap of faith and left the federal government to take on my agency
full-time. I truly enjoy traveling,
conducting inspections, networking, generating sales, and much more!
You're young. Live
your life, travel, and enjoy the freedom!
Learn about different cultures and places around the world. Continue with your job while taking on an
internship position with a local agency.
I will tell you though. Money
does not come easy in this industry.
Agent commissions are limited and the Internet is our biggest
competitor. So, it's tough. But if you have a real passion for it, stick
with it and give it your all....one step at a time. I do it every day and just hold faith that my
clients continue to believe in me and will continue to spread the word. So far, it's working just fine. So, would I suggest you quit your job and go
directly into the industry just yet? I
would say not just yet. Keep your job,
travel some more, learn the industry a little better, and see what the future
has in store for you over the next couple of years.
Feel free to stay in contact. I'm so glad to hear that you have a passion
for travel and are interested in the industry.
I welcome you and I wish you the very best!
P.S - While it's on my mind. Considering your background,
you should start a travel blog with an incorporated travel web series. Use your
branding skills and develop a brand of your own. Just a suggestion. Best of luck!
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