Develop a Career in Tourism

The travel or tourism industry encompasses several types of jobs, ranging from service positions to executive titles. Today, the industry is booming, and it is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global employment. Although the duties and typical tasks of these jobs can vary, they generally require good customer service skills and the ability to communicate and work well with others. Getting the right qualifications for a tourism-related job can help you develop a career in the field.

Steps

Choosing a Career in the Tourism Industry

1. Research jobs related to tourism. The tourism industry encompasses many different career opportunities, with varying degrees of experience required. Some examples of these job opportunities include travel planning, serving on resorts and cruise ships, hotel management, and travel writing. Look up travel industry websites and career guides online to get more information. To start, visit the U.S. State Department’s website for a list of resources about tourism-related careers in the U.S.: http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/79983.htm.
2. Evaluate your own skills. Take stock of the skills you possess that would lend themselves to a career in tourism. The industry is primarily service-based, so strong communication skills and experience in customer service are assets. Organizational skills, such as time management, prioritizing, and planning and coordination, are also beneficial. Consider working on any areas you might be lacking skills that would be needed for a tourism-related career.
   • You can use your existing skills to help you find a job in the tourism industry. Being able to speak a foreign language, for example, may lead you to a job translating for tourists.
3. Look at industry trends. Looking at trends in the tourism industry is a good way to evaluate the current job market, as well as future job opportunities that may be available. Tourism-related websites have created new job opportunities in the industry, ranging from content writing to website design. Aiming for a job in the growing internet component of the industry is a way to stay ahead of the curve at this juncture.
4. Consider your interests. Think about your own particular interests in order to narrow your choices within the tourism industry. Long hours are often an inevitable part of tourism-related work, so you should make sure that your job reflects your passion and engages your interest. If you are an avid writer, for example, consider a position writing for travel websites, books, or magazines; if you enjoy interacting with people, opt for a position in a hotel, resort, or tourist attraction.

Getting Started With Your Tourism Career

1. Apply for an entry-level position. If you are just starting out in the tourism industry, look for an entry-level job that has fewer educational or training requirements. Such positions may include being a server or customer service representative in a hotel, hostel, casino, or other tourist attraction. The experience earned may be valuable for other positions in the industry, and this kind of work can be undertaken while you pursue further training.
2. Consider getting a tourism-related degree. If you wish to further your training qualifications, consider getting a degree in something like travel and tourism management, tourism and hospitality management, or tourism and event management from a college or university (usually in a school’s hospitality or business departments). Programs will range in scope between institutions, but generally encompass courses in human resources, financial strategies, media relations, and facilities management. Some programs offer (or require) internships with tourism-related companies before graduation. Some careers available to individuals with this training are:
   • travel agents
   • convention and event planners
   • travel coordinators
   • lodging managers
3. Apply for an internship. Tourism-related internships are available for travellers looking to gain work experience in the hospitality and tourism sector. Some organizations may partner with universities to provide accredited placements, while others offer these internships regardless of work or academic experience. In many cases, you will have to pay to participate in these internships; costs will usually have to do with:
   • travel arrangements
   • accommodations
   • food
   • transport
   • emergency support
   • a certificate of completion
4. Improve your job-related skills. Consider working on career-related skills that could benefit you in a tourism industry career, such as accounting, word processing, or website design. Take classes if possible, or invest time in teaching yourself with the aid of books, manuals, or reputable online resources. While they are very useful in the tourism sector, many of these skills are universally valuable in the job market.
5. Find a career mentor. Seek out a mentor who can teach you about the tourism industry and provide guidance on your career path. Look for mentors at business associations in your area, community groups, non-profit organizations, or consider friends or family who have experience in tourism or similar industries. Be direct in expressing your interest in developing a mentoring relationship and ask to meet with them to discuss this possibility.
   • For example, you could say: "I admire your work and I would benefit greatly from your guidance with respect to my career. Would you be willing to meet with me to discuss being my mentor?"

Furthering your Tourism Career

1. Join a professional association for people in the industry. Look into joining a professional association for travel and tourism, which could include any organization dedicated to stimulating and improving the industry. This can be a way to network and gain contacts that may benefit you in your tourism career. Becoming a member of this kind of association will grant you access to events, conferences, and lectures relevant to the industry.
   • Visit the U.S. travel association’s website for an example of a professional tourism association: https://www.ustravel.org/membership/member-benefits
2. Learn another language. Multilingualism may be a tremendous asset to you in the tourism industry. Even a basic understanding of a second or third language will allow you to break the ice and communicate with visitors, fellow travellers, or other contemporaries you may interact with at work. As an added bonus, knowing another language can earn you between 8-20% more in your job.
   • Sign up for a language class, or simply study language books or websites to teach yourself a new language.
3. Aim for a promotion. Invest in your career growth by aiming for a promotion at your tourism-related job. Act professionally at all times, talk yourself up, and ask for more responsibility at work. Be positive and helpful, and show initiative whenever possible (e.g. coming up with a creative solution for a problem instead of asking for assistance).
   • Establish a friendly relationship with your boss and express your interest in moving up in the company, emphasizing your skills, progress in your position, and recent career accomplishments.

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Sources and Citations

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