“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
This week, we are celebrating the incredible journey of one of our travel agents course graduates. Not only has she just picked up her book, but she’s also journeyed through her personal challenges and has recently started her own travel business.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always wanted to work in travel and thought of doing travel consultant courses, but children and life’s everyday responsibilities took over and I had to put my dream on hold. However, over the years I would have friends and family coming to me, requesting that I research their holidays for them and help them make holiday reservations online.
I saw all these requests from family and friends as a cue for action, and so a year ago I decided it was time to go back to school and follow my dreams. I did my research on travel and tourism courses in Melbourne, and as luck would have it, I picked up the phone, put pen to paper, and enrolled in the travel consultant training here at Suzan Johnston Australia.
I loved everything about my course! I was like a sponge and wanted to soak in everything that was taught. I even made new friends that I still keep in contact with. Having Sarah as our trainer was also amazing – her knowledge in the Certificate 3 in Travel and of the industry as a whole is a phenomenal advantage to all of the students enrolled in the travel course.
I especially remember how much I loved walking into the travel consultant course classroom, looking at the massive map on the wall, and feeling truly inspired to learn about all of these destinations. No doubt, my favourite unit out of the travel agent training was International Destinations. I really looked forward to the fact that I would one day be sending my clients to these destinations.
I now have a similar map on my own office wall that continues to inspire me!
As a mum to three children – two with special needs – and a husband that works full-time, I wasn’t sure I could commit to going back to school. I honestly didn’t know how I was going to get my kids off to school as well as be on a train and head into my travel agency course on time. Well, I had to step out of my comfort zone – and with the support of my family and friends, I did it!
I strongly believe that when you start something, you should follow through with 100% commitment. If it doesn’t work out, then at least you have given your all and that’s the best you can do.
Once I started the travel agent course, I thrived on the learning! I made sure I kept up-to-date with all of the homework and tasks so I never felt like school was getting on top of me. As I was approaching the end of the Certificate III in Travel course, I started to look for jobs to become a travel agent. This kept me inspired, as I knew very well that I needed to complete my travel consultant training to be able to apply.
I kept my eye on the end goal. To get to my destination of working in the travel industry, I needed to complete this nationally recognised training.
My advice to students undertaking the travel and tourism courses is “Don’t Give Up!” Even when the roads seem difficult, just keep your eye on that destination. Stay on top of your work, because it can feel all too much when you don’t keep up. And ask lots of questions! Knowledge is power, and with it you can conquer the world.
People say “travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer”. Well, I would say my travel consultant course here at Suzan Johnston has truly enriched me. I would not be where I am today without it.
I attended one interview during my travel and tourism course with a company that didn’t share my customer service principles. This got me thinking about what other options I had with a Certificate 3 in Travel. I applied for a job as an airline Ground Staff at the airport as well as talking with a Home Based Agent company. I received interviews and job offers for both of these positions, but in the end my choice was based around what would be best for my family and my future – so I chose to become a home-based agent. Who would have ever thought I would be given so much opportunity!
The company I currently work for said more knowledge will come once you get out there into the industry, but I have to thank the travel consultant training I received for giving me the groundwork to get out there and further my knowledge. The travel and tourism course is truly motivational, inspiring and fun!
I am currently a Personal Travel Counsellor. I own my own travel business and work from home, but I am well-supported by a fantastic, dedicated and supportive Global Head Office. My onward goal is to build on my business, help people create dream holidays with personal service, and conquer the world!
For more information on our accredited travel consultant course, please visit our website at www.sjaustralia.com.au or call us on (03) 9654 0999 to speak with one of our friendly consultants.
