5 Tips to Kick Start your Tourism Career
Graduation from post-secondary is a major life achievement and milestone that can be both exhilarating and scary all at the same time. You have studied hard, and excitedly await the moment you can proudly walk across the commencement stage and launch a successful career in tourism. But are you doing everything you can before you graduate to prepare for the future? By participating in “real world” learning to complement your studies, you can put yourself ahead of the pack. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Be a Driver, Not a Passenger
To ensure a successful transition, put a focus on your career planning, and develop skills outside of the classroom through work experience and networking. Don’t just be a passenger, going from class to class, or from job to job. Be in the driver’s seat – take charge of where you’re headed.
2. Balance Education with Work Experience
Your tourism degree is an asset, but employers also place a high value on work experience when hiring. By working or volunteering while attending school, you will gain valuable transferable skills and experience to add to your resume. Be sure to visit go2HR’s Job Board to find a great selection of BC tourism jobs.
3. Network, Network, Network
Tourism is ultimately about people, so it makes sense that networking is one of the most important things you can do. There are plenty of opportunities to attend industry events while you are completing your degree and beyond. It’s one of the most successful ways to search for work or business opportunities, and make long-lasting connections that will advance your career. If you are looking for more tips on networking, check out this go2HR article.
4. Have Realistic Expectations
While having a tourism degree will open doors, it doesn’t guarantee a management-level job upon graduation. Many grads start out in more entry-level positions, but keep in mind that tourism is an industry that tends to hire and promote from within. With hard work and initiative, you can move up quickly. Getting your foot in the door with a good employer is one step closer to success.
5. Demonstrate Commitment and Professionalism
BC tourism employers consider professionalism, and a passion and commitment for the work, to be key attributes they look for when hiring. Your first opportunity to demonstrate this to a potential employer could be at a networking event, or as you apply for work. In either case, do some advance research, and always follow up. Dress appropriately for the occasion. Take time to tailor your cover letter and resume for every opportunity. And it should go without saying that your personal online presence is clean and professional as employers use social media and other online tools to recruit and screen potential hires.
Still looking for more inspiration and career-boosting tips? Be sure to visit go2HR’s Career Explorer where you can find more information, job descriptions, career profiles, and much more.