Start your career
Read about the experiences of four people who took different routes into the travel industry
Apprenticeship
HENRY McCOID-FILBY did an 18- month apprenticeship with Hays Travel before joining luxury cruise agency Mundy Cruising. He is now a sales executive at adventure cruise line HX Hurtigruten Expeditions.
“I went to university to train as a teacher, but I soon realised it wasn’t the right path for me. My mum was a travel consultant at the time, and I loved the idea of combining my passion for travel with a career, so when I spotted an apprenticeship opportunity with Hays Travel, I jumped at it.
“What stood out to me was how quickly you get stuck in to real work. You’re placed in a branch early on, working full time, with a dedicated support coach to guide you. I was in one of Hays’ top-performing branches, which meant I learnt fast. Every client was different, and I loved building relationships, making sure their holidays were exactly right.
“After my apprenticeship, I became a senior consultant, then an assistant manager in another branch. More recently, I decided to pursue my passion for cruise travel and moved to London to join Mundy Cruising and later HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. I’m really enjoying working with a different type of clientele, where attention to detail is everything.”
My top tip
College
CIARA JAMES completed a Level 3 extended diploma in travel and tourism at Havant and South Downs College and now works as a travel retail advisor at Tui in Havant, near Portsmouth.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people and learning about different cultures and countries, so travel felt like the right path for me. I chose college because I wanted to meet other students on the same journey and explore all the options in the travel sector to see what I gravitated towards.
“Over the two-year course, I learnt the academic side of tourism – Atol [Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing], Abta and everything in between – to build a solid foundation. We even had an on-site aircraft simulator for training and worked in the college restaurant to develop our customer service skills. Our teachers all had real industry experience.
“I also completed a two-week work placement at Tui, shadowing travel agents and helping wherever I could. I loved it so much that when I graduated, I applied for a permanent role. I’m now a travel retail advisor at the Havant branch. It’s been amazing meeting so many clients and helping make their dream holidays come true.”
My top tip
University
JILL KRAMPAH graduated from the University of Hertfordshire, studying international tourism management with German, in May 2024. She is about to begin cabin crew training with Virgin Atlantic.
“I’d always dreamt of a career in travel. At first, I imagined myself working on a cruise ship, but I soon realised being airline cabin crew would fit my lifestyle better.
“I chose the university route because I wanted that learning experience, and the course I found offered German. Learning another language is such a useful skill in this industry. During my degree I learnt about the history of tourism and tour operators, sustainable travel, local communities and the heritage of different countries. In my final year, I had a one-to-one mentor at British Airways, who gave me an insight into the world of airlines and the day-to day responsibilities across different roles. It opened doors I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own.
“One of the highlights was my third year abroad in Australia, which was fully funded by the university. We travelled across the country, exploring its agriculture, wildlife and Aboriginal history. It was a life-changing opportunity.”
My top tip
Internship
JOSHUA EVANS studied international tourism management at the University of Lincoln and gained industry experience via a four-week internship with Abta. He is now a business management graduate at easyJet.
“From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in travel; I’ve always been fascinated by aviation. That’s what led me to study international tourism management at the University of Lincoln. Before starting my third year, my mentor told me about an internship opportunity with Abta, and I jumped at the chance to apply. I knew how well connected Abta was within the industry, and I wanted to build my CV and give myself a competitive edge for when I graduated.
“During my four weeks with Abta, I worked in the PR and communications team, learning how the organisation has built its reputation as a trusted national brand. I was part of its 16- 25 age group, where I could bring a younger perspective and contribute fresh ideas to its strategy. Everyone was so supportive and eager to help me.
“After graduating, I stepped straight into a business management graduate role with easyJet. I’m excited to see where the journey takes me from here.”
My top tip
