Preparing to step into the big wide world can be daunting for some, but with a little work experience and a lot of enthusiasm, you can take the tourism industry by storm from the moment you leave school.
If you’re currently studying tourism or hospitality and you’re looking for ways to optimise the experience, then you’re in the right place! The key to success is in going the extra mile, doing that one extra thing that makes you stand out above the rest of the crowd come recruitment time. Beyond that, knowing your way around the industry before you even begin your first job is a sure-fire way to rise through the ranks of your chosen sector quickly.
Please observe the seatbelt sign is on, be sure you know where the nearest exits are, and let’s take off into three things you can do to prepare for the tourism workforce!
Get comfortable in a team
In school, there are many things you can do to get comfortable with working in a team. Namely: get into some extracurriculars or branch out and take one of our short courses in Auckland. This will help you acclimate to working with others who share similar interests but might approach it in a way that is different to yours. Basically, extracurriculars build your communication skills, prepare you for a diversified team, and even help with time management.
In the tourism industry, you are seldom working alone. More often than not, you have a team of people by your side, all working to achieve the best experience for the customer, so it’s crucial to know how to work in a team dynamic!
Talk to your tutors
Our New Zealand school of tourism and hospitality is a resource in more ways than one. Our teachers and tutors are industry professionals who know what it means to thrive in tourism, so take the time to tap into their wisdom and experience. It’s every educator’s goal to help their students excel, so if they find a student who is very engaged, they will do what they can to provide them with additional opportunities to succeed.
Chat to your teachers about any questions you have, any concerns you’re carrying about the field, and express your interest in learning more about tourism overall. Learn what you can from their experience and try to implement any pieces of advice they give you. They’re invaluable sources of insight into what the world will be like once you leave school, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Get some work experience
Heading into your chosen field for a stint of work experience does wonders for your start in tourism or hospitality. It gives you a glimpse of the real day-to-day patterns of work and helps you to identify any of your weak points so that you can work on bolstering them.
Even better: it’s a lot of fun to try your hand at what you’re studying towards. We offer programmes that help students experience the workforce before they join it. We’ve found that students benefit hugely from the opportunity and tend to hit the ground running once they graduate.
Take the time to really invest in your educational experience. Take charge of your learning, sink your teeth into the field and don’t let go! We’ll see you out there.
Crown Institute invests in the learning of our students.
At the Crown Institute of Studies, we’re dedicated to providing a well-rounded educational experience for all our students. Whether you’re studying tourism or hospitality, you will find the opportunities to launch you into a successful career here. Come and study with us today!
