How Josh Earned A Career In Travel!

Josh Odgers started his career in the travel industry right here with the Travel Academy! After working hard and earning a Diploma in Travel, our trainers helped Josh make his first steps towards landing a job with Flight Centre!

What made you want to study for a career in the travel industry?

I had been working as a baggage handler at Melbourne Airport for almost 3 years and my body was telling me it was time for a change. Travel has always been a passion of mine, from Mum & Dad taking me (by surprise and in school uniform) to the airport for a trip to see the my beloved AFL Western Bulldogs play, to being able to travel to far off places on my own. I am a strong believer in the saying that you should find something you enjoy and get someone to pay you for it. Luckily, I can now say that I'm doing exactly that. 

Why did you choose the Travel Academy?

I saw the Travel Academy's advertising on Facebook and it was perfect timing. I also previously had made bookings as a customer with Flight Centre and I knew of the brand's amazing reputation. After reading the guides and learning about the course, the Diploma was perfect for me. A great balance of online content and in-class experiences that was fantastic.

Was the course what you expected? 

The course was better than I could have expected. Having already seen the "behind the scenes" of the travel industry at the airport, the course challenged me in ways I didn't think possible, but with the help of Jane, Davina and all the guys at the Melbourne Travel Academy, I learnt more than I could have ever imagined.

How did you find out about your current position and how did you find the interview process?

After discussions with Jane and Davina, I made the decision that I could apply for my current position as a Travel Consultant with the Flight Centre Travel Group. The ability to put in one application and be considered for all of FCTG's brands and locations was a big plus. The interview process was a challenge, but all the Recruitment Team made it easier by keeping in touch at every stage. The group interview was the biggest hurdle as it really tests your knowledge in areas of Geography and Destinations, Maths and Sales Skills.

In your opinion, do you think you have been set up for greater success and at an advantage to others from completing a qualification with Travel Academy?

In one word - definitely. The Travel Academy exposed me to the inner workings of being a travel consultant, from sales skills and systems to destinations. I was able to walk into the interview process, not with just the advantage of the qualifications listed on my CV, but the self-confidence that I could be an effective travel consultant and I had a fair idea of what I was getting into.

Do you think it's worth doing a course before you go for a job in the Travel industry?  

Absolutely. I can only thank the guys at the Travel Academy, in particular Jane and Davina, for everything they have taught me and allowed me to achieve in my time there. Without having done the Diploma qualification, I highly doubt that I could now call myself a member of the Flight Centre family.

If you are looking to make your way into the travel industry like Josh, check out the Diploma of Travel and Tourism and our travel agent courses.

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