Peter's Career Change from Painting Houses to Selling the Dream

Every journey is different at the Travel Academy. Some of our students have just left school (or are still in school!) and are taking their first big career step.

Others have had a job or two, but they haven't found that career they're truly passionate about. Then there are those like our graduate Peter, who decided it was time for a career change after decades doing something totally different.

Peter's now working with a great team at Cruiseabout and, in his words, is learning and having fun every day. We caught up with Peter to find out more about his decision to swap a life filled with paintbrushes to one filled with travel brochures!

Why did you decide to make a career change and study with the Travel Academy?

I had a health scare and it just made me re-think my future. I'd been a painter for 30 years and I asked myself what else I could do.

I thought about what I love that I could make a career of, and all I could think of was travel (and dogs!).

What were some of the highlights and challenges during your travel course?

I enjoyed pretty much everything about the course, from learning a whole new range of things to brushing up on my geography, which I admit to being a bit of a nerd about!

Some of the course content was very tough, especially considering I’d never really used a computer before. My trainer was Matt and he played a big part in my enjoyment of the course and in my professional development.

What was your end goal while you were studying?

My end goal was to become a travel consultant. I guess I was aiming for a position in a store where I would meet more clients, but I’m happy in the Live team. 

For those who don't know, the Live Team deals with online chat enquiries. When you're online and see the chat bubble, you're talking to someone in one of the three Live teams.

My next goal is to keep improving as a travel consultant and hopefully get to Global with my team.

Do you think the Travel Academy gave you the skills you needed to land this job?

The Travel Academy certainly put me on the right path to work in the travel industry.

The Live team is slightly different to most stores, but most of what I learnt is helping me or has helped me for sure.

What’s one thing about your job with Cruiseabout that has surprised you?

How intense it can be! I’ve done physical work all my life but after a busy day in the office I can be completely exhausted.

There’s so much to think about; it takes so much concentration trying to make sure I do my best.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying travel?

Don’t wait! Just do it. Travel as much as you can, learn as much as you can and have as much fun as you can!

It’s a great feeling selling something you really believe in while giving people the chance to see and do amazing things.