How Donna Went From Student To Team Member

"I have taken a lot of the content I learnt in Succeeding in Business and Understanding People and Organizations and applied that to my new role."

Where did your journey with Travel Academy begin? 

My journey with Flight Centre Travel Academy began in September 2019 where I was wanting to break into the Travel and Tourism Industry, but I wanted to start with gaining some more knowledge of the industry first, so I applied for the Diploma. I had a little bit of travel experience from traveling to America and Canada, parts of Southeast Asia and New Zealand but I was wanting more industry knowledge before I stepped into a Travel role. 

Which subject have you absolutely loved throughout your studies? 

I have to say Sustainable Tourism and Travel Trends and Insights were my favourite subjects! Gaining an insight into the history of the Travel and Tourism Industry to where it is now and learning about the impact over the years it has had on the Earth and popular travel destinations. It was amazing to see what travel companies are doing to lessen the impact and to become a greener industry! 

You're graduating soon, congratulations! What have been the highlights of your journey to graduation so far? 

I have had many highlights during my studies, but one of many was doing my Role Play assessment for Successful Sales Techniques. This really gave me an insight into what it would be like as a Travel Consultant and reiterated my passion for travel! Being able to see the excitement as customers’ dream holidays become reality!  

What roles have you worked in previously, and how do you feel they've contributed to your success in your current position?  

I came from a Hospitality background with no previous experience in the Travel Industry. I am very customer focused and love to make others happy and I feel that these have been a driving factor in transitioning into my new role at FCTA.  

You've recently been appointed into a newly created role at Flight Centre Travel Academy, what have you taken from your Diploma that you now use in your career? 

I have taken a lot of the content I learnt in Succeeding in Business and Understanding People and Organizations and applied that to my new role. Things such as being resilient, working with KPI’s, even how to write professional emails as this was not part of my previous role in Hospitality.  

What do you hope to gain (personally and professionally) in this role? 

I want to continue learning about the Travel Industry and to one day transition into a Travel Consultant Role. I have already learnt so much about myself through the scary leap from Hospitality to my current role. I am resilient, adaptable, and more capable than I thought. There are so many opportunities with Flight Centre, so I am just really very grateful to have been given this role and opportunity!  

Where are you travelling too next?  

My next adventure will hopefully be Europe and the UK in 2023! I haven’t been to Europe but always wanted to travel there! There a quite a few places on my bucket list but I’m really excited to see Italy, Germany, and the UK the most!