Introducing Victoria Whittaker: ITC and Study From Home’s newest course advisor
Victoria Whittaker is ITC and Study From Home’s newest course advisor, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the industry.
ITC and Study From Home recently welcomed Victoria Whittaker to the team. She’s a keen traveller with years of experience in the industry, and she has just started working as a part-time course advisor.
Between her experience, passion for travel, and love of sharing all of that with the next generation looking to enter the industry, she’s the perfect person to help guide our students through their studies.
We had a quick chat with Victoria to learn more about her career in tourism and travel, what she thinks are the most important skills for graduates these days, and where she thinks the industry is headed next.
Welcome to the team! Can you tell us a little about your history working in the travel industry?
It’s great to be onboard with ITC. I started working in the travel industry in 1999 when I landed my first job with Air NZ as ground staff at the Blenheim Airport. It was fantastic, great bunch of people, I got to know the pilots, and the baggage guys were great, it was a real joy going to work.
Even got to meet Sean Fitzpatrick!! (All Black legend).
After 6 months in this role, I had an opportunity to apply for cabin crew with Air NZ. This was the role I had always dreamed of, so I went for it. Unbeknown to me when I went for my interview that the role was for International Cabin Crew which was even better. I started this role later in 1999, I met my now best friend on my training course.
I flew for 6 years in total, 4 years out of Auckland and 2 years out of the Air NZ London Base at Heathrow. It was always about the feel good experience for the customer, as most of the people on our flights were going off on exciting holidays, or away for business, so it was always important to make sure that their whole experience was a wonderful one.
How do you think that experience will help you support students?
I enjoy sharing my experiences, and I will always have time for any student who wishes to learn more, and seeks advice.
What do you think are the most important skills anyone can have in the travel and tourism industry?
Kindness, patience, and a need to want to give the best service. I think you need to have a real passion for this industry and if you do, this will really show.
What do you think is next for travel and tourism?
I think travel and tourism will come back even bigger and better once we learn to live with Covid. People who love to travel are itching to get back out there, and our young people of today will be really ready to spread their wings. I don’t think, well, I hope that these last 2 years hasn’t put people off travelling. It certainly hasn’t put me off.
What’s your best advice for students looking to get into the industry right now?
Set yourself a goal, keep focused on it, work hard and when you land your dream job, have a good work ethic, and just enjoy every day. If you can find a job that you love, then it’s not really a job.
Are you ready to be part of the team and learn from Victoria? It’s never too late to get started at ITC and Study From Home. Get in touch to find out more about our courses and how to enrol today.
Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/
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