Study From Home student achieves Disney dream

Study From Home graduate Donna Cowie is absolutely thrilled to have landed her dream job, working on a Disney cruise ship.

When Donna Cowie enrolled with ITC Study From Home, she had one dream in mind: to work as a youth activities counsellor on a Disney cruise ship. After completing her studies, this bright student from New Plymouth has achieved her dream – she recently joined a Disney cruise ship based out of Florida.

“Studying with ITC turned out to be one of the greatest decisions I have made as it led me to my dream job,” says Donna.

“I’m so blessed to get this job and believe it’s going to be a great start to my travel and tourism career.”

Donna will be at sea for approximately four months, before taking a six-week vacation. Then she has the opportunity to repeat another four-month contract. If everything goes well, she can repeat this cycle (four months on, six weeks off) for as long as she likes.

The ship spends the majority of its time cruising from Florida, but in mid-May it will be heading to Europe for the summer season – a trip Donna can’t wait to experience.

“I am extremely excited at the opportunity to travel the world, explore many different countries, gain cruise industry knowledge and make friends from different areas of the globe – all while working,” she says.

Donna completed the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level 3 and the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4. She said the information she learned on both courses has proven invaluable so far.

“In the few weeks I have been on the ship I’ve already noticed many different aspects I learnt from my courses, and how they play a role in ship life. For example, building client relationships, cultural and language differences, the importance of product knowledge and much more,” says Donna.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more as I go, with the hope of working myself towards a managerial position.”

Donna has a few final words of advice for anyone else looking to pursue their own dream job.

“I want to encourage everyone out there to work hard, take your study day-by-day, have a plan but at the same time be open-minded to what could happen. The whole world is out there and your opportunities are endless, so go after them and best wishes.”