From Classroom Conversations to Ocean Adventures: Spa Management Student Sets Sail on a Promising Career
Esthetician/Spa Management student Vanessa Swan has officially accepted a job offer to work aboard a cruise ship, turning classroom curiosity into a real-world opportunity that promises personal and professional growth.
Throughout her four semesters in the program, Vanessa stood out for her drive and thoughtful engagement. According to Esthetician/Spa Management Professor Marion Le Gall, cruise ship work was a frequent topic in their career-focused conversations, and one that always sparked Vanessa’s interest.
“As a professor, one of the greatest joys is watching students grow not only in skill, but also in confidence, ambition, and vision,” said Professor Marion Le Gall. “I had many meaningful conversations about career pathways, but one option in particular always sparked excitement was cruise ships.”
Marion speaks from experience. A former spa professional aboard Princess Cruises, she describes cruise work as a challenging but transformative chapter in her own career. “The training is rigorous, the standards are high, and the pace is relentless,” she explained. “But it remains, to this day, the best professional education I ever received. It taught me resilience, elevated my technical and customer service skills, and connected me with lifelong friends from all around the globe. Vanessa has exactly what it takes to thrive in this environment. She has already benefited from the exceptional training at Humber, and I believe adding the cruise ship experience would set her up for a bright future in the wellness industry. Working on board opens doors - whether it’s five-star spas in luxury resorts, global brand leadership roles, or even launching her own business one day."
As part of her next steps, Vanessa will travel to the Steiner Academy in London to begin a few weeks of training before being assigned to a specific cruise ship. Steiner, one of the leading providers of spa professionals to the cruise industry, will prepare her for the unique demands of life at sea. Vanessa represents a shining example of how experiential learning and bold career exploration can intersect to shape a promising future.
“I’m genuinely thrilled for Vanessa and hopeful that others in the program will also consider this path,” Marion added. “The world of cruise spa work is tough, but incredibly rewarding. It shapes you like no other experience can.”
Bon voyage, Vanessa. We can’t wait to see where the journey takes you!
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Vanessa Swan and Professor Marion Le Gall at Humber Spa.
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