Tourism Graduate Embarks on a Dream Career in Travel Services
Emily Bernasiewicz, a recent graduate from the Tourism - Travel Services Management program, showcased the power of a well-rounded education, networking, and determination to achieve her dream job at The Luxury Travel Agency.
Emily's journey began when Christine Hardy, a fellow Humber alumna who had graduated from the same program five years prior, reached out to her former professor, Kevin Smith. Hardy, who now holds a senior position at The Luxury Travel Agency, was actively seeking exceptional candidates.
Recognizing Emily's potential, Professor Smith relayed the promising job opportunity to Emily, having previously witnessed her professionalism and work ethic. He noted, "Having taught Emily, I was confident that her work ethic and attitude would be a perfect match for this role."
With the connection between Emily and Christine established the path to securing the coveted position unfolded. While Professor Smith played a vital role in recommending and coaching Emily through the interview process, it was her hard work and exceptional interview skills that propelled her through the application process. She understood that her journey to success had commenced well before her graduation and building strong connections with industry professionals during her time at Humber was a pivotal component. She shared, Even if I had not been in the industry for long, my relationship-building started when I was in school working with industry professionals who I knew I could keep in my back pocket as a reference or a referral in the future."
What set Emily apart was her meticulous approach to job applications. She understood the importance of customization, tailoring her resume and cover letter to align with the specific requirements outlined in the job posting. This attention to detail and thorough preparation laid the groundwork for her success. In preparation for the interview, Emily devoted time to rehearsing responses to common questions and even formulated answers for potential unexpected inquiries. Her methodical approach highlighted her commitment to the role. Emily noted, To prepare for the interview, I practiced common interview questions so I was prepared for what they would ask me and not feel 'on the spot.' You can never really know what they will ask you, and there were a few questions I did not prepare for, but many of the questions I had curated and interesting responses to." Following the interview, Emily continued to distinguish herself. She sent heartfelt thank-you emails, showcasing her professionalism and genuine appreciation for the opportunity. Her enthusiasm and determination were evident at every stage of the process.
Upon receiving the final job offer, Emily's excitement and gratitude were palpable. Her belief in being the right fit for the position was rooted in her extensive background in customer service. She emphasized, "I think I will be a good fit for this position because I am customer-focused. I have worked in customer service for almost a decade, and I know that customer satisfaction is above all else in the hospitality industry." Professor Smith shares her enthusiasm, emphasizing, "There is no greater satisfaction than watching our students thrive in the travel industry. It's amazing to play a small part in that journey."
This success story underlines the transformative potential of education, dedication, and the cultivation of meaningful connections to empower our graduates on their path to promising futures.
