Skills for your CV

Travel and tourism graduates gain knowledge about products, structures and operations within the tourism industry, learning about tour operators, airlines, hotels and tourist boards.

Through a combination of vocational and academic study you learn about the relationships between consumers and the providers of tourism services, and about the issues relating to sustainability and social responsibility within tourism.

The course also equips you with a range of transferable skills, including:

• leadership;
• problem-solving;
• IT skills;
• research and communication skills;
• presentation skills;
• teamwork; and
• the ability to work to deadlines.

Typical employers

The travel and tourism sector comprises many different industries and sub-industries, including services such as retail travel, currency exchange, tour operators and tourist boards. It also covers passenger transport including coach, aviation, rail and waterways, and visitor attractions such as museums, theme parks, zoos and heritage sites.

A wide range of accommodation services also falls within this category, including hotels and holiday parks. Associated with hotels and core business operations are conferences and events, which provide considerable all-year-round employment opportunities.

Find information on employers in leisure, sport and tourism, charity and voluntary work, business, consulting and management and other job sectors.

Job options - travel & tourism

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Holiday representative
• Tour manager
• Tourism officer
• Tourist information centre manager
• Travel agency manager

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Customer service manager
• Event organiser
• Hotel manager
• Marketing executive
• Outdoor activities/education manager

Work experience

Gain as much practical experience as possible. Part-time and voluntary opportunities can be combined with your current study. It may be a good idea to work evenings or weekends in a hotel, travel agency or visitor attraction.

You could also consider summer work experience or spending time working abroad. This could include working at holiday or theme parks, in a resort or at summer camps abroad. You could also purchase a student railcard and travel through Europe, widening your cultural knowledge and language abilities.

You may be able to take part in an exchange programme, spending some time studying abroad towards your degree. Consider looking at relevant short courses, such as TESOL or TEFL, which may present opportunities to work abroad teaching English language skills.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Careers in travel & tourism

Travel & tourism has changed drastically over the past century. At one time, taking a vacation was a luxury reserved for only the wealthiest members of society. Now, taking a vacation is practically a requirement for any working individual. Tourism is now a major part of the economy. In some countries, tourism is actually responsible for most of the gross domestic product. Study the art of relaxation If you have ever considered going back for a second degree, travel and tourism should figure into your studies. People have more expendable income now than ever before. It is cheaper and easier to travel now than at any time in history. We're living longer and working harder. Tourism is clearly an industry poised for additional growth. Expect there to be a lot of careers in this expansive field. Careers in travel & tourism What might a career in tourism look like? There are plenty of options. Travel agents, hotel and resort staff, chefs, transportation professionals, and tour guides are some of the more popular career paths.