Three ITC graduates reminisce about their time with us for our 30th anniversary!
Graduate Eileen on International Day, representing Italian fashion with her group!
Earlier this week, we took a walk down memory lane with two of our industry partners from past years. Today, we’re reminiscing with three ITC graduates – all of which graduated a decade ago or more!
Sharon completed Level 3 and Level 4 of Travel and Tourism in the year 2016, and Eileen studied with us from 2012 to 2014 up to level 6 as an international student.
And for Vanessa, it all began more than 20 years ago in 2003! That’s when she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Travel & Tourism. She then spent more than 20 years in the industry, and came full circle as she returned to ITC to work as the City Campus Course Advisor in 2023.
Here are some of their favourite memories, what they’re up to now, and more!
What is one of your favourite or most memorable ITC experiences?
For Sharon, it was taking part in an Amazing Race activity with her group – and winning the prize for the best dressed group!
For Eileen, it was a field trip to Rotorua with her level 6 classmates Sadia and Rodelyn.
“Jaques – the best tutor – brought us to the Maori Village, White Water Rafting, Blue Duck Station and many more,” she added.
For Vanessa, it’s been all about the time she has spent back at ITC as an Advisor.
“There have been a lot of wonderful moments with students since I’ve been course advisor, and there are some that have been very meaningful to me. I cannot single out just one student, but those that have come to us shy and unsure of themselves, but leave with confidence always stand out.”
Vanessa during her time at ITC.
How has ITC made a difference to you?
Sharon explained that it made a difference by “expanding my knowledge about the travel and tourism industry and helping kick start my career within this industry I’m so passionate in.”
Vanessa explained that ITC was the place that kick-started her career in tourism!
“When I graduated in 2003, Sarndra – who was employment consultant even back then – was able to secure me an interview with Go Holidays; and without that support, I would not have been able to enjoy a two decade long career in the wholesale sector or the travel industry that I absolutely LOVED,” she said.
Eileen during a white water rafting trip with ITC.
Is there a particular ITC person who has made a difference to you?
Sharon said that it was everyone! “The reception ladies were always welcoming, the tutors were awesome in their own way of teaching and my peers were just as passionate and friendly.”
As for Eileen, it was Jacques. He was “our constant and our guardian when we were international students in a foreign country. Andrew who was very patient with us in teaching computer and finance subjects.”
Vanessa highlights the City Campus team that she has worked with over the past few years.
“Since starting work here in 2023 I have had to tackle a number of extremely difficult personal circu
Eileen and her classmates with tutor Jacques.
mstances, and the support I have received from everyone, especially Michelle and Claire has been incredibly touching, invaluable and amazing!”
Looking back, what do you think makes ITC special?
Sharon said it is the fact that ITC is a really close-knitted group.
“Students are able to build good rapport with staff regularly because there aren’t too many faces to try and remember, and the staff are approachable and helpful.”
For Vanessa, the thing that makes ITC special is the support for students.
“I know from my own journey, that without having studied at ITC, I would not have had such a wonderful career in the travel industry. Being able to actively assist our students into employment is invaluable.”
What did you get up to after graduating from ITC?
Sharon took the opportunity to take part in a 10-month Disney International Cultural Program after graduation.
Then she came home and started working at Rainbows End. She “worked in the attractions department, started off as a ride attendant, to an operator, to a training assessor, a team leader and currently a first aider, overseeing training as a Training Assistant in the same department. Still learning, still growing, still passionate!”
Eileen also got into the tourism industry.
“I enjoyed doing exciting local and international tour itineraries for high school students for 5 years,” she explained.
As for Vanessa, it’s been a whirlwind of adventure:
“ After securing a job with Go Holidays, thanks to the support from ITC, I stayed with them for about 18 months while I learnt about the wholesale sector. This led me to Adventure World, a boutique wholesaler that specialised in adventure destinations, where I worked for the next 11 years mainly as a reservations consultant in the Africa, Central & South America department. After that I moved to House of Travel Holdings, the dedicated wholesaler for the House of Travel retail stores; again specializing in Africa, Central & South America. When Covid happened, and the borders closed, I was lucky to be able to diversify, and along with hundreds of other “Hotties” we secured a contract with Healthline, so I went from selling African safaris to vaccines. As the world slowly got back to normal, I moved into sales at a company called RevGen – who had a client called The International Travel College. When RevGen closed their Auckland office, I called ITC and was able to come full circle, where I now get to inspire the new generation of travel industry superstars.”
“The highlights of my career was definitely the travel – and I have been lucky enough to be paid to visit a lot of my favourite places, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, South Africa, Eswatini, Borneo, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe – some of them multiple times. I have been truly blessed in my career, and I have ITC to thank for it all.”
Want to be part of the next 30 years of the ITC story? Contact us here to learn more!
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