Josh Evans, international tourism management student at the University of Lincoln, shares insights from his month-long placement with Abta
Over the last three weeks I’ve been working at Abta as its communications intern. It’s a month-long paid internship offered to one lucky student from Abta’s Education partner universities.
I am currently studying international tourism management at the University of Lincoln, heading into my final year come September. My dedication to developing my skills and passion for the industry has allowed me to earn my place as this year’s Abta intern, providing essential industry exposure before I begin my career in the tourism industry next year, post-graduation.
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Tourism studies can equip students with a broad range of transferable knowledge and skills. By studying the diverse field of tourism and aviation, students are gaining a number of key skills and experiences which are vital for success within the industry. Some of these include adaptability, problem-solving, communication and teamwork. This is an essential mix of skills for a successful career within the industry post-education.
The tourism industry is dynamic, ever-changing, and often unprecedented, demanding adaptability in any role. So, if you are looking for a role to fill, it’s worth considering someone who has completed a travel and tourism course.
One of the most significant observations I’ve made while working in the industry so far, including my time on a previous internship at Teesside International airport, would be the supportive and friendly attitudes that employees in the tourism industry have.
I noticed this in particular when I attended Abta’s Travel Marketing Conference in June, where I spoke with so many individuals from across the industry. Sharing our experience, knowledge, and aspirations over coffee, I was left feeling more prepared to step into the industry.
To me, this is hugely important when welcoming employees from any background into a new industry, particularly those, like myself, who are leaving education and may feel nervous about beginning a career and working alongside so many new, experienced people.
It has been great to get the opportunity to put my skills and knowledge gained through my education to the test as the Abta intern.
I have worked closely with the comms team, spending time understanding the importance of proactive and reactive communications and helping communicate with Abta members and customers. Alongside this, I have also been working on an audience engagement marketing project, further supporting the development of my project management, critical thinking, and analytical skills – an exciting opportunity for upskilling in preparation for working in the sector.
I have also learned to take another outlook on how the industry operates. This is particularly applicable to my new experiences working alongside the media and PR team, developing my knowledge on the plethora of ways in which the trade communicates business to business, as well as with consumers.
As I continue working with Abta throughout July, I am particularly interested in developing my creative skills. From writing engaging copy, to creating eye-catching social media assets – creating proactive and reactive content for member and consumer products. Similarly, I am also eager to learn more about Abta’s sustainability efforts, on a global and local reach; from responsibly sourced coffee in the office, to supporting Abta members’ many efforts and successes on sustainability.
In September I will be entering my final year of studies, and I am making preparations for kick-starting my career. From gaining industry exposure, to upskilling and networking, I am putting the work in to support my career, ready for a 2025 graduation.
I am currently exploring career opportunities in the tourism and aviation sector for after I’ve graduated, with the ambition of working for a forward-thinking, innovative organisation with whom I can grow professionally.
And I look forward to working with you all as colleagues in the industry in the future.