any travel agents on this board?

[elismom]

I am changing carrers and have always wanted to be in the travel Business
My question is I want to make sure I am taking the right course and I dont really know anyone in the field.
If you are from Toronto
What school did you go to?
What course did you take?
thanks

 

[mom_rules]

Not a TA but currently enrolled in the TC program at Conestoga College. Check out their website or call them for details. Great courses taught by "real" TC's.

 

[talicskai]

I have been a TA since 1989 and love it. There are times when it is extremely stressful and other times when you are soooo excited for the family planning their first big trip...I went to Fanshawe College in London for two years (1987-1989) and to this day it has the best reputation for graduates. I was accepted at Humber and Mohawk as well but fell in love with London when I went there. I met the nicest people and 7 of the friends I met there still get together with me once a month (if not more) It was a wonderful time in my life.
I highly recommend a course in Travel and Tourism. The course in London also gave us Psychology, photography, english, and keyboarding along with all the necessary travel computer courses.
The main thing you need to realize is that the travel industry took a huge hit after Sept 11th and will never be the same. The pay is low, the stress is high and the hours are long. However, for the most part ~in leisure travel anyway~ the customers are happy and excited to be planning a much needed vacation. When I worked in a grocery store I found people to be very miserable because they hated spending their hard earned money there. This is the polar opposite.
In our office we do 50/50 business travel and leisure travel so it is a nice mix. I am the Disney Specialist and love it! I work part-time now since my children are small but someday will probably go back to full time. It is an excellent business for being able to flex your hours ~ in most offices.
Good Luck and PM with any specific questions.
Teresa