Travel Agent Advice

[disneygirl_wdw]

Here's my situation. I am currently getting laid off from my current job in the near future, date undetermined. I currently have a BA in Geography and an AA in Biology. I graduated in 2008 with those degrees. I love to travel and love planning and booking trips for people so I was looking at becoming a travel agent. I am well aware of the horror stories and problems they face. I have been researching this a long time. I am trying to decide if it's worth going to get an associates in Event Management and Tourism from a local university. A little background on the school. It is a private school so tution for my program will cost roughly $30,000 plus books and fees. The program teaches WorldSpan and other accounting/business classes, which I have not had. I already have about that in loans from my four year degree. Would it be better to go to a brick and mortar school to obtain my degree, it's the only one that is in my area, or would online courses work? And if so online, how do I determine they are legitimate? I have applied for travel agent postions through AAA before with just having my geography degree and didn't even get called in for an interview which is why I was trying another degree route. My other two degrees have lead me nowhere, so I really don't want to waste more money and still be without a job. The school claims that 100% of Travel and Tourism Graduates have secured positions in the industry of their choice. The school also has lifetime training (you can retake a class you had for free at anytime) and lifetime career services help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[golfgal]

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I am sure they have 100% placement but that also probably means that if someone that wanted a job in the hotel industry is working as a hotel maid, they were placed in their industry of choice. These for profit schools are usually pretty scammy. I would find something else--especially with a $30K price tag.

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

The 100% thing did seem a little weird. The way they do transfer credits is also a little weird , but it's a reputable accredited college and one of the best culinary schools in the nation. My problem is there are no other schools in the area that offer this program unless I do online and I don't know if they would be any better.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Here's my situation. I am currently getting laid off from my current job in the near future, date undetermined. I currently have a BA in Geography and an AA in Biology. I graduated in 2008 with those degrees. I love to travel and love planning and booking trips for people so I was looking at becoming a travel agent. I am well aware of the horror stories and problems they face. I have been researching this a long time. I am trying to decide if it's worth going to get an associates in Event Management and Tourism from a local university. A little background on the school. It is a private school so tution for my program will cost roughly $30,000 plus books and fees. The program teaches WorldSpan and other accounting/business classes, which I have not had. I already have about that in loans from my four year degree. Would it be better to go to a brick and mortar school to obtain my degree, it's the only one that is in my area, or would online courses work? And if so online, how do I determine they are legitimate? I have applied for travel agent postions through AAA before with just having my geography degree and didn't even get called in for an interview which is why I was trying another degree route. My other two degrees have lead me nowhere, so I really don't want to waste more money and still be without a job. The school claims that 100% of Travel and Tourism Graduates have secured positions in the industry of their choice. The school also has lifetime training (you can retake a class you had for free at anytime) and lifetime career services help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The 100% thing did seem a little weird. The way they do transfer credits is also a little weird , but it's a reputable accredited college and one of the best culinary schools in the nation. My problem is there are no other schools in the area that offer this program unless I do online and I don't know if they would be any better.

ok a few things, 30,000. for another AA and then you'll be 60,000. in debt? Also you said travel & tourism and then said culinary school ? Did I misread something? 100% placement I agree with the other poster..personally my gut says no to an iffy career and double the debt....what is YOUR gut telling you?

 

[JessicaR]

Worldspan is a GDS. You don't need to pay 30K to learn it. I would run from that expensive program. With your background you can work in any travel agency that is willing to school you for free. I would suggest to visit a few and ask to speak to the owners.

 

[Hannathy]

Several things first I don't know a single soul who uses a travel agent anymore do you? Second how many openings for a travel agent have you found when you searched on line, this means country wide?

Do you really think it is wise to put that much money into a field that is shrinking not growing? With this economy travel is down not up and as more and more people get computer literate they will be using a TA even less.

You already have 2 degrees that have not got you a job. Before putting $30,000 into another field with poor job prospects I think you need to do some homework and explore what fields are growing and what degrees are being listed as fields with jobs. Also search on line for what jobs are listed and have openings. My DH has just been hired after a very long job search with a degree that is actually one that is on the list for good prospects
BUT places just aren't hiring.

Remember that school is in business to make money and fill the classes they have teachers to teach not give you the best advice especially if it is counter to what will help them.

 

[chibichibirei]

I had thought about going to school to become a travel agent as well. I however came to the conclusion that it is a shrinking career. With all of the internet based booking companies, not to mention being able to book it yourself online, the need for a physical TA is diminishing. I would hate to see you go 30k more in debt and then not end up where you should be when all is said and done. In the end it is your decision to make, do what's best for you.

 

[Mimi1965]

My sis has a degree in Biology & she did Lab work out of college-have you tried that angle?

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

My sis has a degree in Biology & she did Lab work out of college-have you tried that angle?

My biology degree is mostly based on field classes, but I have looked. A lot of my biology graduate friends are not able to find anything in our area. My problem is I can't really relocate, at least right now. My husband has just started a very stable job. I thought when I originally got my geography degree that I would get into the GIS field. It was really taking off right before the recession when I entered the program. Once the recession hit I haven't had much luck. I am currently working for the census to give me something to do in the meantime. I was hoping that the economy would pick up and I also thought the job would last a little longer. Most places just want experience. I have tried multiple places. Anytime I see a job I apply for it, but in all but 1 case I never get a response. I have actually seen more travel agent job postings in this area than GIS which is why I was looking at that route.
I have decided to not do the program and look at doing some online training through the Travel Institute or AAA Training. The program at the college recently changed and started to really focus on more Event Management and completely dropped most of the actual travel training programs. I just went that route because of it being the only actual brick and mortar school in the area and I thought it would look better than online training. The price for the program was also really deterring me and online seems to be a lot cheaper. Thanks for all the help.