From Travel Academy trainee to Senior Business Travel Consultant: Congratulations, Kelsey!

Choosing the right career path isn't always straightforward. After deciding university wasn't the right fit, Kelsey joined the Munro's Travel Academy with a passion for travel and a determination to build a career in the industry. Three and a half years later, she's celebrating another major milestone after successfully passing her Senior Business Travel Consultant assessment.

Finding the right path

After leaving school, Kelsey began studying International Tourism Management at university. It wasn't long before she realised she wanted a more practical route into the industry.

"When the opportunity to join the Munro's Travel Academy arose, I jumped at the chance as it offered a more practical route into the travel industry for me."

Having always known she wanted to work in travel, the Academy gave her the opportunity to learn on the job while building the skills and experience needed for a successful career.

Learning and growing

Like any new career, the first few months came with a learning curve.

"At the start, I found it difficult due to my lack of previous experience, but that was to be expected. With the help of my amazing mentors and colleagues, and through continuous practice, it soon became second nature. While it was a challenge initially, overcoming those difficulties has helped me grow and become the best I can be."

Since joining Munro's, Kelsey has developed her time management, problem solving and client service skills, learning how to prioritise and adapt in a fast paced environment where travel plans can change at a moment's notice.

"I enjoy building relationships with different clients, understanding their individual needs and delivering solutions. I also enjoy learning new routings and the variety that comes with the role, as every day brings different challenges and opportunities."

Stepping outside her comfort zone

While Kelsey spent almost three years working primarily in corporate travel, one of the achievements she is most proud of has come more recently.

"I am most proud of how I have adapted this year after moving from a team that mainly handled corporate travel to one focused entirely on crew travel. Having been in the same team for nearly three years, I was very comfortable in my role, so the change was initially quite daunting. However, I embraced the opportunity, settled in quickly, and now genuinely prefer working in a crewing team."

Although she enjoyed the variety of corporate travel, Kelsey discovered a real passion for crew travel.

"I now prefer crewing due to its organisation and structure, and the sense of achievement that comes from successfully completing a crew movement, especially when it has been challenging."

The people behind the journey

Behind every career milestone is a team of people who help make it possible, and Kelsey is quick to recognise those who have supported her along the way.

"They have been amazing. From the very beginning, I have received constant support from both my mentors and colleagues. They have always been patient and willing to help, especially when it has taken me a little longer to fully understand something. I would not be where I am today without their guidance, encouragement and support."

She also wanted to give a special mention to those who have played a significant role in her development.

"My mentor and former Assistant Team Lead, Steffi, has been a huge influence on my development. She has always believed in me and encouraged me to push myself from the very beginning. I would also like to mention Laura, Lisa and Kim from Team Borr, whom I currently work with. They made the transition to a new team and learning a new client much easier, helping me settle in quickly and providing support whenever I needed it."

Looking ahead

Passing the Senior Business Travel Consultant assessment marked another important milestone in Kelsey's career.

When asked how it felt, her response was simple:

"The most rewarding feeling in the world!"

Looking ahead, she's excited to continue developing her career and hopes to take on opportunities to work within the on-call service in the future.

Cheryl Henderson, Head of Business Travel, commented:

"It has been a privilege to witness Kelsey's development throughout her travel career to date. Progressing from a Trainee Business Travel Consultant to a Senior Business Travel Consultant is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Kelsey's dedication and commitment to learning.

While this success is undoubtedly the result of Kelsey's hard work, it also reflects the exceptional support, guidance and mentorship provided by her trainers and colleagues who have contributed to this journey over the past three and a half years. This accomplishment is one that Kelsey and all those involved should be immensely proud of."

At Munro's Travel, we're passionate about investing in our people and creating opportunities for long term career development. Kelsey's journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, continuous learning and the support of a great team.

Congratulations again, Kelsey, on this well-deserved achievement. We can't wait to see what the future holds.