What were your strongest subjects in school? How did you decide what career path to pursue?
In school, my strongest subjects were languages, particularly French. When I finished school I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and I was keen to ensure that I didn’t pigeon-hole myself. I decided to do an Arts degree so that I could take on a number of subjects and keep my options open. I did French at UCD and I also picked up Spanish and Italian in my first year. I also studied Sociology, which was people-focused and a subject area that is really transferable. As part of my course, I went on Erasmus to Bordeaux – wine country- and studied translation while I was there. This experience made me want to become a translator as the EU had a great graduate programme.
How did you get into tourism?
In my final year, this all changed, as I went to a graduate fair to meet a translation company. Instead, I met someone working on the Ibec global graduate programme in New York. She talked to me about the Ibec Global Graduate programme and asked me if I had ever considered working in the tourism industry given my experience and skillset in languages. The programme, which gives graduates the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment and travel the world, sounded absolutely fascinating. She told me that the deadline for applications closed that night so I went home and applied straight away! I was lucky enough to be accepted into the programme and took a job in the Business Tourism team at Fáilte Ireland. I had never considered a role focused on business or tourism and now, I couldn’t be happier in what I’m doing.
What does your job entail?
Our unit is responsible for bringing international meetings, incentive travel, conferences and events to Ireland. My specific role is to attract and support international conferences coming to our country. Through this role, I get to work with some of Ireland’s sharpest minds as I support them to bid for a conference in their field of expertise. Conferences I’ve supported range in subject matter from tech, science and medicine to magic and jellyfish symposiums! The job really changes all the time and that’s why I love it – you’re constantly surrounded by people who are passionate.
What skills helped you to get this job?
When you’re applying for a job in our Business Tourism team, they always focus on your people-skills, your ability to be creative and think strategically. At the end of the day, your core focus is on selling the best of Ireland to some of the most influential event and meeting planners in the world, in what is a highly-competitive international marketplace.
What’s the best part of your job?
The travel. Within two months of starting my job, I headed to Las Vegas for the major IMEX America event where I helped to pitch Ireland as a top meetings and conference destination to some of the world’s most influential event planners. It was so intimidating but a fantastic experience that really honed my sales and marketing skills. I have also travelled to many other exciting destinations including Paris and Vienna, selling Ireland and helping to bring top international events and revenue to our country.
I am an advocate for mental health awareness and mindfulness in the workplace. This is something Fáilte Ireland has fully supported and an initiative I was able to share at a world congress for professionals working around the world in our sector. It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to share something so important to me on an international stage in Texas.
What characteristics and strengths do you need to succeed in tourism?
You need to be passionate about what you’re selling and, in this case, it is Ireland. Relationship management is also key – whether it’s working with colleagues internally or with clients across the country. Teamwork is also a really important strength to have in tourism.
What advice would you offer somebody considering a career in tourism?
I would say that you should 100% consider a career in tourism. If you’re someone who is passionate, creative and wants to travel, then this is a sector for you. Tourism is also an industry where you can see the difference you’re making to your country. Business Tourism alone was worth €700million to the Irish economy last year, so it’s incredible to know that I played my part in helping to grow revenue into our country. As a first job, it’s as good as it gets.
The Ibec Global Graduate Programme is now open for applications. Click here for more information.
