|
Travel agents learn their trade on the job or through vocational schools, online programs, and community colleges. A few colleges offer bachelor’s or master’s degrees in travel and tourism. Many future travel agents graduate with degrees in computer science, geography, foreign languages, business, or communications before deciding on their career paths. Computer skills and travel experience are definite hiring advantages.
Coursework covers computerized reservation systems, general information about travel destinations, accounting, and business management. Continuing education is essential to keep abreast of new destinations and other travel information.
Agents who focus particular regions or particular types of travel require specialized training. With so much travel information available to the public on the Internet, customers tend to be quite knowledgeable about their travel options and expect their travel agents to be experts.
The Travel Institute offers programs on marketing, sales, and travel destinations. Experienced travel agents may choose to study for the Institute’s Certified Travel Counselor designation. The National Business Travel Association offers three types of designations for corporate travel agents: Corporate Travel Expert, Certified Corporate Travel Executive, and Global Leadership Professional.
Travel agents need excellent organizational and communication skills, personal travel experience, sales skills, computer skills, and knowledge of worldwide travel destinations. They have many options for gaining these skills.
|
