Becoming a travel agent typically requires a high school diploma.
Since travel agents generally learn most of the skills required for their career on the job, it isn't required that they have anything more than a high school education in order to work in the field. However, it's common that many employers prefer applicants who have had some college experience, as well as a solid business background. It's also helpful to have a lot of travel experience, since people who are booking trips through your company often have questions and concerns regarding their travel arrangements. If you're someone who travels frequently, you'll be better prepared to assist them.
Travel Agent Education and Training
If you're interested in learning to become a travel agent in a more formal educational setting, you could look into any one of the number of schools and organizations that offer some form of vocational training in the field. These programs generally teach you how to work in sales and how to identify the best travel deals. They also teach courses on popular travel destination spots and what information you'll need to know if you're planning on selling a vacation getaway to that location. This information isn't difficult to learn, but it can be very detail-orientated.
If you'd prefer to study beyond a vocational education or on the job training, you may be able to find a university that offers a specialized bachelor’s degree in tourism.
Most people who attend college for this purpose generally go on to work in a more tourism-specific vocation, but the information you'll learn could be very helpful to a career as a travel agent. If you decide to go into one of these programs, you'll learn a lot about geography, business, computers, foreign languages, world history, and communication. If you don’t have the time to dedicate to a full-time degree, you may be able to take certain courses that will be most relevant to your career goals.
One thing that's important to remember about being a travel agent in this information age is that most consumers who come to you will have done their research online first. This can be difficult to deal with, especially if they know more than you do about a certain location! Chances are, if they realize that you aren’t as informed on the subject as you should be, they'll leave for another agent who can be more helpful. This is why it's important to keep up on industry secrets and inside information. You may be able to find part-time courses – both online and offline – that will help you stay up-to-date on the latest travel information.
If you don’t have any education, training, or experience in the travel industry before getting a job as a travel agent, you may find yourself working as a secretary or receptionist until you've learned enough to move up within the company. Many times, being observant in these situations can greatly help your advancement – you'll be amazed at how quickly you pick up on the skills and knowledge of other working agents. However, if you'd prefer to get into the field quickly, a vocational degree or certificate program will give you the skills you need in the shortest amount of time possible.
Strayer University offers two degree levels – a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – so there’s something for everyone, regardless of your current education level. Learn more about Strayer University | Request free info
If you’re considering a career in the hospitality and tourism management fields, Strayer University is a great place to start. The school offers two degree levels – a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – so there’s something for everyone, regardless of your current education level.
