Question about... work, I guess.

[lilclerk]

I'm looking to get a new job because the company's not doing too well. So I'm starting school in January. If you know me, this is a huge thing. I am not good with school.
So I'm starting small and am going to my local community college for my Travel & Tourism certificate. Once I finish this, I'd like to get a new job then maybe go back to school for something else so I have options.
The description is:

"Tourism is currently Rhode Island’s second largest and fastest growing industry. The CCRI Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in this growing industry. Graduates are prepared forentry-level positions with airlines, airport operations, car rental companies, conventions and meetings, corporate travel, cruise industry and the lodging industry. In their last semester, students are given the opportunity to work in a local travel or hospitality environment. Students have a choice of either a travel management or lodging management concentration."

I know it's not that great, but I'll have one certificate and plenty of credits to apply towards a different program.
Now, I don't necessarily WANT to work at Disney, especially since I will never be able to convince the boy to move somewhere so hot, but I'm just curious if this is something that would help out if I want to work somewhere like Disney. Maybe in some sort of... trip planning sense. I don't know.

Kind of a pointless question, but I'm just curious.

 

[Scar Junior]

First off.... I think you made a good decision going back to school. Congrats! Tourism and travel isn't just big in Rhode Island... it's the world's biggest industry. So no matter where you go there will be ample employment opportunities.

That said... The Disney College Program would go great with what you are looking to do. One of the roles is a vacation planner. They mainly sell tickets, but also help guide the guests' vacation itineraries when needed. It would go well on the resume, you might get college credit and if you want to continue with the company its a foot-in-the-door.

Best of luck. Keep us informed! :wave:


PS... I hear UCF's program is among the best in the nation. So there is always the possibility of transfering down to Orlando; working for Disney or Universal and going to school there.

 

[lilclerk]

Thanks for the encouragement :wave: Since I've mentioned it, all my friends and family have said I should try the CP. The only downsides I see to it is I'll be 24 by the time I can apply and I don't think I'd want to live with a bunch of 18 year olds (though another online friend of mine was 24 when she first went, and now she's a recruiter because she loved it so much,) and leaving my boyfriend behind. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to come along due to work.
But my best friend is seriously considering (more than I am at this point) the CareerStart program, so I wouldn't be alone, and this would really be a dream for both of us.

I guess I've got a few months to think about it, but thanks very much for replying =) I'll keep you posted.

 

[Scar Junior]

It's good to hear that you have a lot of encouragement from friends and family.

As far as the age thing goes, I understand where you're coming from. I did the CP in 2003 when I was 18 and I was one of the youngest. I'm probably going back for a second CP in Jan. and now that I've graduated I have had the same thoughts of being with younger people. But in actuality there is a good amount of people in the 22-25 range on the program. Many wait until after college to do the internship.

The boyfriend issue is something that is beyond my knowledge. In general, my rolls of toilet paper last longer than my relationships... However, I think it would be a good idea to casually mention that sometime in the future you might want to do the CP. See what he thinks about it and leave it alone until sometime in the future. In the meantime I would ask people on this board and other alumni about how to deal with a relationship and a CP. You've got time to weigh your options.

 

[lilclerk]

But in actuality there is a good amount of people in the 22-25 range on the program. Many wait until after college to do the internship.

That's extremely reassuring. Is there any way you can request to be roomed with an older person? I really have nothing against teenagers, but I don't drink and love sleep =\ Then again, I guess the older group will be drinking more :lol:

The boyfriend issue is something that is beyond my knowledge. In general, my rolls of toilet paper last longer than my relationships...

Same here, which is why I don't want to mess this one up, haha. I have brought it up, and he's totally supportive. Neither of us is really into the long-distance relationship idea, even for a few months, but if it comes down to it, we'll do it. Just not happily :animwink:
I don't know. At first, I really wasn't considering the CP, but now that I've done more research and talked it over with people, it seems like a great idea.

 

[pluto77]

Thanks for the encouragement :wave: Since I've mentioned it, all my friends and family have said I should try the CP. The only downsides I see to it is I'll be 24 by the time I can apply and I don't think I'd want to live with a bunch of 18 year olds (though another online friend of mine was 24 when she first went, and now she's a recruiter because she loved it so much,) and leaving my boyfriend behind.

Yeah there's definitely people in that age range. I went when I was 18, but two of my best friends while I was there were 23 and turned 24 on the program. One of them actually had a room mate that was 35! Although, that's definitely more rare for the college program, but it just shows that it's not just for 18 year olds.

I heard (I don't know if it's true because they didn't do this when I went in 2004) that now they have you fill out a survey so they can better match room mates, maybe there's a way to request older room mates on there.

 

[Figment82]

I was 22 when I did the CP and most of my roommates were around the same age (the majority of us and my friends were either seniors in college or recent graduates, and I was the latter as well). Believe me, 24 is not too old to do the program - and I think the added maturity will greatly benefit you. It's a wonderful experience, especially for someone in your area of study. I met so many people on the CP who were studying tourism and hospitality, so you defintely would not be alone.