Alumni
Tourism graduates can be found in a broad range of occupations throughtout New Zealand and overseas. Some graduates speak about their current work and how studies in Tourism have prepared them for their respective careers.
If you would like to be featured on this page, please contact Diana Evans at diana.evans@otago.ac.nz.
Occupations include:
Assistant Research Fellow, University of Otago
Events Coordinator, European Tourism Operators Association, Germany
Learning Coordinator - Symantec, Germany
Management Trainee with Frenzi Group, Christchurch
Marketing Coordinator, Destination Queenstown
Marketing Communications Assistant, Tourism Auckland
Marketing Manager, Waiouru Army Museum, Waiouru
PhD Candidate, University of Otago
Policy Analyst, Ministry of Tourism
Research Analyst, Ministry of Tourism
Research and Development Manager, Positively Wellington Tourism
Sustainable Tourism Assessor, Nelson, NZ
Tourism and Events Executive, Wanganui Regional Tourism Organisation
Tourism New Zealand Graduate Programme
David Purdie (BA, BTour, PGDipTour, MTour)
Sustainable Tourism Assessor, Latitude Nelson
David was born and raised in Dunedin and obviously loved the student lifestyle completing no less than four qualifications. David began his studies with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography and then made the move to Tourism completing a BTour, PGDipTour and MTour. David’s Master’s thesis focused on Ecotourism in New Zealand.
After moving to Nelson and working in retail during the Nelson winter, David began working at the Nelson i-SITE Visitor Centre in October 2006. This proved a very valuable experience for two reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated quite powerfully the practical side of the industry (in comparison with my prior academic perspective) and secondly led to further employment opportunities.
“The summer of 2006/07 passed in a blur as Nelson really comes alive during this period, with significantly more visitors to the region than in winter, both domestic and international. I completed my summer at the i-SITE with a new appreciation for those working at the ‘coalface’ of tourism!”
During this past winter David took the opportunity to explore the Nelson-Tasman region in greater depth, enjoying everything it had to offer; walking, mountain-biking, sea kayaking and of course good food and wine!
“That winter I accepted a permanent, ongoing contract with the Nelson i-SITE. In August, the labours of my tertiary study began to bear fruit as I was offered the position of Sustainable Tourism Assessor within Latitude Nelson, Nelson’s RTO. This position is funded by central government through the Ministry of Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Charter initiative.”
David is excited about his new career prospects, as his current role involves working with local tourism operators primarily to assist their movement towards more sustainable practices with regard to the environment, but also in a social and cultural context.
“During my University studies I always intended to work somewhere I could truly make a practical difference ‘on the ground’ within the tourism industry. I firmly believe that this new role will provide me with a pleasing balance of challenge and satisfaction. The only catch is that the Sustainable Tourism Charter was originally only allocated short-term funding meaning my role, at this stage will be a fixed-term one.”
David is confident that if it can be demonstrated that the Charter is achieving great things and represents a cause worth supporting, then funding may be extended. Watch this space!
For more information on the charter visit:
http://www.tourism.govt.nz/sustainability/what-is-government-doing/charter-project.html
Peter Weinig (PGDipTour, MTour)
Tour Company Owner, Mongolia
After finishing a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Peter returned to Mongolia where he was running a small tour company - Blue Bandana Expeditions, outfitting active small group travel into the Mongolian countryside.
“With Mongolia being the second socialist country on earth, running a service orientated company is not always easy. While the younger generations might be able to adapt, many older people continue the tradition of Marx, Engels and Lenin with unreliability and bad service.”
Luckily for Peter tourism has been booming in Mongolia for the last few years, based on travel to the endless steppes, mountains and desserts where the last true nomadic society on earth still live in traditional fashion.
In the summer of 2005 Peter was contracted by USAid to conduct a large scale visitor survey to benchmark where Mongolian tourism stood at the time. Peter was provided access to staff and considerable financial resources and consequently interviewed over 4000 visitors to Mongolia.
Peter was fortunate to be able to use this data for his Otago Master of Tourism (MTour) thesis. After completing his MTour Peter was contracted by Malaysian TV to organize the logistics of a 2 week film shoot for a travel documentary shot in NZ.
“Since then Blue Bandana Expedition has expanded considerably. We have run more trips every year and were contracted by large overseas suppliers to organize trips on their behalf.”
This success has resulted in his company adding a retail division specialising in distributing and selling quality outdoor equipment.
“In early 2007 Blue Bandana Expedition were contracted to organize all logistics for Touchdown TV NZ who filmed an episode of their reality show “Shock Treatment” in northern Mongolia [scheduled to air in NZ in April 2008].”
Peter is also striving to continue his free lance work in event organisation and in 2007 was the race director of Asia’s biggest multi sport race, the Wulong Mountain Quest.
“The knowledge and experience I gained during my two years at Otago has had a positive impact on our business. It has provided me with fundamental knowledge of the foundations of tourism while my Masters provided me with the opportunity to research tourism in Mongolia in great detail.
The business plan for our retail divisions was in fact an assignment for a paper at Otago. Knowing the quality of Otago Tourism graduates, we are always interested in offering internships for suitable candidates.”
For further information on Blue Bandana Expeditions visit www.activemongolia.com
Antje Zopf (MTour)
Learning Co-ordinator -
Symantec, Germany
After completing a Master of Tourism within Otago’s School of Business’s Department of Tourism Dunedin Antje returned home to Germany.
She now works for Symantec, the fourth largest software company in the world employed as a Learning Coordinator.
“As part of my responsibilities I’m involved with planning, organising and supporting training classes for all of our products within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region.”
People might wonder where the connection to a Tourism degree is, but Antje says she’s using , a lot of my skills learnt during her studies at Otago.
“My studies and other life experiences have helped prepare me for my current position which includes strategic thinking, working towards deadlines, offering service to customers.”
One of Antje’s main tasks is measuring the success of Symantic’s training programmes through online surveys where she analyses survey data and presents her findings to her superiors - a skill honed during her MTour studies.
TopWarrick Low (GDipTour, MTour)
Marketing Lecturer, Pacific International Hotel Management School, New Plymouth
Originally from Southland Warrick moved to Dunedin and completed a BCom in Marketing before embarking on a Graduate Diploma in Tourism and later a Master of Tourism with the Department the School of Business Department of Tourism.
After completing his MTour Warrick gained practical Hospitality Management experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He is now a Marketing Lecturer at the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) in New Plymouth where he utlises both academic and practical experience in his teachings.
“Bridging the “gap” between the commercial environment and the world of academia is something I do everyday in my teaching role. I want to give my students a good blend of research and practical based examples creating a well rounded view of the tourism and hospitality industries.”
Knowing the value of continued education Warrick is considering on going professional development in the form of distance learning, which is yet another option offered by Otago’s Department of Tourism.
“Otago is a very multi-cultural environment with a national and international reputation, with the added bonus of global relationships. Otago graduates are well respected but sometimes feared as they take over the industry due to a combination of solid education and training combined, determination and good work ethic.”
Nicola Bennett (BSc, PGDipTour, MTour)
Marketing Manager, Army Museum, Waiouru
Originally a Cantab, I loved my years at Otago University where I finished up studying tourism having developed an interest in the industry through many domestic holidays with my family and because I am such a passionate New Zealander.
After graduating I worked for 6 years in the education sector at a couple of NZ Polytechnics as a Tourism Lecturer and later in London in a similar role during a two year OE when I spent much time travelling mainly the UK, Europe and North America.
Having moved to the central North Island to live on my husband’s family farm at the base of Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand’s biggest kept tourism secret, I landed an awesome job as the Marketing Manager for one of New Zealand’s top Museum’s, the Army Museum in Waiouru.
This is a fantastic job where I am responsible for all the marketing of a major tourist attraction. This includes: branding, market research, advertising, events, promotion, website design and maintenance, managing a large budget, PR, fundraising & sponsorship, and whatever else comes my way.
This job is extra special because the Museum has a unique role as custodian of some of New Zealand’s most amazing treasures and stories. It’s not just about the commercial side, it’s about getting people to come learn and engage with New Zealand’s history, their history.
I have had the opportunity to play key roles on some big activities including: organising large events, working with media during difficult times when the gallantry medals were stolen and returned, and a major rebranding exercise which will see the Museum become the ‘National Army Museum’ in early 2009.
I have no doubt that my tourism qualifications played a significant part in being able to land these jobs. I had a fantastic time at Otago and studied some fascinating subjects and will proudly tell anyone happy to listen what an awesome university it is.
Simone Eisenhauer (MTour)
Events Coordinator, European Tour Operators Association, Germany
As an international student Simone had many options when choosing which university to attend while away from her home country of Germany. After identifying New Zealand as being the country where she wanted to study, Otago was the obvious choice with the countries leading tourism department.
After completing a Master of Tourism focused on the area of Sports Events and Risk Management in New Zealand. Simone returned to Germany. After a few months of travelling around Europe she started working as a destination manager for a German skiing tour operator in the French Alps.
“My tasks included negotiating with service providers; compilation of hotel lists; hotel check-in; crisis management; education and instruction for tour guides as well as establishing various programs for clients.”
When the season finished Simone left the ski resort and headed to London where she picked up a short-term traineeship at the German National Tourist Board responsible for coordinated various events and conducting research on the German travel market.
Simone’s Otago degree combined with valuable European-based work experience enabled her to pick up her current position working for the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA).
Now working as an Events Coordinator Simone is involved with organising exhibitions, conferences, seminars and workshops.
“It keeps me pretty busy, but I’m enjoying the various challenges. My work experience since graduating combined with my studies at Otago have given me a global perspective helping me to appreciate the different requirements and expectations different visitor have.”
TopRichard Wright (GDipTour, MTour, PhD Candidate)
PhD student in Department of Tourism
Originally from Cambridge, England Richard first landed in New Zealand on Waitangi Day 2004 and have proudly been calling Dunedin ‘home’ ever since.
Whilst enrolled at the University of Otago to complete a Masters of Tourism, having been away from academia for a couple of years, Richard opted to spend the first 12 months completing the Post-Graduate Diploma in Tourism. This not only gave him time to settle in, but also proved a great way of adjusting back into student life.
“My Masters used the 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour as a case study to investigate the logistics of planning sport event tourism at a regional level. It examined, and subsequently compared, the different policies implemented by nine Region Tourism Organisations (RTOs) responsible for destinations hosting fixtures during the six-week series.”
Richard conducted similar investigations with two additional RTOs, based in non-hosting destinations, both of which bordered at least one hosting region. The primary findings illustrated the challenges directly associated with forecasting tourism demand linked to unique spectator-driven sports events. The study also highlighted the benefits attached to cross-sector and cross-border cooperation, along with the need to develop a proactive stance when planning events at a local level.
“On completion of my thesis I was awarded a post-graduate scholarship which has allowed me to further develop both my research, within the field of sport tourism, and my academic teaching portfolio here at Otago.”
Richard’s PhD research explores the various identity characteristics and personal experiences of sport tourists. In addition to his ongoing research, he is a part-time member of the teaching staff, covering a range of papers at all levels.
“Overall, life is good and thanks to the continued guidance/support offered by the University of Otago’s Department of Tourism, the future looks equally promising!”
TopTeresa Leopold (MTour, PhD)
Assistant Research Fellow, University of Otago
Teresa’s connection with Otago’s Department of Tourism postgraduate research community spans an impressive six years.
During that time she’s completed a PhD looking at the social construction of disaster destinations, a Master in Tourism looking at the supply and demand of war heritage sites in Southeast Asia, and has served as the Division of Commerce representative on the University of Otago’s Graduate Student Liaison Committee.
“For my PhD I was fortunate to receive research funding through a University of Otago Postgraduate Scholarship which enabled me to explore disaster theories within the field of tourism, in particular the recovery of the tourism community of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, following the tsunami disaster of 2004."
“Through my research I aimed to develop new perspectives in the study of tourism by advancing interdisciplinary research concepts to place the discussion of tourism within global and environmental trends.”
Teresa’s research illustrates how multiple power structures and notions of vulnerability are intertwined in the post-disaster recovery period of a tourist destination through a detailed analysis of stakeholder interactions. She provides insights into an exceptional scenario where community empowerment directed the recovery and development of a disaster-prone tourist destination.
She now works as Assistant Research Fellow for the Higher Education Development Centre and keeps busy in the Department teaching as a Casual Lecturer and tutor. This enables her to employ strategies for teaching and learning within the areas of event and convention management, heritage management, wine tourism, principles and business of tourism management and global tourism management.
“Completing my PhD was a major achievement and it’s been great to be involved with the department in a teaching capacity. Tourism education at Otago is certainly world class.”
TopRebecca Hanifin : BCom Marketing/BTour
A passion for New Zealand, an enthusiasm for tourism and a canny marketing ability has led Rebecca Hanifin to where she is today - marketing New Zealand as the "ultimate" tourist destination.
After travelling extensively around the country as a child, Rebecca developed a passion for New Zealand and an awareness of its uniqueness as tourist destination.
When it came to choosing a career, it was a no-brainer. Rebecca headed straight to the University of Otago to study Tourism and Marketing.
"I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else," says Rebecca, "Otago has an attractive lifestyle and is renowned for academic excellence".
"Studying a Bachelor of Tourism and Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing Management together provided me with an excellent mix of practical work and theory. The practical components of Tourism - the Business Project and Destination Analysis papers - were invaluable. They gave me a grasp on the reality of the tourism and marketing working environments."
Upon graduating Rebecca moved to Auckland and took up a graduate position with Tourism New Zealand, the international marketing organisation responsible for marketing New Zealand as a tourist destination offshore.
As part of the graduate programme Rebecca spends time working in all of the main divisions within Tourism New Zealand - Marketing (including communications, channel marketing, market research, events and media), Operations, Tourism Development and Corporate Communications.
"It’s an excellent programme. I’m being given a taste of what I could do within the organisation and am getting experience in the industry at the same time."
Her first project with Tourism New Zealand was promoting the Lions Tour 2005 with the "Make Yourself 100% at Home" campaign.
The campaign had been designed to welcome Lions fans to New Zealand, and link with the award-winning "100% Pure New Zealand" global marketing campaign.
The project allowed Rebecca to apply the theory she had learned at Otago in practice, bringing all the elements of the marketing and tourism mix together.
"It was great to get involved in a major campaign straight into my career. It provided me with invaluable experience and gave me a good insight in the opportunities that lie ahead for me within the organisation."
With more than 100 staff, branches around the world and hundreds of tourism events held each year, the opportunities for Rebecca at Tourism New Zealand are endless.
TopMichael Grace (BTour, GDipTour, MTour)
Research and Development Manager, Postively Wellington Tourism
Michael found his passion for tourism during a year travelling abroad after school. Deciding what to study had been hard up to that point, but the decision of where to study followed easily.
Otago University was his first and only choice, due to the reputation of its tourism management course. His study didn’t end with a Bachelor of Tourism – Michael went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Masters in Tourism.
“My study at Otago was an invaluable experience, as I got to learn about a diverse range of fields within tourism. It gave me the research tools and knowledge to prepare me for a career in the industry.”
Michael is working in his first role as Research and Development Manager at Positively Wellington Tourism. Positively Wellington Tourism is one of the country’s leading regional tourism agencies, and runs the award-winning ‘Have a Love Affair with Wellington’ campaign.
It’s a role Michael loves, as it gives him the chance to work across a number of facets of the capital’s tourism industry. He manages the organisation’s key research datasets, and plays an active role in supporting the development of tourism products. Wellington born and bred, it also gives him a chance to promote the city he calls home.
“Tourism is a really interesting industry, and my role gives me scope to keep refining my skills and knowledge. I’m lucky, as I get to continue the educational journey that started with my studies at Otago University.”
Top
Scott Becker (BTour)
Management Trainee with Frenzi Group, Christchurch
If you’re looking for someone to wine and dine you, then Scott Becker could be your man.
Since graduating from Otago with a Bachelor of Tourism (BTour) Scott’s been busy, very busy in fact, working, travelling, and having a good time within the tourism and hospitality sector.
After graduating Scott was accepted as a Management Trainee into a NZ company called Frenzi Group, which owns 12 restaurants and bars throughout New Zealand.
In the short time frame he has been working for the company he has become an Assistant Manager in a busy gastro pub, the Fox & Ferret in Riccarton, Christchurch.
“Before working at the Fox & Ferret I gained experience working in four other Frenzi owned restaurants and bars in Queenstown and Christchurch, so as you can see there’s definitely opportunities to travel in this job.”
Scott believes whole heartedly that the areas covered by the BTour helped him to climb the ranks of the hospitality sector very quickly.
“My degree has not only given me the skills to compete at senior managerial levels, but has also been responsible for the many good friends I have made along the way.”
Now that Scott has well and truly sunk his teeth into the hospitality sector he has big plans, and a genuine desire to make it to the very top.
“I’m loving the hospitality sector and hope to be running a Frenzi business as General Manager, with up to 40 staff within the next six to 12 months.”
Top
Kate Dear – BTour (Hons), BCom
Marketing Co-ordinator -
Queenstown Convention Bureau, Destination Queenstown
Location, Location, Location, and it doesn’t get much better for a Tourism and Business graduate than Queenstown - the adventure capital of the world.
Kate Dear had been coming to Queenstown for weekends and school holidays her entire life, so choosing to study a degree in Tourism at Otago seemed a logical step to take.
"I completed an honours degree in Tourism and also a BCom in Management. The two disciplines complement each other really well. My Tourism degree gave me the opportunity to pursue interests that were first nurtured as a ‘tourist’ all those years ago.”
Kate has seen Queenstown change dramatically over the years especially with regards to the tourism industry and consequently the accommodation sector.
Her CV is quite extensive in terms of holiday jobs ranging from working at fast food outlets and supermarkets, as a hotel cleaner, a luge operator, through to bar tending work and banquet supervising.
“In my position as banquets supervisor I dealt mainly with conference groups, incentives and weddings, and it gave me a great understanding of the C&I market which lead on to my current job.”
Kate always wanted to work for a Regional Tourism Operator (RTO) and what better RTO to work for than the one she grew up surrounded by.
“When the job opportunity came up at Destination Queenstown I jumped at the chance to become involved with such a vibrant organisation.”
Kate now works as the Marketing Coordinator within a department called the Queenstown Convention Bureau. Her day to day activities include preparing bid documents for potential clients who want to bring their conference to Queenstown, hosting conference organisers in the region and assisting with conference enquiries.
“There’s never a dull moment in Queenstown” says Kate.
Louisa Aitken - BTour (Hons), BCom
Marketing Communications Assistant - Tourism Auckland
Born and raised on a farm in Northern Southland, within a stones throw from Queenstown and Milford Sound, I have always had a keen interest in tourism. Travelling around the country it’s not hard to realise that what we have to offer tourists is extraordinary and the opportunity to be apart of this industry in New Zealand is exciting.
Attending the University of Otago, I was given the flexibility to complete a double degree studying towards both a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Management, with Marketing as a minor) and a Bachelor of Tourism. The double degree enabled me to complement my tourism study with an extended focus on the marketing and management aspects.
During my third year of studying the opportunity to complete an Honours degree in Tourism was introduced. My dissertation took a focus on host communities’ perceptions of second home tourists, using the township of Twizel as the case study. The Honours course was a great addition, it allowed me to develop a more critical and in-depth understanding and aligned with the previous undergraduate years’ studies.
Coming out of University I secured a contracted role as the Global Purchasing Manager for the newly formed Stella Travel Services (tourism wholesaler). This role was perfect, I had the opportunity to interact with New Zealand tourism operators, obtain rate contracts from them, and be responsible for ensuring that these contracts were loaded into the new database ready for overseas travel agents and wholesalers to make bookings. It was an ideal position that gave me a different insight into how the tourism industry works and how the international tourist makes it to our shores.
It is with this role that I managed to secure a permanent full time position at Tourism Auckland, where I am based today as the Marketing Communications Assistant. I am now responsible for helping with the enormous task of marketing New Zealand’s largest metropolitan centre and the surrounding hinterland to New Zealand and the world. This is the type of role I aspired to obtain after university study, its perfect and everyday is different.
The future at Tourism Auckland is exciting, we are venturing into new marketing mediums. We’ve even become a sponsor of an internet networking site, BEBO, and look to further explore opportunities with the internet. With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner who knows what is going to happen..
Its amazing where you find Otago University graduates! We are highly sought after within the Tourism Industry because of the value of the degree!
Jeff Milham BCom (Marketing & Management), PGDipTour
Tourism and Events Executive - Wanganui Regional Tourism Organisation
Originally from Wanganui, Jeff Milham decided to venture down to Dunedin after falling in love with Otago’s student lifestyle while on a family holiday two years prior.
During his time at Otago Jeff completed a BCom, majoring in Marketing Management and Management, and also a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism.
Jeff believes his Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism was the icing on the cake when it came time to apply for jobs, and then securing a position with Wanganui Incorporated - incorporating Wanganui’s Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) and the Economic Development Agency (EDA).
“I’m now the Tourism & Events Executive for the RTO which suits me pretty well due to my studies of marketing and tourism undertaken while at Otago Uni.
“My role encompasses; trade and consumer marketing to audiences from around New Zealand and abroad, capability building of local visitor industry operators, event promotion, and providing the communications link between the local visitor industry and the national & international industries.”
Jeff works closely with the Taranaki & Manawatu RTO’s as part of the Western North Island International Marketing Alliance www.westernnorthisland.com, through Tourism New Zealand frameworks, such as Kiwilink, and through their own initiatives.
He also works closely with the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise funded Major Regional Initiative (MRI) brand Te Kahui Tupua www.tekahuitupua.co.nz which is a macro brand for Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu.
“These two relationships make it possible to market Wanganui internationally, which would not be possible otherwise due to limited budgets.
“Wanganui is a great emerging visitor destination, and I really enjoy promoting my home-town regionally, nationally, and internationally. Visitors to Wanganui can enjoy art, culture, history, the spirit of the Whanganui River, while also absorbing the tranquil beauty of nature.”
Jeff really enjoyed his time at Otago and appreciated the help and assistance given to him from the Department of Tourism
“The Tourism Department are a tight-knit unit and all the lecturers, tutors and admin staff really went out of their way to help me with my studies, especially with my dissertation. I’d recommend the Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the tourism industry”.
Martine Bastiaans - BTour (Hons)
Policy Analyst, Ministry of Tourism
Already deciding early on in high school that Otago University was the only place she wanted to study, Martine Bastiaans only had to decide what subject she wanted to pursue. Having grown up in the hotel industry and living in almost every corner of New Zealand, studying Tourism seemed like the fun way to get a degree and conveniently, Otago’s Department of Tourism was the best option.
The Department of Tourism offered many different study opportunities and there was fantastic support from the staff who encouraged Martine and her classmates to do tutoring and research work in their spare time. When it was proposed that she study for an Honours degree, she took the chance and signed on for another year.
With a dissertation that focussed on the visitors’ support for proposed developments between Milford Sound and Queenstown, Martine was able to get out and about interviewing international visitors in her favourite places. Having the additional year provided Martine the opportunity to explore a wide range of tourism subjects both from the regular curriculum and through ‘special topic’ papers which were taken from real world situations, like the Otago Farmers’ Market.
After graduating in 2006, it took time before Martine found the perfect ‘grown up’ job and in September 2007 she started as a Policy Analyst for the Ministry of Tourism. Having been there for nearly a year, Martine has enjoyed learning about all facets of the tourism industry – from administration of grants programmes and strategy implementation to research, speech writing and networking.
Fiona Macdonald - BTour, BCom, MTour
Research Analyst, Ministry of Tourism
Fiona Macdonald's studies at the Department of Tourism have given her the spring board she needed to launch an exciting career in tourism. Fiona studied for a double degree in tourism and Marketing (BTour & BCom), followed by a Master in Tourism (MTour). Her Thesis, which examined strategic planning within small and medium tourism businesses, was awarded scholarships from the Ministry of Tourism and the University of Otago. “The Master of Tourism at Otago is a valuable qualification. The esteemed and approachable staff guided, challenged and supported me well through my post-graduate studies. Being surrounded by high calibre post-graduate students also provided a wide network of class mates who learnt much from each other”.
By studying at the Department of Tourism, Fiona was also able to benefit from opportunities that would not have otherwise been available. This included being a tutor, holding lectures, presenting at Australian and New Zealand tourism conferences, working on a Government-led regional visitor survey and being published in an academic journal. “These additional opportunities allowed me to acquire experience and skills that are not found within the lecture theatre”. Through these ‘real-world’ opportunities Fiona gained invaluable experience for a career in the tourism industry.
Fiona is now a Research Analyst at the Ministry of Tourism in Wellington. Her role includes analysing and reporting national tourism statistics, managing the collection of the Regional Visitor Monitor survey, providing tourism statistics for the Minister of Tourism and other Members of Parliament as well as communicating the Ministry’s research to its wide range of stakeholders. This includes other central government departments, Regional Tourism Organisations, businesses, students and academia.
“Although aware at the time, it wasn’t until after I finished my studies that I realised how highly regarded the Department of Tourism is – for its quality of teaching, calibre of graduates and standard of research. I’ve left the University of Otago with well respected qualifications. But the Department of Tourism has given me much more than certificates. The staff and culture within the Department have equipped me with the skills, knowledge and experience that have already, and will continue to, serve me well in my career in tourism”.
Amanda Chisnall - BTour/BA
English Teacher in Japan
Spending ten months at a school in Japan, travelling New Zealand and Australia as a tourist, being involved in a family motel in Christchurch as well as having part time jobs at Christchurch Airport, a local hotel, a restaurant and car rental firm led Amanda to decide that Otago University was the place for her tertiary study.
Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Tourism and a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Japanese Language and minoring in Education). These two degrees have proved to complement each other and will hopefully allow many opportunities for her in the future.
Currently Amanda is teaching English in Japan. Her goals are to increase her Japanese language fluency and have a better understanding of the Japanese culture. Everyday she is faced with new challenges which have made her more confident in her decision making.
Amanda feels that her experiences at Otago have given her a solid foundation for the future. Throughout her tourism degree she completed a variety of subjects from general commerce to tourism specific subjects. She felt that the Tourism Department and every lecturer showed a strong passion for the industry, which meant that learning was meaningful and based not only on academic literature but also on practical examples where lecturers shared their previous experiences.
New Zealand is a unique tourist destination and Amanda hopes to pursue a career within the New Zealand Tourism Industry when she returns from Japan. She feels that the knowledge and skills she learnt from her two Otago degrees, as well as her recent experiences, will allow her to become fully involved in the tourism industry.