I got a part time job in a hotel when I was 16, after school I went on to study Art in IADT but continued working part time in hotels throughout. Upon graduating I started fulltime in hospitality and after a few years of that I felt the need to progress my career further. I went back to college and got another degree, this time in Hospitality Management.

I don't think I was influenced or guided by anyone really. I never really chose to work in tourism but it just became my career path naturally from starting out working part time in a hotel as a teenager.

I got my current job through internal promotion. But I originally joined the company with the help of a recruiter. I knew exactly the type of work I wanted and the recruitment company I used managed to find me a job that suited perfectly. I had one interview and received a phone call a day or two later letting me know I had been successful in obtaining the position.

It is a very varied position but my main responsibility is ensuring there is a suitable coach, driver and guide assigned to every tour.

Its varied position with alot of different aspects and no two days are the same, so it can be challenging juggling different responsibilities.

You get to meet and work with a lot of different suppliers in the tourism industry.

Not that I don't like it as, it can be a nice change of pace at times but the administrative/system entry side of things can at times be a bit repetitive.

Having studied art I have a very good eye for detail, I also feel like I am quite good at creative problem solving, I am always trying to find a better way of doing things.

I studied art in school and later in college purely because I had a talent for it and because I did not know what else to do at the time. In hindsight I feel like I would have been well suited for Programming or something else IT based but I'm happy I did study Art as it has provided me with skills I use regularly such as critical thinking.

Leaving certificate from St. Kevin's CBS Arklow,

Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts Practice, IADT

Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management, DIT Cathal Brugha Street

Having a degree in hospitality management was probably the most important, it gave me a good foundation of knowledge I could build upon.

I can't think of any specific event, but I do find it rewarding that my work goes on to have an impact on how our clients experience and enjoy visiting Ireland.

I'm more than happy with my current job. But someday it might be nice to return to doing something more creative.

We have a hybrid working arrangement, which really helps to maintain a work life balance.

Having planning and organisation skills. Being able to think strategically and foresee and address problems before they happen.

Attention to detail, forward thinking and organisation.

I do hope to do some further management courses in the future.

Room division management experience in a hotel could be a great background as there are a lot of transferable skills. Otherwise experience in arranging transport and rostering of staff would be beneficial.

Logistics Coordinator CIE Tours