Billy Larkin is a Logistics Coordinator working with CIE Tours.
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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
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.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
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.
How did you go about getting your current job?
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.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
It is a very varied position but my main responsibility is ensuring there is a suitable coach, driver and guide assigned to every tour.
What are the main challenges?
Its varied position with alot of different aspects and no two days are the same, so it can be challenging juggling different responsibilities.
What do you like most?
You get to meet and work with a lot of different suppliers in the tourism industry.
Is there anything that isn't great?
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.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
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.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
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.
What is your education to date?
Leaving certificate from St. Kevin's CBS Arklow,
Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts Practice, IADT
Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management, DIT Cathal Brugha Street
Dioploma in Payroll and Bookkeeping, IBAT college
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
Having a degree in hospitality management was probably the most important, it gave me a good foundation of knowledge I could build upon.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
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.
What is your dream job?
I'm more than happy with my current job. But someday it might be nice to return to doing something more creative.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
We have a hybrid working arrangement, which really helps to maintain a work life balance.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Having planning and organisation skills. Being able to think strategically and foresee and address problems before they happen.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Attention to detail, forward thinking and organisation.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I do hope to do some further management courses in the future.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
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.