Career Profile Research Sheet - 2903 Words

Career Profile Research Sheet: 1. What kinds of education/training is required for this occupation? The basic requirement needed to become a travel agent is a high school diploma (or the equivalent of one). However, employers prefer candidates who have taken postsecondary courses in computer science, foreign languages, geography and world history. Many companies and agencies also look for employees that have received vocational training, which is useful due to the increased use of computers and technology in the daily life of people in this field. Several colleges and universities also offer degree or diploma programs in Travel and Tourism, which are popular among those who wish to take on the job of a travel agent and appeal to future†¦show more content†¦In particular, being a travel agent requires workers to contact and communicate with others (such as their clients or employers) using telephones and electronic mailing systems. Computers are also closely involved with this occupation, and workers must be able to use them efficiently. Day-to-day tasks that require the us e of technology would include: computing the cost of travel and accommodations for a client using a computer, booking transportation and hotel reservations online, and printing or requesting transportation carrier tickets using a printer system. 3. What geographic knowledge and skills would you need to work in this occupation? If you take a closer look at the job of a travel agent, it will become clear that geography makes up a large part of the knowledge workers should have in order to be successful in this field. In fact, one of the highly recommended courses aspiring travel consultants should take in college or university is geography! Tourism in general is closely tied to geography, since travellers take into account the travel time, routing and local climate when choosing vacation destinations. Travel agents, who must successfully sell or advise clients on travel products on a daily basis, need to understand what geographically sets places apart and why destinations are chosen by customers. Travel agents must