Considering a career in travel? We caught up with Lizzie, a graduate from 2021, who shared the highlights of her career to date, and why she thinks everyone should take the opportunity to adventure….
Describe your career journey to date since leaving OMBS….
I started my career journey working with The Leap as a volunteer in Kenya, then over the course of just over a year, I worked my way up to Project Co-Ordinator and Project Manager positions.
While in Kenya, I was co-lead of all of the international volunteer programmes, running the day-to-day logistics and looking after the welfare of volunteers. I also worked with an NGO called Oceans Alive, a charity focused on marine conservation and community work.
I travelled to Africa, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of the charity sector, alongside developing a deep love for conservation. I then moved on to Costa Rica, where I was in a similar role but on a far larger scale, spending around a year and a half there.
I returned to Kenya to run their U18 programmes for six months by working in their office as an Education Development Officer. I am now based back in the UK working directly for The Leap as their Operations and Business Development Co-Ordinator.
Describe a typical day in your position for you.
In the morning my role is very operations-based. This includes producing new bookings and sales, checking in with teams around the world, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the business.
The afternoon is typically for the more creative side of my position, which is business development. I build new trips and programmes, ranging from gap years to midlife experiences, and even corporate and bespoke experiences. I am currently working on a very special limited-edition trip for next year for an incredible charity.
I often get to go networking, and we are just entering our busy season with attending school fairs and talks.
What do you love most about your role?
I really enjoy the variety of my role. I like how I can get up in the morning and not know what my day will entail. What I love most though, is the travel opportunities! I am at my most driven and happiest when I am face to face with incredible charities making a positive difference. I consider myself to be very lucky!
What skills learnt at OMBS have you found most beneficial to you in your career?
I think one of the greatest skills OMBS gave me was the confidence to network. In any business sector, you will need to put yourself out there and make new connections.
At OMBS we were put in situations where we had to meet new people and put our best foot forward. For example, when we built our mock businesses in the final term, we had to present ourselves and our ideas in a way that would draw people in and generate interest in our business idea. I gained lots of confidence by doing this, which set me up well for my working career.
How did studying with OMBS help you feel confident about your early career and getting your first role?
I think the fact that OMBS teaches you practical, real-world skills that set you up perfectly for any organisation is incredible. It means you can enter any role with invaluable strengths that someone leaving university might not necessarily have.
This alone gave me great confidence. I spent some time temping and felt comfortably able to slot into any business sector. The practical skill toolkit you leave OMBS with is 100% relevant and transferable.
What have I gained personally from travelling?
On a professional level, travel has opened numerous doors and given me so many opportunities. If you had asked me what sector I would be working in today, I never would have guessed this would be it! It’s given me the chance to broaden my horizons and gain a huge perspective.
On a far more personal level, traveling has helped me mature. I took myself out of my comfort zone and had to think on my feet constantly. I always think you will never learn more about yourself than when you are abroad, stripped of all your comfort blankets and routine, and have to find a way to thrive.
The final thing I have gained from travelling is the variety of connections and people I have met. I have met people from all corners of the world and all walks of life, and each one of them has taught me something valuable and different.
Whilst living in Kenya, one of the people I learnt the most from was a Rastafarian fisherman turned conservationist. He left school at 12 to fish so he could feed his family. Through his work with the charity, he has been named a village elder of his local community (the highest honour). He was the wisest and most grounded person I have ever had the privilege of meeting, and yet he had never left Kenya, owned a smartphone, or even finished school. Travelling is the most beautiful privilege that can often be taken for granted.
Finally, I think everyone who has the opportunity to travel should jump at the opportunity, because you never know what adventure it will take you on.
Would you like to learn more about the Professional Business Diploma? Contact our Director of Admissions to learn more about our regular Open Days.