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job vacancies in leisure, sport and tourism How do I find a job?The majority of roles within this sector are non-graduate. Graduate schemes are not common, though some do exist within the larger, multinational companies. For example, most of the major hotel groups offer graduate schemes. Many graduates that enter these schemes have completed a tourism and hospitality degree, though most of these companies accept any degree subject. For jobs within a travel agency, tourism information office and other jobs that are regionally based, many roles are advertised in local papers and on job boards with local area search facilities. Ads by Google Company websites are useful job sources. They tell you how to apply for different jobs, whether they have graduate schemes and how to apply for them. Your university careers centre has a variety of directories that you may use to search for companies. For further help and support see applications, CVs and interviews. What skills do I need?Application forms, CVs and covering letters should reflect a mix of skills from subject related to technical skills that you have developed during your studies. Your application should show you have an understanding of the tourism industry, including infrastructure, services, and political, social, and economic issues. You should also demonstrate awareness of trends and niches within the industry. In addition to these industry related areas, it is important that you can demonstrate skills such as teamwork, communication and customer service skills. Work experience, experience abroad and language skills may also be beneficial. Where can I find work experience?Another way to gain experience within this industry is through a work placement. The process of finding a placement is very similar to finding a permanent job. Many companies advertise available placements on their websites, job boards and at university careers services. Ask at your university careers office where they advertise their placement vacancies. Also, consider approaching companies on a speculative basis. Many employers, though they may not specify a need for a degree in tourism or a related subject, ask you to demonstrate knowledge and experience in this field. So examples of how you have gained such experience, either as part of your degree, through any work experience or gap travelling that you have done, strengthens your application. What you may find is that salaries may be lower compared with those for traditional graduate occupations. The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) has an employment and careers section on their website for students. Is postgraduate study useful?Postgraduate study isn’t necessary to enter the sector, but some graduates find that once they have some industry experience, a postgraduate qualification helps develop the skills to excel their promotion prospects. Courses such as an MBA or other management-related subjects may be useful as they give the person a wide range of management tools that might be used across the industry. How can my career develop?Career development in tourism is through experience and in-service training. Most senior executives in this industry started their careers at entry level. Because of the mobility between tour operators, airlines, and travel agents there is significant scope for career development. Staff in smaller organisations may find that they need to move to larger organisations in order to gain more responsibility or to specialise | 
