FOR students with sky high ambitions studying at Canterbury College with its special status as a Centre of Vocational Excellence for Travel and Tourism could be the right choice.With courses in travel and airline careers the college can cater for those interested in working further afield. Celine McGeown, curriculum leader tourism and hospitality and industrial liaison advisor, is the person responsible for these courses.

* What does you role involve?

I am responsible for the tourism and hospitality sectors in the college. Canterbury College has its own travel agency, air cabin and two training restaurants which offer our students a realistic training environment. We have more than 200 students studying to be chefs, travel agents, hoteliers, air crew and overseas representatives.

* How did you get to this position?

I started as a travel agent for Thomas Cook, I worked in business travel, tour operations and finally for Eurostar. It has given me the opportunity to travel the world. I originally came to Canterbury to oversee the development of the CoVE project. Canterbury College has a special status as a Centre of Vocational Excellence for Travel and Tourism. The position came up to run both the hospitality and travel and tourism areas. I had worked on another project for providing training to the hospitality and tourism sectors so I applied.

* What do you enjoy about your job?

I love the variety, no one day is the same. The students are fantastic – their enthusiasm for life is infectious.

* Are there any difficult aspects to your job?

Too many to mention but nothing insurmountable!

* What professional qualifications are useful in this career?

I have an HND in Business Studies with Travel and Tourism and I am working towards my Certificate in Education. In further education most of the tutors have worked in industry which is invaluable in helping to make the teaching realistic. An industry relevant qualification would be helpful as would a teaching qualification.

* Are there personal qualities that help in this profession?

You really need to be able to empathise with young people – most of our students are 16 to 19. You need to be dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. It is hard work but the rewards are worth it.

* What would be your advice to anyone wanting to take this career path?

People think that we have an easy life with 40 days’ holiday, finish work by 5pm! A lot of our evenings and weekends are spent in preparing lessons and marking. Many of my colleagues have started out by working part-time to get a taster for what it would be like. Taking a year out to do your teacher training is an option or studying part time for your Certificate in Education but you do have to be teaching at least 60 hours to do this.