Alumna Chloe Griffin graduated in 2014 with a degree in Events Management and Tourism. At the end of the month, Chloe will be a guest speaker at the Tourism Management Institute (TMI) Convention in Manchester, which is also being attended by current second year Tourism students at the University. Chloe is on the panel for the Destination Futures session at the convention. In this week’s blog, she tells us more about her career since graduating…
“Over three years ago I left the University of Chester with hopes of one day getting my dream job as a Tourism Officer. This is a role I never expected to get but somehow I have achieved!
“When I left University, I worked as an Events Manager in a local well-known hotel and thought I had landed well on my feet… After some weeks in my position though, I decided hotel-ran events were not for me, and I wanted to do something more creative.
“I resigned from the hotel and took some time out to figure out my next move. I wrote to various tourism businesses across the North West, and found myself a position as a Marketing and Events Consultant for an independent award winning travel agent in North Wales. This was a great opportunity to work in a small team where I could work closely with the owners to shape the business’ promotion and reach new customers in new ways. I was also able to network within the industry with airlines, accommodation providers and attractions. I was even given the opportunity to travel to Florida on a ‘Fam trip’ sponsored by Virgin Atlantic and Sea World Attractions.
“I really enjoyed working there and it was a great way of learning new skills and building my confidence for when that dream job popped up back in my home county!
“I applied for the role of Tourism Officer not expecting to get a response, but to my surprise I was offered an interview and then the job! So I packed my bags and moved back to Norfolk, leaving my life in North Wales behind.
“Now I work as a Tourism Officer at Broadland District Council; a local authority within Norfolk, and one of few councils in the UK still investing in a Tourism Officer role. This role is very rare now, but my interest in this type of role began whilst I was at University learning about the regeneration of destinations. I am passionate about using tourism to rejuvenate locations, provide new facilities and more jobs.
“My role is varied and a lot of my work is self-generated by research and suggesting ideas within the community. I give business support to tourism businesses and community groups, work on long term projects to improve local spaces, and organise events and marketing campaigns. I really enjoy seeing an organisation succeed in what they want to do and providing activities for both visitors and residents.
“This month I will be attending and speaking at the Tourism Management Institute (TMI) Convention for professionals and students in destination management. I will be talking about my role and what skills are required, particularly focusing on the importance of communication skills. I am really excited to give insight to students considering their career choices, and also to exchange ideas with colleagues in the industry. I hope to see lots of new faces and get some new ideas on how I can improve tourism in my district.
“I couldn’t be happier with my choice to study at the University of Chester. The excellent staff and services were so useful in helping me to excel in the profession I am in today.”
Take a look at Chloe’s blog by clicking here [https://misschloegriffin.wordpress.com/]. You can also find Chloe on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-griffin-86304a50].
If you would like to contribute to our alumni blog as a guest blogger, please email alumni@chester.ac.uk or message us on social media.
