Natalie Dixon Tenerife International Management Experience

May 2014.

Tenerife May 2014

Christopher Hurst I loved the work experience in Tenerife as it gave me a real insight into Spanish culture and what it’s like to live and work away from home. I didn’t think I could do it and now I’ve developed my independence and the ability to think on my feet. This experience has helped me gain a position as an Overseas Representative with Thomas Cook this summer. The placement in Tenerife definitely gave me the confidence and determination to see something through. I also gained team working skills that I am going to need in my new role this summer.

Sophie Higginson

Following my degree I am currently studying my PGDE at the University of Bolton. Participating in the Tenerife work experience project was one of the hardest things I have done as I felt lonely and isolated at times because I found the language barrier difficult in the work place. I am really glad I did it now as I feel a real sense of achievement! Now I have had the experience in different areas of hotel management and developed my resilience which will serve me well in my studies and future teaching career.

Rebecca Powell

I really enjoyed my time in Tenerife and it helped being supported by the team. I got the opportunity to work in many different areas within the hotel and to explore the island. I am now able to put my passion for travel and my resort knowledge into practice working for Thomas Cook. It is a great advantage to have first hand knowledge and experience of the Island of Tenerife as before I went I didn’t realise how different north and south Tenerife were and this helps me in my job now. I also have an understanding of how the hotel industry operates.

Christina ApplebeeSuccessfully completed her placement and is currently working in the hospitality and catering sector whilst seeking a career in the Event Industry.

Mudassar Raja Although Mudassar returned to the UK for personal reasons during his placement he completed his studies successfully and has now secured a career with British Airways as a Customer Service Agent at their office in Manchester.

Faisal Zafar“I totally embraced every opportunity the Tenerife placement gave me and really enjoyed being one of the hotel team. I did extra duties and shifts when necessary and even helped out in hotel maintenance as well as in the kitchen. As a fluent German speaker I was able to develop my existing language skills and practice my Spanish. My confidence has developed as the hotel management recognised my enthusiasm and rewarded me with more and more opportunities and responsibility. I am currently seeking a graduate scheme and have registered with employment agencies who specialise in travel recruitment as I’d like to work for an International organisation.”

Bryony Billington Bryony was able to undertake her first ever work experience placement. She hopes to return to education and study her PGDE when her youngest son is able to go to nursery. Currently she is enjoying her time with her new baby son.