Q&A with past HNC/D International Travel and Tourism student, George Johnson

Q.Tell us how you came to study at NSCG.

I initially came to a college open day not really knowing what I wanted to do. I didn't want to do A-Levels because there wasn't any subjects I particularly enjoyed at school. I have been lucky enough to travel quite a lot as a child and thought the Level 3 Travel and Tourism course would suit me, and so I decided to enrol on that course. I am so glad that I did! I successfully completed the course with a triple Distinction and I then decided to further my studies and progress onto the HNC/D in International Travel and Tourism.

Q.How did the course motivate you to think about your future career?

The biggest motivation for me at college was the amazing trips that we were lucky enough to go on with NSCG. Over the four years at college, I went on various trips to Liverpool, London, Paris, Disney, a cruise, New York and Iceland amongst others. I had so many amazing experiences and this gave me a real passion for travel and a career in this exciting industry.

Q.How has the course change your life and your career so far?

The course and the teaching staff gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the travel industry. The team were so supportive and helped me with my interview preparation to go up against over 30,000 other candidates who applied for Cabin Crew positions with such a prestigious company. I was so happy to be successful and loved working for the airline.

Q.Flying around the world must be an amazing experience, but what is the best part of the job for you?

Travel is something I've always been interested in and at some point in my life, regardless of what job I was going to have, I wanted to travel the world. I get such a buzz from going to new destinations and exploring places not many people get to go to in their lifetimes. It is so nice being able to tell friends and family about destinations I have been to and make recommendations to them for holidays. I love interacting with customers and sharing the experiences I have with them on my flights.

Q.And what has been your biggest reward so far in your career?

Flying to so many amazing destinations is fantastic and so far I have visited 62 different countries. I have been lucky enough to visit Dubai, Sydney, San Diego and The Bahamas, which I must say are my favourite destinations. On a professional level, working as Cabin Crew has really sparked my interest in flying and I am currently half way through my private pilot's license and I hope to apply for the RAF in the near future. Hard work really pays off!

Q.What would you say to other people in your position who are looking to study Higher Education at NSCG?

Go for it! Take as much advice from your lecturers as possible because they are industry experts and have a huge amount of knowledge. Work hard and use all available resources the college has to offer. I would also advise students to really work at managing their time efficiently. Handing in work early gives your lecturer time to proof read your work and time to give you any advice before the final submission date.

Are you inspired by George's story? Click to find out more about the HNC in International Travel and Tourism.