High-flying Sam lands back at Loughborough to inspire students
A former tourism student who now works as cabin crew for a holiday giant has returned to class to help inspire the next generation of learners.
Sam George, who flies holidaymakers around the world with Tui, graduated from Loughborough College in 2017 and returned to share her experiences with current learners.
Sam has also worked for Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook since completing her Level 3 BTEC in Travel & Tourism at Loughborough College.
She shared her experiences in the industry as well as the resilience needed to succeed – especially during Covid when so many flights were grounded.
“The course gave me such a massive insight into the working world. It exposed me to the whole customer journey, from travel agents and customer service, cabin crew and even reps at destinations. That has helped me massively in the job because I know what customers’ next steps are and I can give better advice."
Sam said: “I managed to get my first job while I was still at college and my tutors really helped with referencing and, of course, the interview process.
“The course gave me such a massive insight into the working world. It exposed me to the whole customer journey, from travel agents and customer service, cabin crew and even reps at destinations. That has helped me massively in the job because I know what customers’ next steps are and I can give better advice."
“Because of the depth of the course, when I started at 18, experience cabin crew commented on how advanced my knowledge was for my age. That’s down to the teaching, the curriculum and the fact the teachers have industry experience and gave such incredible advice and insight."
“It’s worked so well for me that it’s inspired my sister to do a City and Guilds Level 3 in Travel at College. What I said to her is what I’d say to anyone interested in getting into the industry – choose Loughborough College as it gives you a massive advantage going into the profession.”
Elizabeth Gensler, a senior lecturer in the travel and tourism team, said: “Sam was brilliant. Our students were inspired by her journey and fascinated by the realities of the industry such as long hours and seasonal working.
“Sam also explained how her time at Loughborough College gave her the confidence to go through the cabin crew training and progress her career.”