Get to know our Canadian Tourism College graduates and hear what they have to say about their experience.
KELSIE MEADEN
Travel and Tourism Diploma 2014
I chose CTC because of it’s specialization in tourism and travel, and also it’s location in Vancouver.
CTC taught me the importance of being flexible in my goals, which led to me working somewhere I never thought I would, as a tour guide and then as a manager of a tour operator.
My instructor was a very easy-going guy who generally loved travel, and his experience and expertise from actually working in the travel sector helped him to be able to give real-life advice.
I am currently the manager and social media coordinator for an adventure tour company in Saskatchewan called Treeosix.
Defnitely. There’s so many programs to choose that teach you specific skills as well as overall skills in the tourism industry. It’s also well run and a has nice facilities and instructors. I love recommending CTC.
SHANNON WEATHERILL
Hospitality and Resort Business Management Diploma 2016
Currently yes, I currently work for Destinations North America, which provides third party service for the cruise season. We do the directional and check-in for all the cruise passengers for the season.
I spent a year at another college, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I decided to just do a little bit of research and combine my passion for travel, tourism and hospitality into a possible career, and I found CTC. At the time, I wasn’t interested in going through a four year program, so CTC appealed to me because you get 8 months of hands-on training, so you get the credentials but you could also be put out into the work environment which was awesome.
I liked the fact that it was small, kind of like high school in a way that there’s 30 people in one class, so I knew that it would be group work and mentality but there would be that one on one instruction sometimes that you don’t get in a bigger size class. And for me, that’s really important.
I enjoyed meeting people, you can make good contacts and maintain good connections, and I had really great instructors who made the learning experience something that I wanted to do every day. And I wanted to strive and meet my own expectations and theirs as well, because they had high expectations. But the experience that they brought to the table, and how they choose to keep in touch with you after – it’s not just an in-class relationship anymore, it’s kind of like a mentorship into the hospitality industry. I like that, that they’re willing to go the distance for people that they’ve taught.
You start at 8:30, you’re in lectures for 2-3 hours, you get a break in between, another hour of lecture, lunch, and then a couple hours of group work or project work or papers or maybe you’re working on a big assignment, like, we threw the masquerade ball, so we had to event plan and go through the logistics of that, budgeting and everything else. So you get some of that hands-on experience that you might be missing in an educational setting, that you wouldn’t get elsewhere.
I didn’t expect as much group work as there was, that was something that I had to adjust to really fast but other than that no, I liked how it was done and I liked that it was 3 days a week, it gave you the opportunity to still work, even if I wasn’t working at the time, it still gave you the opportunity to have other things besides education going on all at once, I quite enjoyed the condensed program.
Again I think it comes down to the connective part of it, it emphasized especially in the Hospitality industry how much of a network it was and how much you know, you meet this person for 5 minutes but then you could meet them again in 10 years and you can still remember each other, because you may not work together personally, but you may follow their work or see something that they’re attached to, perhaps at a different property or a different company than where you’re at so it’s kind of like “oh I was here then and here then” and now we’re here, and I find that really interesting.
I’d want to get into guest services in hotels, I’d really like to have that full-time steady position and not just seasonal work. I’m keeping my fingers crossed because I have some offers on the table I’m just waiting to hear back. So that’s that I’m really striving for, and then work my way up from there, hopefully into management.
If you are starting out younger, I would definitely look into the programs because I think it’s a little bit of a shock how condensed the program is. I know it’s always changing, but for someone going from high school to hours long lectures at a time I think it’s a bit of a shock of how the program works, and what the expectations are. But if it’s something for you and you think it’s the right fit then I would definitely recommend CTC any day. You know, it wasn’t always easy, but I don’t regret it for a minute.
NATHAN ELANDER
Flight Attendant Diploma 2015
I decided to choose CTC for the Flight Attendant Pre-Employment Diploma Program as they offered small class sizes, the schedule worked around a part-time job and the instructors are wonderful and help you hands-on individually as a student making you feel fully supported. I also really enjoyed walking in the front door every day and everyone being so positive and supportive.
With the Flight Attendant Pre-Employment Diploma Program, I really enjoyed putting myself into the day to day life of a real Flight Attendant. Learning everything from different aircraft, safety demonstrations, emergency procedures and how to deal with different passengers from around the world. I also really enjoyed the out of class field trips, getting to go to the Boeing Factory and engaging with the other students in other programs such as the tourism class and having the opportunity to go with them onto a Princess Cruise Ship that was docked in Vancouver for a tour and lunch on-board which was amazing. It was also super thrilling that the instructors come from strong backgrounds as flight attendants with big companies and have a load of knowledge and personal experiences to share.
My training at CTC helped me to produce a positive professional image to stand out among others.
I loved my instructors!!! They were always there willing to help with a smile on their face. If I was having a bad day, they always seemed to make it better. It was also really fun to go to the other campus to meet the other instructors and students. The huge amount of encouragement and support that I received I can’t even begin to put into words and I am extremely grateful for all of my instructors help and support through my journey!
I love working with Air Canada Rouge as a Flight Attendant or as they we like to call it “Rouge Crew”! My co-workers and management are so friendly, positive and outgoing. We are all about having fun and making the most of every moment.
I would MOST DEFINITELY recommend CTC to anyone that is interested in the travel and tourism industry. They are the most well known college in the area with amazing staff working for them. They will support you throughout your journey and even far after you’ve graduated. If you’re having second thoughts or doubting that you should take a program with CTC and have friends that have a current job that haven’t gone to CTC, I would and will always say to take the CTC course as it will make you stand out and it will give you a better understanding of the type of field that you are interested in getting into. I look forward to seeing you on the Alumni wall one day and hearing all about your success story from attending CTC.
OZZY GOKSEL
Hospitality Diploma 2009
CTC did a presentation at my high school and after graduation, the program offerings really stuck with me. When I went to meet with the career advisors, they were very informative about the different programs they offered and helped me make the best decision for my career.
The most enjoyable aspect of the program was our off-site activities because they gave us the opportunity to learn about the industry in real time.
CTC’s curriculum is prepared and put together by those who have experience working within the hospitality industry which makes a huge difference. I was able to learn from retired professionals who experienced life on cruise ships, aircraft, hotels etc. They taught me how to deal with every day occurrences in the work place.
My instructor, Dolores, was very knowledgeable about different aspects of the hospitality industry. Dolores was very helpful and supportive whenever new job opportunities came around and was always there to assist when needed.
I am one of the Assistant Front Office Managers at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. I have been in this position for one full year and loving every minute! There is a lot of excitement and new situations that arise daily which make the job interesting and fun all at the same time. I look forward to furthering my career more so that hopefully one day I can become a department leader.
Yes – I would recommend CTC to others. The reason being is that it was all hands-on training and you learn from industry professionals who help provide real life experiences to the classroom. All instructors were very knowledgeable and there for the students whenever they needed.
STEPHANIE SPRIGGS
Flight Attendant Diploma 2016
I chose to take the flight attendant program at CTC because I wanted to stand out from the competition and I knew that this program would prepare me for a long career as a flight attendant. I wanted to learn what it takes to become a flight attendant and expand my knowledge.
I enjoyed all of the fun field trips that we went on such as the Boeing Museum, the Vancouver Airport and ATC tower tour, and our self-awareness day in Vancouver. I enjoyed all of the friendships I made and all of the knowledge that my instructor, Leah, passed down to me. It is a very comfortable environment at CTC and the support system is huge from all of the staff and from fellow students.
It prepared me for my current job as it made the initial training (which is challenging) a lot easier. Already knowing the information prior to training for the company you get hired with helps you make the connection quicker and understand on a deeper level. Also it prepared me for the interviewing process which in turn granted me the career as a flight attendant that I have now.
I really enjoyed how my instructor Leah was very knowledgeable in the industry and very thorough with her teaching. My class loved having her as our instructor as she is so friendly and kind with great stories to share and helpful tips.
I am currently a flight attendant at Air Canada Rouge, I get to work with amazing people and fly to fun destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico City, Dublin, Japan etc.
Yes, because it offers a valuable learning experience that prepares you for a career as flight attendant.
ERICA-LYNN ANTINELLO
Hospitality and Resort Business Management Diploma 2017
CTC provided a more personal atmosphere with an intense program to help me learn the subject matter quicker than at a regular college.
I loved how great the teachers are! They do their best to help you succeed and are always so motivating.
Aside from my every day job, I am currently pursuing an independent event planner career which I found passion for at CTC
All of the teachers have different teaching methods and expertise to share. They truly want to see you succeed and help you find a career suited to you.
I am currently a program supervisor.
100%. CTC is overall an amazing school from the teachers, to the courses, to the the length of programs! I am honoured to be a graduate of CTC.
STEPHANIE MEJIA
Flight Attendant Diploma 2015
It was recommended to me by a trusted friend.
The flight attendant program was very informative if I may say it had every detail possible to prepare you for the flight attendant career, which for me it did.
The flight attendant training that I received at CTC prepared me to a professional and personal level to be aware of my surroundings and to understand the needs of others. Creating my resume was one of the highlights for me, I was able to understand how to create a short but strong history of work, which I had no experience in doing before.
The instructor was kind and understandable, she took the necessary time with all the students to clarify any misunderstood information.
In 2015 While attending CTC I applied for the Cabin Crew Position with Emirates Airline. Emirates gave me an 8 week training after I was hired by them. I was trained to operate the Airbus 380
aircraft and the Boeing 777-300/200 aircraft, as well as in Group Medical Training (GMT), Security, Professional Image, and Extended Service On Board. I have been with Emirates now for three (3) years, and looking forward to many more. I enjoy my career and it has become a passion of mine.
Attending CTC helped me develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform my best as a flight attendant in the airline of my choice.
JESSICA INZON
Hospitality Co-op Certificate 2018
Why did you choose to take your program at CTC?
I choose to take the program at CTC because it helped me in my career in the Hospitality Industry.
How did your training at CTC prepare you for your current career?
It opened a lot of opportunity for not just hotels but anything in hospitality.
What did you like about your instructor(s)?
They always support students in any way.
Tell us a bit about your current job.
I’m working now at Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver and I’m currently working there as a Banquet Server Full time.
Would you recommend CTC to others? Why?
Yes! I recommend CTC to others because CTC helped me in my goals.
