Travel Business Management—FAQs

What type of jobs exist in the travel industry?
Customer service representatives, reservation sales and service representatives, flight attendant, meeting planners, and convention planners, cruise assistants, cruise support staff, cruise directors, corporate travel consultant, leisure travel consultant, corporate travel manager, outside sales/independent contractors, home-based agent, tour escort, director of operations, director of sales and marketing guest services manager, station agent, conductor, counter agent, shuttle driver, ramp agent, mechanic, fleet manager, director of tourism, information officer, director of event services, event coordinator, incentive travel specialist, tour coordinators, document agent, incentive travel specialist, adventure tour owner, adventure tour guide, and many more.

Are there still jobs after 9/11?
Granted, 9/11 has had a devastating effect on the travel industry, but it has recovered nicely. The entire industry is booming and has surpassed pre-9/11 figures. Given our free market economy, companies without good strategic planning and excellent business models found themselves struggling and even closing post 9/11. The good news is, the strong companies survived. Many job opportunities for travel professionals are available and will continue to grow as the baby boomers retire and fulfill their dreams of traveling and experiencing the world over the span of the next 20 years.

Will the Internet replace travel agents?
Certainly, the Internet has affected each and every one of our jobs and the quality of our personal life, so too with the travel industry. The Internet has simply changed the way we do business. Travel information no longer resides with those who work in the travel industry. Travel information is available to anyone who has a computer, internet service, and lots of time on their hands. Consumers usually research their destinations on the Internet, but make the booking with a travel agent or airline. Consumers need and want the assurance of a travel professional that they are making the right choice. Not all travel products are created equal. They may look the same on the Internet, but there are unique differences known only to those who work in the industry. The travel professionals of the future need to specialize. They need to know more about the travel product and the destination than their clients. The travel professionals of the future need to be computer and Internet literate. They need to know how and where to access information for their client in the most efficient manner. They also need to know how to listen and ask questions, in order to discover their clients dreams. These travel consultants of the 21st century, the ones we are training at Moraine Valley Community College, will not only survive, they will thrive! 

What jobs require a travel-tourism certificate or A.A.S. degree?
Because travel jobs are very desirable, the employers can pick and choose at will. Most positions require candidates possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through a comprehensive and job-preparing travel-training program. 

May I obtain college credit for my job experience in the travel & tourism field?
If you have practical experience, you may want to participate in Moraine Valleys Achieved Prior Learning program. Available to currently enrolled students through the Alternative Learning Program (708-974-5710). You would review the course description and competencies to determine which courses would be assessed. A faculty member then conducts an evaluation and decides if credit will be granted. 

May I receive multiple certificates along with the A.A.S. degree?
Some students pursue the certificates and degree concurrently to ensure employment upon completion. With careful course selection and direction from the Academic Advising staff on campus in S201 (708-974-5721), you can achieve both the certificates and the A.A.S. degree.

How long will it take to complete the program?
That depends on you! If you are a full time student carrying 15 hours +, you will be able to complete a certificate in two semesters, and the A.A.S. degree in four semesters. If you are a part-time student, it will take longer.

Can I transfer course credit into the program?
Travel-Tourism coursework from other community colleges or four-year schools may be transferred into the program. The staff of Admissions (S103) facilitates this process.

Is financial aid available?
Information regarding grants and scholarships is available for Financial Aid (708-974-5343, Room S107).

Does the program include an internship experience?
An optional part of Moraine Valleys traveltourism studies program is the internship component, which allows you to gain valuable experience through a firsthand view of the travel industry while also earning college credit. You will work 200 hours during the semester, as well as meet in a weekly seminar to discuss your experience and research issues in the field.

Our interns work with airlines, travel agencies, cruise agencies, hotels, car rental agencies, tour operators, tourist offices, and meeting planning organizations. If accepted, our students also have the opportunity to work for the Disney Corporation at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

To be eligible for the traveltourism internship, student must have a B or above grade point average in all travel courses, plus the student needs coordinator permission in order to register for the class. Students applying for the internship are expected to apply the semester before the internship, in order that a site be located that matches the students interest and geographic location.

By participating in an internship, you will make strong professional contacts and form concrete career goals. For application and information on the internship, contact:
Mary Beth Walsh, Associate
Professor & Coordinator
Travel Business Management Program
Moraine Valley Community College
(708) 974-5569
walsh@morainevalley.edu

How do I apply for a certificate or an A.A.S. degree?
The semester before the completion of the required courses, or before the posted graduation petition deadline.

Im earning a certificate; can I attend Moraine Valleys graduation ceremony?
Of course, youve worked hard and youre proud of your accomplishment. We here at Moraine Valley are justifiably proud, as well. Graduation takes place once a year during the month of May. All students who have earned a certificate or degree during the spring semester or any semester prior to last years graduation are welcome to participate in graduation.

More information about the Travel Business Program