Tourism as a career, not a last resort

What do you want to study? Every young adult has been asked this dreaded question numerous times. And what pressure it is for a person at that age, having to decide what to study. Doctor, engineering, electrician, accountant... so many different areas. What else is there if you do not have the aptitude for any of these? What happens if you do not have the funds for an expensive tertiary education?

Tourism? Well, let’s do that.

Tourism is such an integrated part of the Namibian economy that should not be the last option, but rather should be considered right from the start.

During the horrific Covid-19 years, not only did Namibia but also the world realise what an essential role tourism plays in the economy. Wholesalers could not sell their produce, fuel stations could not fill up the rental vehicles, the curio shops and street vendors were nonexistent, and restaurant tables remained empty. Never mind the many many tourism establishments and operators who directly employ countless Namibians.

The question now remains: How do you get into tourism?

There are as many different ways as there are careers. Studying tourism and hospitality or doing a vocational course is certainly a start. These courses will give you a background in the general industry or a specific vocation.

They will give you a better understanding of business in general. No doubt about this. However, in tourism, experience is often valued more than qualifications.

A tour guide, for example, can learn all the flora and fauna and know the stars and everything under it. If the guide cannot handle the guests, all the knowledge could be lost. The only way anyone learns how to deal with guests, especially foreign ones, is through experience. This gives you the knowledge and the courage to handle any situation or any guest confidently.

The only way you build up the experience is by working. And it does not matter in which area of the tourism sector you started in. Experience is experience. Start as an intern, as a jack of all trades, as a general worker, as an assistant to someone – grab any position you can.

Once you have your foot in the door and can start learning and growing, talent and aptitude will be recognised - not only by your employer but also by yourself. And before you know it, you have found your passion, your mission in life and a career to go with this.

So, my advice to every young adult, is this: Consider tourism as a career and do not think any job is beneath you as experience counts and this will grow you into an invaluable asset for any company.