Tourism Victoria Mentorship Program
Sep 26, 2012
(News Release) VICTORIA – In celebration of World Tourism Day, Tourism Victoria is announcing the establishment of the Tourism Victoria Mentorship Program created in partnership with key Greater Victoria education partners to support the next generation of tourism professionals
“Tourism Victoria knows that the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow and we are committed to nurturing and supporting students,” says Trina Mousseau, director of destination marketing at Tourism Victoria. “The Tourism Victoria Mentorship Program is designed to provide new opportunities to students that are shaping the future of tourism in Victoria.”
These opportunities include on the job training, face time with senior staff, scholarships, and a case competition to help foster continued success.
Internships
Tourism Victoria’s Intern Program offers two intern positions per year. Internships can be available in any of the following departments: Destination Marketing, Finance and Operations, Sales or Visitor Services. Internship dates and times are completely flexible to match the students’ educational commitments.
Outreach
Senior Tourism Victoria staff are committed to being available as a classroom resource and for informational interviews as requested. Students and professors can email to request an interview or classroom participation. Tourism Victoria will also host Tourism Victoria Google+ Hang Outs two times per year where up to nine students can have an online chat with President and CEO, Rob Gialloreto.
Scholarships
Tourism Victoria, in conjunction with the B.C. Hospitality Foundation, is offering a scholarship package of $2,500 presented to a student enrolled in one of the ten recognized hospitality programs in B.C. that demonstrates a true commitment to the local industry. Each year the award rotates between Royal Roads University, University of Victoria, and Camosun College.
Case Competition
This year, Tourism Victoria is initiating a Mentorship Challenge case competition for students at Royal Roads University. Selected student teams will be given the opportunity to pitch a summer campaign that could run in Tourism Victoria’s key markets from May to July 2013.
“Tourism Victoria’s Mentorship Challenge creates a comprehensive and special industry and education partnership framework; it will offer our learners the chance to participate in a real way with a destination marketing organization,” says Rebecca Wilson-Mah, Assistant Professor, Royal Roads University, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. “We thank Tourism Victoria for working with us to support and inspire our industry’s future leaders.”
Tourism Victoria’s Mentorship Program starts on November 1, 2012 and Tourism Victoria hopes it will become a long-standing tradition for the benefit of students, educators and the tourism industry for years to come.