New networking group
A new networking group aims to help young tourism workers bolster their careers in the growing industry.
The Taupo Tourism Yo-Pros [young professionals]group held its first monthly breakfast at Victoria’s Cafe last Wednesday.
Organiser Holly Bowen said the group [for people under 35] wants to raise awareness of the opportunities available in the industry.
‘‘It is possible to have an awesome long-term career that can take you some amazing places,’’ she said.
Every second or third meeting would feature a guest speaker, she said.
Organiser Casey Brunsdon, sales executive at Destination Great Lake Taupo, said the group would provide social events for members too.
‘‘It might be movie nights, it might be golf tournaments, but we’ll see how we go,’’ he said.
Socialising at club events could even help members further their careers, Brunsdon said.
‘‘Thinking back to early in my tourism career, there were times when you’d walk into a meeting with your boss – you wouldn’t know anyone and it’d be really daunting – and you’d be ‘the awkward guy next to your boss’,’’ he said.
‘‘Now these guys can walk into a meeting and say, ‘Aw, I know half these people’. So they can be the ones introducing their bosses to other people in the industry.’’
* For more information about Taupo Tourism Yo-Pros email holly@tts.net.nz
‘‘Now these guys can walk into a meeting and say, 'Aw, I know half these people'.’’ Casey Brunsdon