It’s hard work and it will definitely put you out of your comfort zone, but the benefits of the AVIS Travel Agent Scholarship is well worth the effort, according to past winners.
Not just one winner, but at least four previous recipients who were in Sydney to launch 2016 applications this week, concur that receiving the Scholarship has boosted their career.
2015 winner and MTA Member, Belinda van Tholen said from the moment she started researching the award to the moment she was announced winner, she saw it as an “amazing opportunity” to reevaluate her current position and plan where she wants to be in the future.
“Opportunity – that’s the word that was jumping out to me the whole way. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
Belinda van Tholen, MTA Memeber and 2015 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship recipient
“I saw it as a once in a lifetime chance to improve my business and take a look at processes and see where I want to go, how to move to the next level.”
Tholen explained that in the six months since being named the 2015 winner, she’s been on a whirlwind journey of learning and development and can safely say that the Scholarship has resulted in many new opportunities.
“That was the day everything changed for me and changed for my career,” she said.
“It’s been an absolute game changer what’s happened in the six months since coming on board. It’s been amazing to learn how a professional board runs and see another side to the industry.
“I also recently returned from a trip to New York with Qantas and that was incredible.”
Now in its 20th year, Avis plans on celebrating the success of the Scholarship in a big way and is hoping to round up all past winners.
Avis Travel Industry Manager Russell Butler said the company has managed to track down all but one former recipient and is aiming to unite them at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney where this year’s winner will be announced on 8 November.
Applications for this year’s Scholarship opened this week, with Agents invited to submit before the 29 August 2016 closing date.
Finalists will be revealed on 26 September 2016 and the final judging day will be held in November.
This year’s winner will have to demonstrate to judges that they consistently provide and understand the value of exceptional customer service.
In addition to receiving valuable knowledge, the winner will receive an educational and travel-related prize package valued at more than $40,000 and included two return Qantas Business Class flights to New York; six nights’ accommodation in Manhattan; seven days car rental from Avis; and appointments with senior executives at Avis World Headquarters in New Jersey.
There’s also a scholarship to study at Southern Cross University with financial support of up to $8,000; 12 months’ individual membership of Cruise Lines International Association (Australasia); two tickets to attend Cruise3sixty Australasia in Sydney in 2017; a Polonious Resources Personal Profile, Feedback Session and on-call personal/professional coaching for 12 months; and two tickets to the 2017 National Travel Industry Awards Gala Dinner in Sydney.
Click here to register your details.