Did you have the very good fortune to get your hands on a ticket to the Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) graduation & induction shindig in Sydney recently? It was quite something.
The event at Four Seasons Sydney was typical of a TIME gathering, with program graduates, mentors, mentees, sponsors and members of the mentorship’s Board and Committee rubbing shoulders, networking and enjoying the good times the program is famous for.
“Our graduation events are always uplifting,” Program Founder, Penny Spencer said.
“We celebrate the individual journeys taken through TIME’s tailored six-month program. The stories told by the graduates themselves are fascinating, funny and often emotional. It reminds us all about the value of the program and that no two experiences through it are the same.”
Grads and Mentors of TIME’s 31st program intake in Sydney.
Special guest speaker on the night was Libby Roy, Managing Director of TIME scholarship sponsor, PayPal Australia. In her role, Libby sits on the Australian board and serves as an executive committee member of the PayPal Core Markets leadership team.
Emily Porter networking up a storm at the event.
Libby reminded the crowd that every experience in your career is valuable and that it’s important to focus on what learning and development you can take from your current role rather than worrying too much about the ‘destination’.
PayPal’s Libby Roy addresses the gathering at Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney.
“Mentoring is incredibly valuable and people should have a number of mentors that can help in different areas,” Libby said.
“At the same time, it is important to realise that engaging with a mentor is a ‘two-way street’ and you need to come prepared with the areas you are grappling with and be prepared to listen to the feedback – even if it is not what you want to hear.”
Holly Nation and Mentor, Bernadette Dennis, making the most of the pre-event professional development workshop.
Penny Spencer agreed.
“Our Mentors role hold their Mentees accountable, offer challenging ideas and inspiration, new ways of thinking, as well as building Mentee self-confidence through encouragement and constructive feedback.”
Graduate Oso Adinugroho relates his experience of the mentoring program.
PayPal’s inaugural TIME scholar, Stephanie Cowdroy, took her place in TIME’s 32nd intake and will graduate on 10 April. TIME’s 34th group enters the program on that same date, and leading Australian travel insurance provider, Cover-More, has generously committed to fully-fund a placement in it.
Stephanie Cowdory, Emily Soden, Breeanna Perez and Emma Rebello.
Travel-tourism-hospitality professionals are encouraged to follow the mentorship on Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up to date with what’s going on inside the industry’s premier career accelerator.
For more information, visit the website or contact Program Manager, Marie Allom at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au