You’ve heard of it & you may know it comes with an epic prize (previously, an NYC trip) but what you may not understand about the Avis Scholarship is…
… how it can fast-track your career.
Winner of the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship from 2003, Michelle Ashcroft, told KARRYON that although she’s always been driven to challenge herself, she never quite expected the push and opportunities the Scholarship delivered.
Over the last 15 years, Michelle said she’s carried a confidence, most of which emerged after winning, that’s “opened doors to people and opportunities on a national scale” that helped her move up from Travel Agent to agency General Manager.
Read on for more of what she had to say:
How would you say you felt about your career before winning the scholarship?
I have always loved my career and have been motivated to push myself and take my team with me. The Avis Scholarship was an opportunity to test and challenge myself against the industry’s best; I loved every minute of it. I always had the fire in my belly for progression and had the support of those around me to create the opportunity.
How did your attitude towards your career shift after winning?
Michelle (3rd from the right) with 2014 winner, Jodie Gonzales.
The award built my confidence and opened doors to people and opportunities on a national scale, which excited me and certainly grew my hunger to further grow my career.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen to your career since winning?
It has been a long time since I won, so over the last 15 years, I have continued to climb in my career and progress into my role of General Manager.
Do you think these changes would have happened without the scholarship?
I do, but perhaps not as quickly. I have always had the belief and support from those around me to build my career, the Avis Scholarship opened doors quicker, created opportunities to build relationships, network, and learn from external sources.
One of the positive aspects of winning is the quarterly Avis meetings – what do you receive from these?
The quarterly meetings are an opportunity to discuss industry issues at large and hear views from all sectors, be it an airline, wholesale, retail or corporate.
This creates understanding for each board member on all angles to make educated decisions on the future. As an Avis Scholarship winner, you learn through listening and asking questions at these meetings and networking with them.
It is also an opportunity to put forward your view from the desktop, which as a board member is always interesting and refreshing to hear.
What advice do you offer to industry professionals considering applying for the Avis Scholarship?
I thoroughly recommend backing yourself and applying to the Avis Scholarship. Enjoy the ride while making the most of every opportunity it brings. If you do apply, give it everything!
Do you think there’s anything else in the industry like it?
There are other scholarships and opportunities, but the Avis Scholarship is unique in that it is based on customer service and does not relate to Avis sales or your company’s relationship with Avis. The award continues to evolve and is now focused on technology as an important element of the future to support the customer service experience.
The prize also really focuses on supporting the consultant’s future through mentoring, conferences and networking opportunities, as well as being on the board for a year. A prize money can’t buy.
Where do you think your career would be right now without the scholarship?
I think my position would be the same, but I wouldn’t have had the same experiences, relationships or opportunities the Avis Scholarship brought me. I certainly wouldn’t take it back!
Click here for more information on the 2018 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship. You have until Friday, 12 October to apply.
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