This week we get to know Naomie Frederickson, Senior Recruitment Executive at C&M Travel Recruitment.
1. How long have you been in the industry, what and where was your first job?
On finishing school I spent a number of years working within the advertising and marketing industries. On returning from a Working Holiday in Canada and the UK I had the travel bug and got my first job with STA Travel in 2009. I went and saw Melissa Schembri from C&M when I was ready to make my next move in 2012, and I’ve been working for C&M ever since.
2. What’s your most amazing travel experience (one of them anyway)
Too many to mention! Bolivia is certainly up there; but I’ve done several trips all around Asia and this is by far my favourite continent to visit. The people, food, beaches and culture never cease to amaze me every time I go.
3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever done?
One of my first jobs as a student was serving ice-cream at Wendy’s! Not sure if that counts as weird though!
4. First ever country you travelled to? What was your experience like?
The first place I landed on my first overseas trip was Fiji (on-route to Canada). We booked a backpackers hostel on the Coral Coast and it was definitely an eye-opener! We moved the next night to the Sofitel in Denarau; I like my creature comforts too much!
5. Wishlist of places yet to visit?
Anywhere I haven’t been! Although India and the USA are pretty high up on that list.
6. Who was your biggest mentor/influence growing up?
I can’t say I had one major mentor or influence growing up; but I do know I talked the ear off any friend or relative who returned from an overseas trip and tried to learn as much as I could from them.
7. How has working in travel changed you?
Travel changes you in more ways than one. It opens your eyes to the beauty of the world outside your own personal bubble. Working in the travel industry, as well as in my current role (travel recruitment) is very satisfying. Whether it’s selling someone their dream trip, or placing a candidate in their dream travel role it’s great to be able to go home each night knowing you made someone’s day.
8. What’s your biggest life achievement to date?
Being able to live and work overseas has been a great life highlight. Not to mention getting married as well!
9. What’s one in-flight travel tip?
Don’t forget your headphones!
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Don’t forget about good customer service. We can sometimes get so caught up in reaching targets and KPIs, we forget that one of the most important elements and a reason someone comes back to see you is due to your good communication and customer service skills.
Getting to Know You is our good will gesture to promote the TIME program. The TIME program is focused on a Mentor/Mentee relationship that is ‘mentee-driven’. Mentors are drawn from the senior ranks of the industry and have generously volunteered their time and energy to the mentor process. They are matched to Mentees on the basis of non-conflicting business skills and experience that enables them to offer advice and perspective to the Mentee. The role of the Mentor is to hold their Mentee accountable and to offer challenging ideas that will inspire the Mentee, helping to building the individuals self confidence through praise, encouragement and constructive feedback.
If you are interested in joining TIME as a mentor or mentee visit their website
