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New Career in Tourism

Terrilynn Andrew has been working at the Visitor Information Center in the Halifax International Airport since 1991. Prior to working at the airport, Terrilynn was a retail manager for 14 years at two local boutique stores. When the boutiques eventually closed down, Terrilynn applied for the position of a Travel Counsellor at the Visitor Information Center within the airport. Within six months she was promoted to Supervisor.

Terrilyn believes that she was recognized and promoted because she really loved her new job in tourism and was able to give all her best to it. Work was not a daily chore that she had to attend to, but pleasure and fun.

Career in Tourism is Enjoyable

Terrilyn enjoys her shift work of 11 hours per day three days on and three days off in rotation. Having three days off allows her to spend more time with her family and participate in her children’s school activities more actively. She says she even has time for herself, something she really appreciates.

Employees at the Visitor Information Center who report to Terrilyn find her a great manager to work with. They feel they can always talk to Terrilynn, she makes their workplace enjoyable. They look forward to going to work and have fun working.

Terrilynn believes that raising a family and having a career in tourism is an excellent choice. She emphasizes that tourism is a great field to work in. She says tourism is a very positive environment to work in. Working in tourism gives you a chance create happy positive experiences for people, and Terrilynn finds it very gratifying.

Terrilynn loves her work, she loves her team, and hopes that more people would join the tourism sector.

Terrilynn on the Importance of Certification

In 2004, Terrilynn was one of the first in Nova Scotia to receive her emerit certification as a Tourism Supervisor.

Terrilynn confesses that prior to taking the Tourism Supervisor Certification course, she was a little intimidated about the program. However, she was determined to enhance her professional abilities and improve her skills as a supervisor. As soon as the opportunity to enroll in the tourism supervisor certification course presented itself, Terrilyn acted on it and took the course.

According to Terrilynn, the Tourism Supervisor Certification course was very informative. She explains that when you pick and chose various parts from the program and apply the techniques from the course to the responsibilities of a supervisor, the results become very effective.

Terrilynn was so happy with the results of her own certification program that she ensured all of her full-time staff are emerit certified Tourism Visitor Information Counsellors.

Tania Sampson’s Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor Certification

Tania Sampson is one of Terrilynn’s full-time staff. Tania got certified in 1995, becoming the second person in Nova Scotia to receive the Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor certification.

Terrilynn is noticeably pleased to report that travelers, people who work in the airport as well as other supervisors often tell her that she has the most professional staff they have ever encountered. Terrilynn believes that professional certification is one of the reasons for her staff’s exceptional service.

Terrilyn thinks that certification gives employees a sense of accomplishment, recognition, and pride. Her employees are proud to put their pins on their uniform.

Terrilynn on the Importance of Knowing the Standards

Terrilynn posted Occupational Standards for the Travel Counsellor on the wall in the Visitor Information Center. She believes that knowing what the standards for your occupation are is very important. Following the standards means trying to be the best you can be at your job, and that is very important.

Terrylinn was the first person in their department to become certified. When she shared her opinion about the certification program, her manager did not take long to act on this information. She communicated to other supervisors at the department that they too have an opportunity to join the certification program and that they should address any questions they may have to Terrilynn.

Terrilynn smiles remembering how she had received a few emails and phone calls from her colleagues and supervisors who seemed hesitant and intimidated about the certification program. Terrilyn recommends: if you have an opportunity, do it, enroll in a certification program. Become certified!

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