From time to time the IITS likes to showcase the work of our Master of Tourism Administration alumni who are contributing to a more sustainable world through their work. Immediately after earning her degree in 2103, Tania Curry accepted a position as an intern with the World Wildlife Fund’s Travel, Tourism, & Conservation program. A couple of months later, she was hired as a Travel Specialist.
What is the role of the WWF Travel Program?
WWF’s Travel Program aims to give people opportunities to observe the world’s diversity first hand, immersing them in nature and inspiring them to actively care about conservation. We offer trips for both members and non-members alike that educate travelers about conservation work in the field.
Which aspects of that work are you involved with?
I help coordinate and promote our nature trips, and assist as needed with special trips we organize for major donors. The program works closely with Natural Habitat Adventures to promote educational nature travel, and train and equip their guides with the latest in conservation and science research. I also contribute to Good Nature Travel and World Wildlife Magazine.
Can you tell us about any special projects you’re excited about?
We’ve been working on a project we’re calling Conservation Travel that focuses on harnessing the economic potential of the travel industry to create incentives for communities and governments to conserve wildlife and wild places and support green growth.
How did your experience in the Master of Tourism Administration program prepare you for your current work?
Through the program, I gained access to contacts and networks that I otherwise would not have found on my own. Guest lectures, events, and course projects allowed me to further explore career options. I actually found my current job while assisting with the UNWTO.Themis Foundation course, Tourism and International Cooperation for Development. The MTA summer practicum in Peru was one of my most personally rewarding courses and gave me a better understanding of the economic importance of tourism and the value of over-communicating when multiple stakeholders are involved. Finally, the experience I gained during my research assistantship with the Crow Nation helped me understand the value of capacity-building and community empowerment within tourism development.
Do you have tips for graduate students who are considering their own career paths?
Consider exploring careers that fall outside of the traditional tourism umbrella and don’t be afraid to think beyond the typical jobs you hear about most. If you’re interested in working with a smaller company and have a research or internship idea that you think may be worthwhile, don’t be afraid to pitch it to them.
[button href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/travel" style="emboss" size="medium" color="#0096d6" hovercolor="#ffffff" textcolor="#ffffff" texthovercolor="#0096d6"]Learn more about WWF’s Travel Program[/button]
