Commercial School Leaver - TUI UK Review

My role is 'Cruise Destination Services Assistant'. In a nutshell, this is the overall set-up and management of the shore excursions Thomson Cruises offer our customers. This includes set-up of new destinations and deployment areas, pricing excursions, getting them set-up online, working closely with our team onboard, payment to our suppliers, creating marketing materials... Anything and everything shore excursion related comes through us, and there's never a shortage of things to do. In this role you are continuously thinking and working on the current season we are in whilst also preparing for future seasons and developments.

My excel skills have developed a great deal since working here and in this role, and so have my email skills – You don’t really realise how much we rely on them until you start working here, and just how quickly your email box will become full if you don’t have your filing system down. I have also had the opportunity to learn about other areas of the business which interest me.

Whilst I was on the scheme I enjoyed it - I have since graduated from the scheme, but I still very much enjoy the team I work in and the company I work for. I didn't know what to expect when starting the scheme of course, but I wasn't disappointed.

My line manager has got to be one of the best and I feel lucky to be in her little team! She is very supportive of me and always makes you feel appreciated. People here are also really quite forthcoming with recognition, be it a nice email or a nomination for a £20 voucher just to say thank you.

There is support from day 1 on the scheme, which is always a good start, and the support continues for the duration. The organisation of the scheme has really come together now and is in a really good place for new starters.

On the scheme you will be assigned a 'buddy', who acts as a soundboard for you and catches up regularly with you to check on how things are going. Your buddy is usually a previous school leaver, so somebody who knows exactly what you’re going through. Later on in the scheme you also become assigned to a mentor (should you wish to be), who is somebody that has a lot of knowledge and insight to the business and so is in a great position to lend some great advice. If you ever need support, it's always given without hesitation.

Again, the support I receive from my manager is unparalleled (in my opinion, but I’m sure loads of people think this about their own manager!) My mentor is very supportive of me as well and will always make time for me which is great.

My salary suits my current lifestlye at the moment - Only being 21 and so still living at home, it is the perfect opportunity to save. (And of course when the urge occurs, have a bit of a splurge).

We receive quite a few benefits outside of work such as reduced gym membership deals and reduced cinema ticket prices; the company usually has at least one big event each year such as a Christmas or summer party. Conferences are usually held within one of our destinations or on one of our cruise ships which is always a great bonus. The company also has a lot of charity events happening regularly which is great to get involved with.

Yes

TUI is a great company to work for and such a people company. They are such a giant in the travel industry - If you want to work in the industry then I'd say here is a good place to start.

My advice would be to do your research - Never go in to an interview blind, you're setting yourself up for failure if you do. Make sure it's a company you genuinely would like to work for; this will naturally come across in your interview. Draw on any and all experience you can, whether it be from a previous job or outside activities etc. Best piece of advice I can give however is to be yourself. Cliché but true.