Joana Michaelis

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Joana-Michaelis-tm
“My internship has given me a real glimpse into my future professional life, and it's made me excited for what’s to come”
Joana Michaelis
Tourism Management student

After a 6-month high school exchange to Australia, Joana was excited to be in another international environment. Already curious about studying Tourism Management, her mind was made up after attending an open day at NHL Stenden. The people, the learning concept, and the culture – NHL Stenden ticked all the right boxes. Joana later went on to do an internship at AVIAREPS Tourism in Munich, which gave her a real taste of what it's like to work in the sector.

“The Tourism Management degree is extremely diverse, flexible, and open. I love that I can learn so many things from other people and adapt to different cultures so easily. This openness creates a sense of belonging, which is very comforting for an international student. I also really enjoy how the programme combines tourism and management. I always say it’s 50% tourism and 50% management, which means the studies do not limit me to a future solely in the tourism industry.” 

 

The early bird lands the internship  

“I remember listening to one of the NHL Stenden podcasts on the Tourism Management channel where one of my tutors was speaking to an alumnus about his current job at AVIAREPS in Vienna – the company has offices in Munich and Stockholm as well – and it sounded really interesting, so I was intrigued to know more. Thanks to my tutor, who recommended me to the AVIAREPS HR Manager and helped me set up an online meeting to learn more about the company, I managed to secure my internship about a year in advance. Believe me, that’s extremely early!”  

 

“I've now just finished a seven-month internship as PR and Destination Marketing intern at AVIAREPS Tourism in Munich, and I've learned so much there. Honestly, I had such an incredible time, and thanks to the team, I gained experience in PR, marketing, and sales. My tasks were varied and engaging: managing the monthly travel newsletter, writing and publishing press releases for different clients, working closely with the account managers of the destination Las Vegas to organise and execute a networking event with tour operators and travel agencies, and I even supported the creation of a client proposal that led to a new business win for the company! My internship has given me a real glimpse into my future professional life, and it's made me excited for what’s to come.” 

 

In it for the long haul   

“The seven-month duration of my internship was essential, in my opinion. During my time at AVIAREPS, I was working together with two other interns who both stayed for only three months. While I'm sure they gained valuable insights into the company, I feel like my longer internship allowed me to fully integrate, participate in more activities, and take on more responsibility.” 

 

“Studying theory is one thing, but being able to apply it is even more important. Finishing my bachelor’s with real-life work experience through my internship has really helped me grow into a tourism professional. This opportunity has made me eager to keep learning and has inspired me to pursue a master’s that combines creativity, strategy, and management.” 

 

Find out more about Tourism Management on the programme’s website and read other students’ stories about their internships