Pietsje Jellema
“Japan had been my dream destination for as long as I can remember, but I never expected it to become part of my internship. I had actually planned to stay in the Netherlands. That changed when a lecturer told me about a culinary tour company in Japan. I decided to get in touch myself and, before I knew it, I had arranged my internship on the other side of the world.”
From marketing to operations
“During my internship, I worked on both operational tasks and marketing. I was involved in bookings, internal systems, content and newsletters, and helped expand the range of tours we offered. I also really enjoyed the international environment. My colleagues came from different countries, and everyone had their own way of working and communicating. It taught me a lot about working with people from different cultures. One of the experiences I learned most from was helping set up a new travel agency. I saw first-hand how much is involved in building something from the ground up. That was when I realised that the operational side of tourism really suits me.”
Growing by stepping out of my comfort zone
“Looking back, I’m especially glad I didn’t choose the safe option. I now have a better understanding of my strengths and have more confidence in myself. I’ve learned that just because something feels scary doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Sometimes, that’s exactly when you grow the most.”
Discover Tourism Management
Want to discover where your talents lie and gain experience in the international world of tourism? Explore the Tourism Management programme and discover where your studies can take you.