Ireland
Focus on Sarah’s travel consultant career at Carlson Wagonlit Travel
From just one day a week to fifteen years of loyal service, Sarah made the switch from leisure to business travel and has never looked back...
“CWT has been able to offer me flexible working hours, which really helps me manage a healthy work/life balance as a busy working mum of two.”
In one sentence, I would describe my job as:
Very busy and challenging, but it makes the day fly by!
The first thing I do when I get into work is:
Check my emails and catch-up with my team. I always deal with anything urgent first and then work through each enquiry.
The best thing about working at Carlson Wagonlit Travel:
My colleagues - I’ve worked with most of them for years and we all support each other. It’s a great working atmosphere.
Top 3 highlights at Carlson Wagonlit Travel so far:
1. Winning the Best Corporate Travel Agency Award at the Irish Travel Industry Awards in 2011.
2. Being responsible for managing the travel requirements of some of Ireland’s top executives.
3. Reaching 15 years of service at CWT and being invited to the Long Service Awards gala dinner.
Most challenging aspect of my job:
Because I have such a varied job, multi-tasking and meeting all of our service level agreements is probably the most challenging part of my day-to-day role.
My path to success goes something like this:
After studying travel and tourism I started doing work experience at CWT one day a week. It was great news when I was offered a full-time position as an administration assistant. My ambition was to be a travel consultant, so I trained as a leisure travel consultant and made the move to business travel consultant soon after.
What I’ve learnt and how I’ve developed:
- Things move fast in this industry! While I was on maternity leave CWT implemented a new reservations system, which made coming back to work a little daunting. I had no reason to be worried though, as once I got the hang of it, it was like I’d never been away.
- When I worked in leisure travel, I always assumed that corporate travel would be much more difficult. However, I soon realised that corporate travel is in fact much easier as corporate clients know what they want, making things much more straight forward.
My favourite/most memorable travel destination:
Australia. I was selected to go on a familiarisation trip with CWT with some of my colleagues a few years ago. When that sort of thing happens you realise what a great company you’re working for and the amazing opportunities that exist.
When I’m not working at Carlson Wagonlit Travel:
I love nothing more than coming home and spending time playing with my two young children. It certainly helps to distract me from any issues I’ve had during the day.
If you’re thinking of working at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, I’d say:
If you’re looking to join a busy and friendly team that is innovative and rewarding, join CWT Ireland.
‘‘I have worked with Sarah for over ten years. She is a great colleague who is always willing to answer any questions from TTS administration in detail and with great understanding. I have formed a fantastic relationship with Sarah and am thankful to CWT for bringing us together, both as work colleagues and as lifelong friends.’’
Lisa, TTS Administration department, CWT Ireland
You too can work for CWT
If you’re looking for career progression at a fun and friendly workplace, join Ireland’s leading travel management company.
Read about more CWT jobs
You too can work for CWT
If you’re looking for career progression at a fun and friendly workplace, join the UK’s leading travel management company.