Working abroad was a huge step, working at sea was an even bigger one. I had moments at the start, where I thought I would never pass my STCW course (sea safety, fire fighting etc, a course that is required to work at sea) I ended up having to do the course 3 times throughout my career as it has to be renewed every 5 years. I never thought at the start of my career at sea that I would become an actual uniform wearing officer. What I mean by this is an officer in a white uniform with gold stripes (Epaulettes) on my shoulders - but I did when I became the Front Office manager onboard Thomson Spirit, what a massive learning curve I did it!

If you are in the early part of your career, my advice for you would be to keep your options much wider. You will be in a better place to identify your potential as you progress in your career, much similar to a practical experience as compared to the textbook knowledge. If you are already an experienced professional then my advice would be somewhat different. You should go after the job that doesn't feel like a job but something you love doing (... and then you never have to work again, as the quote goes). One of the important factors of loving what you do is to continuously learn new things because learning expands your limit of thinking and then the ability to organically take up new challenges. My other advice to anyone on the success path is to believe in self-potential. It is possible to achieve anything but only as long as we believe in our efforts and keep trying. If we don't fail then we didn't try, so it is perfectly fine to fail so long as we learn from failures.

In today's fast-evolving business landscape, adaptability and a proactive approach to embracing change are key. Throughout my career at TUI, I've learned that innovation isn't just about using new technologies, but also about continuously challenging and reinventing our processes and strategies to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. My advice to aspiring professionals is to remain curious and open to learning. The most impactful changes often come from cross-disciplinary insights and the willingness to step out of comfort zones. Whether you are starting your career or looking to pivot into a new sector, embrace the opportunities that change brings. It's crucial to foster an environment where questioning the status quo is encouraged, and where innovative thinking is not just welcomed, but required. Additionally, always strive to connect your individual role to the larger goals of your organization. Understanding how your daily tasks contribute to the broader mission not only enhances your work's impact but also aligns your personal growth with the company’s success. This mindset has not only guided me within TUI but has also allowed me to significantly contribute to our mission of creating unforgettable travel experiences. By adopting a mindset focused on innovation and adaptability, you can make a notable difference in your career and help shape the future of your industry. Choosing TUI means embracing a path where technology, innovation, and motivation are the cornerstones of not only career success but also personal fulfillment and joy ;)