by Susan Hughes
It's the rare bird who doesn't dream of travelling to foreign countries p; or even pine for a cross-Canada jaunt. But holidays always seem to end too soon, and besides, there's that very real problem of the green stuff. Travel is becoming increasingly expensive, both within the country and without. Wouldn't it be just great to be able to travel without any expenses? Or, better yet, get paid to do it?
Many young people hold that thought for about as long as it takes to come to the end of the sentence, and then it's gone. But before you dismiss it, take some time to consider your options.
A career in travel, to some, conjures up only one image: travel agent. Sure, that's one way to get around, but if it doesn't appeal to you - don't despair. First consider the type of work you want to be doing and then try to see if you can wrap some travel time around it.
Some skills are valuable in any country. Pursue a career in the medical profession or in any number of technical fields and many countries will welcome you with open arms. If you want to work in a specific country, check with that country's embassy here in Canada. It should be able to tell you what types of skills are currently in short demand in that country. But remember that times change. By the time you are qualified in that area, your services may no longer be in such demand, so be sure to hitch your wagon to something you will enjoy no matter where you end up.
Many jobs do not require you to travel, but travel can be available as part of the job to those who wish to pursue it. Interested in business or sales? Many business people or salespeople are required to travel quite extensively - within a local area, a province, or out of the country. If you are interested in servicing or training others in the use of computer hardware or software or other technological instruments, your job could take you around far afield. Wherever they go, you go. Pick a product that is sold internationally and the world could be your oyster.
Photographers and reporters might travel to pursue a story, models or actors can be sent far afield for location shoots, and musicians often travel to popularize their work. A career in the sports world as a player, manager, coach, or scout could involve you in trips p; by bus or plane p; ad infinitum.
Careers in human resources, agricultural projects, and ecotourism all could potentially involve packing your bag for the wide blue yonder.
The list of careers involving some amount of travel is endless. Just. remember: identify your broad interests and then watch for that travel angle. With a little imagination, you'll be spreading your wings and taking off into that no-flies-on-you career in no time.
Booking Ahead! Before you can get your head in the clouds, you need to get your head into the books.
A valuable resource book for students interested in work and travel abroad is: What in the world is going on? Updated regularly, it is available at bookstores or contact: Canadian Bureau for International Education, 85 Alberta Street, Suite 1400, Ottawa, Ontario KlP 6A4
Another recent book worth checking into is: Flying high in travel: An insider's guide to careers in travel by Karen Rubin (Wiley, New York, 1992.)