Emily Howat

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name’s Emily, I live in Sunderland and I’ve always wanted to be an air hostess. I’ve been interested in travelling for a long time, I love the idea of getting out of the country and seeing the world, so I’d love to work for a company like Emirates and live and work in Dubai, or somewhere like it! I’ve been a few times before, it’s such a warm and welcoming place with really kind people! 

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day prior to starting at the College? If so, did you find it useful?

My cousin came to Newcastle College before me, so she always spoke highly of it while she studied here, and it is a really nice place! A lot of my friends from school were going to a different college, which my parents were also keen for me to go to since it’s a bit closer to home, but I didn’t want to be distracted in my lessons and I knew there’s more of a chance of that if I went elsewhere. I came to an Open Event before I came here, which was really helpful – I got the chance to speak to one of my tutors, who told me what would happen on my course, as well as how I could progress into industry after that. 

What made you decide to come to the College and enrol on your chosen course?

I want to become an air hostess and my course covers a lot of the important content I’ll need for that career path. My tutors tell me what to expect when we go into the travel industry: for example, one of my tutors teaches about safety briefs, while others share good advice from their industry background about what to do when dealing with difficult customers in the workplace.

Have you overcome any challenges while on your course? If so how has the college helped you?  

Yes, with my assignments. I have a learning disability, so sometimes I struggle if I’m given too much new information in lessons. My tutors always bear that in mind, so whenever I’m given an assignment, they make sure I’m alright with it and give me really rapid feedback on Teams if I ever have questions. Thanks to their support, I got a Merit on my first assignment, as well as additional feedback from my tutor about what I should do to get a higher grade next time.  

What do you enjoy the most about your course?

I enjoy learning about travel. I like to find out more about what it’s like to work in the travel industry, so my tutors’ years of experience in industry really shines through! I also really like how friendly the college environment is on campus, all my tutors and peers are really welcoming. 

How do you feel that the course is benefitting you?

My course is giving me a lot of ideas about what I would need to after I finish my current Level 2 course. My tutors have talked to me a lot about how to get an apprenticeship in industry, since I’m quite keen to do that next year. We’re going to the airport soon for a careers’ fair where we get to speak to different airlines and travel agencies about what it would be like to work with them, so I’m looking forward to that opportunity to network! The course has also helped me to develop my personal qualities, like my confidence – in the past, I could never speak to someone in public if I didn’t know them, even if I was just trying to order food or drink in a restaurant, but thanks to this course, now I feel ready for anything!  

What would you like to do when you finish your course? Would you consider studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

Once I finish my current course, I’d like to do an apprenticeship with Hays Travel and go into industry through them. I want to leverage those connections to get a job after that at Newcastle International Airport after that, but I don’t have a particular job in mind after that. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

Longer-term, I want to use my job at Newcastle Airport to become an air hostess with an airline, so I can continue to live at home. When I’ve done that for a few years and gained some experience, I want to go and work for Emirates and move to Dubai. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying a course with Newcastle College?

They should do it! Travel and Tourism is a really fun course to do, you’ll learn loads of new knowledge and skills that you wouldn’t normally think are a part of this industry, so you’ll always be kept on your toes! You’ll also get the experience of learning how to be a part of industry, to provide strong customer service and remain professional at all times. You wouldn’t get that kind of training or experience anywhere else! 

What are your top tips for being a student at Newcastle College?

Maintain good attendance at College – be in every day you’re meant to be, and never be late to class. 

Do your assignments on time – it’s much easier sorting out your work sooner than later! 

Stick in – you’ll only get out what you put in. 

Make friends – college isn’t just about learning, it’s about meeting new people, so don’t by shy about it!