Geoff Bird says that everything he did before taking on the job of Coordinator of Tourism Programs at Capilano College provided him with the background he needed to coordinate the program and teach.
This includes stints as an entrepreneur and as a front-line tour guide, plus international development projects and government work. Geoff also received a Masters of Science and Training, with a focus on tourism, from Leicester University in England.
A Capilano College program coordinator is expected to prepare for — and teach — up to eight hours a week, as well as market the program, handle student concerns, provide career counseling and direction to graduating students, and develop new programs and workshops to meet the needs of the community. The coordinator is also responsible for managing a $100,000 budget and organizing several trips to Vietnam annually.
Geoff says that teaching gives the feeling of really making a difference by preparing students for their future careers. The continual learning required to keep up with industry trends is also rewarding. "Students participating in post secondary education are paying for the privilege of being here, and it is up to us to meet their expectations," he says.
However, there is the risk of burnout, due to coordinating a tourism program and teaching at the same time. You have to be disciplined to balance your professional and personal life, especially at the beginning of the semester when you can be working seven days a week. There is also the challenge of dealing with other faculty members, funding bodies, industry advisory groups, and potential employers for your students.
Geoff admits that the competition for teaching positions in the tourism industry has increased dramatically with the growth of tourism generally. Anyone considering a career in this field must now bring education, industry, and teaching experience to the job.
To search for tourism education and training programs, be sure to check out our Tourism Training Directory.
