Catching up with BSAP finalists and winners to find out how their careers in travel and tourism have taken off!
Arjet Shazi, BSAP 2022, Manager for Port Agency and Shore Excursion in Vancouver, Destinations North America
Tell us about your career, what you are doing now and why you love what you do?
Currently, I am the Manager for Port Agency and Shore Excursion in Vancouver for Destinations North America. My role focuses on operational coordination and planning for cruise port calls and shore excursion logistics, ensuring smooth execution behind the scenes as well as guest and customer interaction as needed. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the tourism and cruise industry, where no two days are ever the same. Most importantly, I continue learning and growing every day while working in an industry and company I am truly passionate about.
How has being named a Baxter Ambassador benefited you?
Being named a Baxter Student Ambassador has been a valuable experience and a meaningful achievement early in my career. Within the travel and tourism industry, visibility and professional networking are always beneficial, and recognition has served as a strong addition to my resume as well as a positive point of connection within the industry. It is an opportunity and accomplishment that I am grateful to have been part of.
Was it easy to find a job straight after graduation? What advice do you have for this year’s ambassadors?
I was already working within the airline industry while attending school, and after graduation I was fortunate to transition into a full-time position along with a promotion to YVR Supervisor – Customer Service Department. My advice to this year’s ambassadors is to continue working hard toward your goals and consistently give your best effort, regardless of your current role. Dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic are often noticed more than you may realize and can lead to valuable future opportunities. Stay motivated, remain open to learning, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you first graduated?
One thing I have learned since graduating is that career growth is not always linear, and every role or experience can teach you something valuable. Even smaller opportunities can help build skills, confidence, and prepare you for future roles. I have also learned the importance of being adaptable, patient, and open to continuous learning throughout your career.
What’s a cool job in travel and tourism that students might not know exist?
One role that many people are unfamiliar with is being a Port Agent, often also referred to as a Ship’s Agent. Port Agents play a critical role behind the scenes in the cruise industry, coordinating everything from ship clearances and logistics to crew movements, transportation, operations, and communication between the ship and local authorities. It is a fast-paced and rewarding career that combines operations, problem-solving, and international tourism.
Do you have anything to add?
The travel and tourism industry offers far more opportunities than many students initially realize. Whether your interests are in operations, guest experience, aviation, hospitality, cruise, or destination management, there is truly a path for everyone. My biggest recommendation is to stay curious, continue building connections, and never hesitate to take on new opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Many of the best career experiences come from opportunities you least expect.
Emma Madro, BSAP 2022, Meetings & Events Manager, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Tell us about your career, what you are doing now and why you love what you do?
I am a Meetings & Events Manager at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. I get to help curate conferences, meetings and galas with clients and companies from all over the world. I love getting to learn about each event that takes place and seeing all the hard work come to life.
How has being named a Baxter Ambassador benefited you?
Becoming a Baxter Ambassador gave me a huge boost in confidence and really helped guide me toward my career path. The exposure, mentorship, and opportunities it provided were incredible support while I was still figuring out where I wanted to go professionally.
Was it easy to find a job straight after graduation? What advice do you have for this year’s ambassadors?
I had just moved to a new city after graduation and knew I wanted to work in travel and hospitality. I was hired as a Concierge at a hotel, where I gained valuable knowledge of the city and strengthened my customer service skills. Because I already had my foot in the door, I was able to apply for roles in other departments, which eventually led me to the Meetings & Events side of the industry. My advice is to not be afraid to try a job even if it isn’t exactly what you had in mind at first. You never know what opportunities it could lead to or what fascinating people you’ll meet along the way. Exposure and experience are such valuable tools in finding the right career!
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you first graduated?
This sounds cheesy, but to know that everything will be okay! There are many job opportunities out there and you’re allowed to try multiple things until you find what you’re truly passionate about. Everyone’s career path looks different, and there’s no pressure to have everything figured out right away.
What’s a cool job in travel and tourism that students might not know exists?
Working in events! There are so many opportunities for travelling with conferences and exploring new venues. Plus, if you work in a hotel there are often great travel perks and great chances to connect with people from all over the world.
Do you have anything to add?
The Baxter Student Ambassadorship Program is a great example of being open to possibilities and to learning from every role and experience. These chances teach you valuable skills that you can carry forward in your life.
Simone Gonsalves, BSAP 2022, Events & Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, TIAO
Tell us about your career, what you are doing now and why you love what you do?
I’ve been working with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) for the past four years. I started with a co-op placement, then transitioned to Special Projects Coordinator, and eventually to Events & Stakeholder Relations Coordinator. My role involves everything from organizing logistics for events like Tourism Day at Queen’s Park and the Ontario Tourism Summit to connecting with our membership. What I love most about what I do is the organization and logistics. I really enjoy the balance of creativity and coordination that comes with planning events.
How has being named a Baxter Ambassador benefited you?
Being a Baxter Ambassador helped me build confidence and expand my professional network early on. It also added credibility to my experience when I was starting out.
Was it easy to find a job straight after graduation? What advice do you have for this year’s ambassadors?
What was great for me was that TIAO wanted to keep me! I’ve been in this role for the past four years, and working with a great team has made all the difference. That said, after spending some time in the industry, I would encourage graduates to stay flexible and open to different types of roles to get their foot in the door. I never initially pictured myself in an events role, but I enjoy it!
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you first graduated?
I wish I had understood that career paths (and life) aren’t always linear. It’s easy to feel pressure to have everything figured out right away, but you’ll grow and evolve over time.
What’s a cool job in travel and tourism that students might not know exists?
One role that often goes unnoticed is Destination Development. This role works behind the scenes to shape how a destination grows and collaborates with local businesses, planning experiences, and developing strategies to attract visitors both domestically and internationally.
Do you have anything to add?
Travel and see the world while you can!
Shawnelle Beale, BSAP 2025, Tour Operations Coordinator, Experience PEI
Tell us about your career, what you are doing now and why you love what you do?
Since graduating, I’ve stepped into the role of Tour Operations Coordinator with Experience PEI. My work is a mix of behind-the-scenes planning and real-time coordination; managing tour logistics, working closely with partners, and helping ensure each guest experience runs smoothly from start to finish.
What I love most about what I do is how dynamic it is. No two days are ever the same, and I get to play a part in creating memorable experiences for visitors from all over the world. It’s also incredibly rewarding to contribute to the tourism industry here on Prince Edward Island, especially knowing the impact it has on both visitors and the local community.
How has being named a Baxter Ambassador benefited you?
Being named a Baxter Ambassador was a huge confidence boost for me. It validated my passion for the travel industry and reminded me that my voice and ideas have value.
It also pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone; whether that was presenting, networking, or simply believing in my abilities. The experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it definitely played a role in shaping how I show up in my career today.
Was it easy to find a job straight after graduation? What advice do you have for this year’s ambassadors?
I wouldn’t say it was easy, but it was definitely possible with persistence and the right mindset. I stayed open to opportunities, leaned on my network, and made sure to highlight both my academic experience and the hands-on skills I developed through internships and leadership roles.
My advice to this year’s ambassadors would be don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Connect with people, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Also, be open; your first role might not look exactly how you imagined, but it can lead you exactly where you need to be.
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you first graduated?
I wish I knew that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. There’s a lot of pressure after graduation to have a clear path, but the reality is that growth comes from trying, learning, and sometimes even pivoting.
I’ve learned to trust the process more and to see every experience, good or challenging, as something that’s helping me grow.
What’s a cool job in travel and tourism that students might not know exists?
One role that students might not be as familiar with is a Tourism Culinary Coordinator. This role focuses on developing and promoting food-based tourism experiences, such as food tours, local dining events, and partnerships with chefs and producers. It combines tourism with culinary culture and gives you the opportunity to highlight a destination through its food. It is a great fit for someone who is passionate about food, storytelling, and creating unique, immersive experiences for visitors.
Do you have anything to add?
I would just say to current students, take advantage of every opportunity you can. Whether it’s internships, volunteer roles, or school leadership positions, those experiences really do shape you and prepare you for what’s next.
Also, don’t be afraid to trust yourself. You’re more capable than you think, and sometimes all it takes is one opportunity, like the Baxter Ambassador Program, to help you see that.
