How to Become a Travel Agent in California
People who become travel agents tend to stay in the industry, partly because of perks such as discounted travel and insurance. In fact, 64 percent of current agents have been in the industry for over 10 years. Travel agents work for a variety of employers, including travel arrangement and reservation services, business travel services, travel and insurance associations, resorts, major corporations (as travel-desk managers), and airlines (as ticketing agents). To become a travel agent in California, follow these steps.
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Instructions
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Enroll in a technical or vocational school that has a travel agent certification program or in a university that offers a bachelor's degree in tourism and hospitality. Although some travel agents have no education beyond a diploma, additional training may increase your chances of getting hired in a highly competitive industry. Los Medanos Community College and West Los Angeles College both have certification programs that can take less than two years to complete. California State University Long Beach is one of many universities with four-year tourism and hospitality programs.
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Apply for entry-level jobs at agencies while still in school. Working as a receptionist or assistant may position you for an eventual promotion at an agency. It will also give you experience to include on your resume.
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Search online job boards and submit your resume to local travel agencies after graduating.
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Enroll in the California chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents. This will allow you to network at ASTA events and use this organization to peruse open jobs.
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Register as a travel seller with the California Department of Justice if you want to open your own shop. You will have to pay an annual registration fee and make additional payments to a consumer-protection program called the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation.
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