How to Become a Travel Agent & Earn Travel Agent Commissions
Travel agents make an average of $66,000 a year, according to Indeed.com. With perks like discounted flights, hotels, and cruises, as well as the ability to work from home, it is no wonder that many people find travel agent to be the perfect career. Becoming a good travel agent doesn't take a tremendous amount of schooling, but it does take research, effort, and sometimes long hours.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Graduate from high school. Most travel agencies want someone with a high school diploma or GED, and some won't hire you without a bachelor's degree. There are colleges that offer degrees in travel and tourism. A degree like this makes you a very attractive job candidate.
-
2
Enroll in a community college course or an online course in travel agent training. There are community colleges across the country that are members of the American Society of Travel Agents. Many offer online courses.
-
-
3
Get certified. It is not necessary to be certified, but it means you will be taken more seriously in the industry. Individuals can be certified by the International Airline Transport Certification or by a college program. The Travel Institute provides certifications and a list of colleges that also provide them.
-
4
Read up on travel and become as computer-literate as you can. Travel magazines will help you learn about the latest travel hotspots and packages. Because travel agents do most of their work on computers, it is important that you be able to use one easily and efficiently.
-
5
Apply to travel agencies. With a travel agent course and certification behind you, you should be able to get a job. Stay with the agency for a few years at least, before considering branching out on your own. As a travel agent, you will automatically earn commission from your agency for jobs you complete.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit plane image by carol lynch from Fotolia.com
