Choosing the right career is a crucial decision with far-reaching consequences. It shapes your future, making an informed choice essential.
The African Reporter engages with businesspeople, professionals, and other key figures, focusing on a different career each week. Our goal is to provide valuable guidance to readers navigating their careers.
Through this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices. This week, we give a platform to the processor profession. Lungelo Ndlovu has been a processor for the past six months.
She mentioned that her love for learning inspired her, as well as her desire to always push herself and reach her greatest potential, to pursue this career path.
“Advice I would give to someone who wants to follow in my footsteps would be not to be afraid to look for opportunities outside of their area, even abroad, as you will find that’s where you will get better employment opportunities.
“Do not be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up. Be friends with books. Learn about the world,” she said.
“What I love most is the healthy environment of my workplace. There is a sense of community and not to mention the odd occasions where we get invitations to spend the weekend at various resorts and hotels nationwide.”
Lungelo Ndlovu loves her job. Photo: Lungelo Ndlovu
What is a processor in your field?A processor’s job is similar to that of an intern in the tourism field. We assist consultants daily in capturing information and data.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities?We are responsible for bookings, quotations, refunds, and online check-ins. Because we are in a time-sensitive industry, we ensure bookings are on the system and quotations are sent on time.
What qualifications do I need to become one?In terms of qualifications, one needs at least an N6 certificate in tourism. If you have also studied tourism in high school, that will be an added benefit.
Where can I study to become one?You study tourism, hospitality, or related fields at universities and institutions:
• University of Pretoria – Tourism Management• University of Johannesburg – Tourism and Hospitality Management• Cape Peninsula University of Technology – Tourism & Hospitality• University of KwaZulu-Natal – Recreation & Tourism• Tshwane University of Technology – Ecotourism, Hospitality & Tourism
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of the job?Advantages:• You learn on a daily basis. There is always something new to learn.• If you are someone who gets bored easily with repetition, you will thrive here, as tourism is an evolutionary field.
Disadvantages:• Social and geopolitical factors heavily affect your position in tourism. An example is during Covid, restrictions imposed by governments all around the world had a direct impact on tourism, especially in travel documents and requirements.
What skills are essential for success in this field?Get acquainted with books and research to keep up to date with the ever-changing social and geopolitical factors.To thrive, you will also need to be not only an effective communicator, but an efficient one.
You need to empathise with customers and can solve a customer’s problem before they know they have a problem – delivering customer services that exceed a customer’s expectations.
Could you explain what a processor in the field of tourism is and the role they play in the tourism and hospitality industry?The processors in tourism make it easier for consultants to do their work. We help alleviate the stress of travellers regarding bookings and reservations. We handle the booking process so that they have one less thing to worry about.
Where do processors find employment?The best place to find employment is to get acquainted with the field of tourism. From airports, airlines, to safaris and travel centres, there is always a need for people who would like a career in tourism. Platforms such as Travel Info are also a great source of information on career opportunities in tourism.
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