Tourism Internship Development Grant Launched

25 May, 2012

Tourism Internship Development Grant Launched

An Internship Development Grant has been created by Rotorua Tourism Committee chairman Tony Marks and its first recipient Scott Zhang was awarded on Monday.

The Internship Development Grant of $2,500 acknowledges the time and commitment shown by individuals in their service of Destination Rotorua Marketing (DRM) in an intern position.

Marks said there will be four grants awarded each year and Zhang is the first recipient having been an intern at DRM since February as a recent graduate of the Waiariki Institute of Technology Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree (BTM).

“I am a firm believer that we should mentor and assist young people getting their start in tourism,” said Marks.

“To this end, I am delighted that we are able to recognise the dedication of our interns through giving them a small reward for their time and commitment.”

Zhang who moved from Beijing to Rotorua in 2010 to study at Waiariki Institute of Technology said he was surprised to receive the Grant which is a great start for his career.

“It has been an extraordinary honour to have the chance to work at Destination Rotorua Marketing.

“In China, if you want to get a job, interviewers always ask about prior experience and if you have none, you are out the door – so I really appreciate this opportunity.”

He said the knowledge he has gained from Waiariki has helped a lot, with his internship at DRM filling in all the gaps with practical experience.

“Every challenge, failure and success I have had in recent months, are treasures for me,” said Zhang.

DRM general manager Oscar Nathan explained that the environment in a Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) is a demanding one and similar to other businesses there is never enough resource (be it people or funding) to pursue every promotional avenue one would like to.

“The opportunity to offer unpaid internships to students and graduates in tourism and business is hugely valuable to DRM as well as providing valuable insight and experience to the individuals themselves,” he said.

“In this instance, we have been extremely fortunate that the chairman of the Rotorua Tourism Committee (RTC) Tony Marks has identified the importance that interns bring to our ability to deliver on outcomes, generously putting in place an internship grant scheme ($10,000 per year) as a direct gifting of his annual remuneration as chairman of the RTC.”

Nathan said Zhang has been an outstanding addition to the team, particularly in respect to assisting in DRM’s renewed China Strategy focus.

Zhang said he stands by the saying, invest something of yourself and you will be rewarded.

“I’ll continue to work hard moving forward – I have a long-term plan here, and it’s time for me to commit to it.”

The RTC and DRM are proactively encouraging industry and entities like Waiariki and others to become more proactive in seeking out and developing internship opportunities - which provide valuable experience and pathways to successful employment.

ENDS

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