The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)’s annual student conference, Future You, returned to University College Birmingham this week, and hundreds of tourism and hospitality students grabbed the chance to learn from alumni and other speakers who have tasted success in the industry.

The conference has been held since 2009, having emerged from the World Travel Market (WTM) in London as a space for students to engage with and learn about the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

As of 2014 it has been taken on the road, and has visited University College Birmingham several times, with the ITT designating the business school a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for tourism, hospitality, aviation and events management.

As Executive Dean of the Business School, Dr David Paulson started the day and told assembled students how privileged a position they occupied in being able to take advantage of the ITT’s event: “It’s such a great opportunity for us to host successful leaders in an industry we’re proud to contribute so much to,” he said.

“So many of our alumni go on to do great things in the industry but most will start with small, valuable experiences that help forge their careers – in the future, you can be who these people have become.”

Claire Steiner, ITT board member and co-founder of Future You, explained that the ITT was partnered with dozens of organisations around the world, and many in countries with developing tourism industries.

She was keen to stress how important it is for students to stay in touch with new developments across the industry in order to take advantage of the many job opportunities, locally and globally, available to tourism graduates: “You’re studying at a centre of excellence which means you’re the best of the best,” she said,

“The sector needs you, and you are our future.”

After working at the company for more than 6 years, she moved to hospitality at Hampton Manor before taking on her role at the Chambers of Commerce.

Sophie was keen to impress on students that key to establishing themselves in the industry is to leave colleagues and prospective employers in no doubt as to who they are:“Of course you need to focus on how you dress, talk or present yourself, but it’s more than that,” she said.

“To succeed you need to show your authenticity and your values. Lean into your strengths, and leave an impression.”

Following on from Sophie, fellow UCB alumnus and success story of previous Future You events Tia Ghai shared her experiences of life as a strategic Accounts Manager at Attractions World Group (AWG).

Tia, a previous winner of the Travel Trade Gazette (TTG)’s 30 under 30, studied abroad for in France for 6 months during her undergraduate degree and was inspired to embark on a career in tourism.

She completed her International Hospitality Management MA degree at UCB and was able to gain an internship while she studied.

“The chance to gain industry experience around my studies was fantastic, and the fact both the office and university were based in the city centre made it even easier” she told students.

At the end of her internship, her knowledge and experience led her to be offered a job with AWG, and she has gone on to manage relationships with tour and cruise companies as well as airlines.

Reflecting on her experiences, Tia said: “Remember that so many of the skills you acquire during your studies can be used across a range of jobs in the industry, so try and find a role that aligns with your values.”