The future looks bright for BSAP alumni
Now more than ever, the Baxter Student Ambassador Program plays a vital role in the long-term survival of the travel industry. In its ninth year, the program continues to work with colleges and universities across Canada to identify the most promising student talent in travel, tourism, and hospitality programs.
This month, Travel Courier caught up with Camille Bayarcal, who was designated as a Baxter Student Ambassador in 2022, and now works at Seneca College in the School of Hospitality & Tourism. She works with students to coordinate industry field placements.
What have you been up to since being named a Baxter Ambassador in 2022?
Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, I saw this as an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I took advantage of this time to enhance my skills and knowledge in the tourism industry, to expand my global perspective, and to pursue my dream of becoming an international student. Although it was a challenging decision to leave my familiar surroundings, I am grateful for the support and guidance of those around me which made it possible for me. I continue to hold on to my career aspirations, and I firmly believe that they will come true at the right time.
I am particularly drawn to Bhutan because of its unique culture, including its focus on Gross National Happiness, as well as its stunning, preserved natural beauty. I want to learn more and witness firsthand the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism, including being the world’s only carbon-neutral nation, and the country’s approach to GNH functions in practice. It really resonates with me, and I am eager to experience breathing some fresh air from a carbon neutral country.
It has presented me with a wealth of opportunities to advance my career and improve myself as an individual. By participating in the program, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the industry which has proven to be beneficial in my current job and will continue to be useful for my future career aspirations. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and insights that BSAP has given me.
At a certain point during the presentation, I experienced nervousness, particularly at the start of the live webinar. However, I reminded myself that I was presenting something that came from a place of love, and I am showcasing the result of my hard work. I was confident in my presentation because I was proud of it, and this helped to ease my anxiety and nervousness. It also helped that the Baxter Team provided training prior to the live webinar. They were friendly and supportive, they are very approachable, especially when we have some questions, they were prepared to give an answer.
The BSAP program has helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking. Through the program, I have developed a greater understanding of myself, which has allowed me to recognize and overcome personal obstacles. This has been beneficial for my personal and professional growth. I have found that throughout the program, from my BSAP application to answering these Feature Story questions, I enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences.
Yes, I highly recommend BSAP to future graduating students. The program has been incredibly beneficial for me in terms of personal and professional growth. It provided me with a platform to showcase and apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired through school and daily life. Not only does it help in developing self-awareness but it also helps in polishing public speaking skills, developing confidence, and building a strong foundation for future endeavors. Overall, the BSAP program has been a truly rewarding experience and I believe it will be the same for future graduating students.
Make sure to showcase your excitement for BSAP and demonstrate your passion for the travel and tourism industry in your application. Emphasize how the program aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Additionally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the process of applying. Remember that this is an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth, and it’s important to approach it with a positive attitude and an open mind.
BSAP 2023
BSAP wouldn’t be possible without the participation of our generous sponsors and partners—Propel by Tourism HR Canada, Manulife, Jamaica Tourist Board, Contiki, TTC, ACTA, and SKAL Canada—who provide students with a helping hand to launch their careers.
To find out how you can lend your expertise in shaping the future of our industry through the Baxter Student Ambassador Program, visit www.baxterambassadors.com or contact us at [email protected]. #BaxterAmbassadors
