Qualifications on the cards at American Express Travel

No spare time to study

Travel consultant Caroline Phillips freely admits she doesn’t have the spare time to study for a qualification. But the International Corporate Consultant with American Express Travel has achieved Level 3 of the International Air Transport Association and is about to achieve Level 4.

“I don’t have the spare time or money to study for a qualification in my own time,” says Caroline. “Being able to work towards a qualification through my job is a real bonus for me. I can gain new skills and a qualification while doing my job.”

Learning as a team

Caroline Phillips is one of the team of American Express Travel Consultants working towards the National Certificate in Travel. The team approach has added a lot of value.

“It’s been great for the team spirit having everyone involved—but it has also meant that we have been able to learn from each other. There is always someone who has more information, knows more, or who has a different take on things—and that helps all of us.”

Improved client service

Caroline has no doubt that the service they provide clients has improved. The consultants have a deeper understanding of many of their day-to-day responsibilities. An example is how and why fares are structured.

“If a client starts asking questions about the nitty gritty of fares—instead of relying on a computer generated answer—I know exactly why a fare is structured and how. That means I can provide a much higher level of service.”

A competitive edge

Caroline is also keenly aware of the need for the American Express Travel team to have a competitive edge.

“We can go into the marketplace offering a service that is backed by highly qualified consultants. That’s something to be proud of.”

Caroline also admits that doing the training does engender some loyalty to the firm, “American Express Travel has made an investment in me. I recognise that, and it works both ways.”