For Courtney Drinkwater, studying Tourism and Travel was a natural fit. Now she has secured a six-month internship with ISS McKay, the shipping company that manages cruise ship visits to Dunedin.

Born and raised in Dunedin, Courtney never considered studying anywhere else.

“Otago Polytechnic’s Diploma in Applied Travel and Tourism caught my eye and I thought it was a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge about the tourism industry by gaining a qualification,” she says.

She has really enjoyed the study programme – especially the practical elements.

“There were amazing field trips that we got to go on,” she explains, “where we got to explore Dunedin’s attractions and activities. Overall I’ve really enjoyed learning new information about the tourism industry and how companies work together to achieve set goals.”

This is an area Courtney will be focusing on during her internship with ISS McKay.

“As a part of my studies I am required to do a research based project and I will be examining how a tourism business runs on a day to day basis. There will be something different for me to do every day, so I’m really looking forward to that.”

The internship offers Courtney opportunities to visit the cruise ships and interact with a diverse range of employers. She is keen to grow her skills while gaining valuable work experience in her chosen field.

“I’m really excited to begin my internship with ISS McKay and to see where it takes me!”

Courtney graduated with a Diploma in Applied Travel and Tourism (Level 5). This has now been replaced by the New Zealand Diploma in Applied Travel and Tourism (Level 5)