Can you tell me about yourself?

”My name is Asim Elawad, and I am one of the current student ambassadors at Sheffield Hallam University for the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT). Since I joined the ITT, I have built a network of industry leading contacts who are supporting my university journey and giving me advice on career pathways. My main support so far has been Lisa McAuley, Claire Steiner, Kate Harland and Donna Allock and other contacts who I met at 2021 ITT Conference. Their support has been invaluable. If any future ambassadors do join, then I highly suggest on coming to future conferences.”

Tell me about your experience within the Travel and Tourism sector.

”I had no real concrete experience with the travel and tourism sector before starting my degree. I had only done my travelling through various family holidays. I think travelling with my family had ignited my tourism passion. By going through tourism journey, it has really reinforced this the industry for me.”

What are your goals for the future?

”My goal for the summer is to be looking for great graduate schemes opportunities within different sectors of the travel and tourism. Hopefully there will be a real graduate recruitment drive after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, during the summer, I will be volunteering for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Football competition as a Sheffield visitor event guide, and this will increase my tourism skills. I believe if you want something, you must find these opportunities yourself.”