Today we’d like to introduce you to Camila.
Hi Camila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been working as an Engineer in the Electric Utility Industry for 20+ years. Working as an independent contractor for several nuclear plant sites has allowed me to work and live in different places that I may not have necessarily traveled to otherwise. I’ve worked in Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
A childhood friend recently introduced me to the travel industry in 2023. Since then, I’ve started my own travel business, Engineered to Travel, and have been working as a travel professional writing travel articles and as an travel advisor.
Although I currently work as both an Engineer and a Travel Advisor, my goal is to transition to work as a Travel Professional full time soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Beginning my career as a Travel Professional has been a smooth road and I’ve met amazing people that are helping me figure things out along the way. There isn’t a clear road map on how to start your own travel business and how to transition from one career to another, but I work with mentors within and outside of the industry that have helped me set SMART goals.
I am also actively involved in the world’s leading association of travel professionals, ASTA, which has allowed me to travel to conferences and expos for training sessions and network.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The skills that I have learned as an Engineer have helped me tremendously as a Travel Professional. I am known for my attention to detail and am very observant and analytical. As a travel advisor, I use the same rigor that I use as an engineer, in researching and planning vacations. Whether that means reading reviews, looking at google maps, finding the best plane seat, studying a ship layout, or calling the hotels several times to make sure everything is as expected. My job is to save the client time and eliminate stress associated with their travel. I can be involved as much or as little as my clients would like. I offer travel insurance. I can simply book travel, or plan all aspects of a trip including logistics, a daily itinerary and even make dinner recommendations.
I travel all over the world so I can provide my clients with first hand knowledge of destinations. I want them to know I am not just someone behind a desk recommending places that I know nothing about or would never travel myself.
I travel personally as well as professionally. I go on familiarization trips with travel suppliers so that I can provide invaluable insight to my clients. I love to post my pictures on social media to show others the benefits of travel. Traveling the world allows you to not only see new places and experience new cultures, but you also learn a lot about yourself. I’ve found that it can lead to self-discovery, reveal new interests, create new relationships, and even a sense of purpose.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes, always seek out a mentor and network in whatever field or industry you are in. I have never been afraid to say that I don’t know something and ask for help. That has worked well for me. Being transparent and open to learning from others is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Engineeredtotravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Engineered2Travl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568218302066
- Other: https://calendly.com/dmichelleshepherd/travel-request-or-quote
