Spotlight on Talent : Oliver Maye

Studied: Level 3 Travel and Tourism

Progression: Senior Travel Advisor then Accounts Payable Assistant, Midcounties Co-operative Travel

Following four successful years as a senior travel advisor for Midcounties Co-operative Travel, Oliver Maye has moved over to the organisation’s accounts department.  Staying with the company made his career change a seamless transition where he’s already familiar with the business systems and operations,

“My aim is to stay in the travel industry.  This is while I gain more knowledge of the back office side of the business,” he said.  “Studying an AAT accounting qualification is helping me do this.”

Oliver was initially attracted to his college course because of the opportunity to develop customer service and retail skills in a hands-on way.

“It was much more than sitting in a classroom with a textbook,” he said.

From college, he progressed on to an Apprenticeship at Midcounties Co-operative Travel.  He worked his way up to a senior role before deciding to move from sales to accounts.

“Retail and customer service were always something I was keen to pursue.  I was proud of what I achieved in these roles,” Oliver added.  “I won awards for High Street Agent of the Year and for Young Agent of the Year.  And I was one of the top sellers for the company.  It’s something I was able to achieve thanks to the skills I gained at college.

“It was rewarding to know I’d helped people find their dream holiday.  I’m still involved in that, although in a different capacity.”