Hi everyone!

I've been visiting this forum tonnes lately just to read all the random stuff when I am bored at work.

I'm about to start work with STA Travel (my training begins in December). I've been wanting to get into the travel industry for ages and finally decided to get on with it. STA Travel isn't my ideal agency - I'm far from a 'value' traveller being a 22yo who prefers business class and Four Seasons... But I figure they are going to train me well (I get some sort of recognised qualification) and I couldn't seem to get an interview from a more upmarket / boutique agency because I (a) have no industry experience and (b) haven't done a travel course. I figure an agency is a cool thing to do while I'm still young and it is a decent foot in the door into the wider travel industry.

My ultimate goal (hopefully within five years) is to get into travel journalism or marketing. Three goals would be (1) working as a writer for Conde Naste / Travel & Leisure (2) working in promotion / marketing for Tourism Australia (3) working for Emirates in something like business / route development.

I'm obsessed with all things Emirates, don't ask me why.

Anyway, I was just wondering if there was any other agents around that would be able to tell me about what I am getting myself into. I only really see myself staying in the role for a max of two years (this seems to be the industry experience requirment for most entry-level corporate Emirates or Etihad jobs I've been keen on).

So hello everyone and now I'm not just a random 'guest' coming and reading all your exciting stories.