Gemma Fillingham

My name is Gemma and I am nearly 20 years old. I left school at 17 and studied beauty for a few months but decided it wasn't for me and left to become a hotel booking agent for a company called 'Schedule 32'. Here I made contact with television company crews and booked their accommodation on short notice and negotiated prices with hotels. I really enjoyed this role because I am very interested in travel. However I had to look for another job as it was unfortunately unpaid at the time due to economical issues. I looked elsewhere for a job and was offered a years apprenticeship with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. Here I worked in each department for a few months at a time and developed my professional customer service skills. I learnt how to deal with customers that were difficult, abusive and rude which helped me to complete my NVQ level 2 in customer service and administration. Nearing the end of my apprenticeship I was offered a placement in the Finance department. Here I was required to undertake a shared job role for two councils. I learnt how to prioritize my work flow and act professionally under pressure. I currently still work in the revenues team and I am seeking an opportunity to work in an environment that is more suited to my personal interests. I have taken a lot from my previous roles but feel it is time for me to move on and challenge myself further in something completely fresh and exciting.

I work well in teams or independently and I am enthusiastic and enjoy the company of others. Since my current role has become a shared one it does not allow me to interact with customers on a daily basis, it is administration based. I 'd like to go back to a role which involves more customer contact, it is far more satisfying for me as an individual. I am hard working and do everything as professionally as possible with the company’s reputation in mind. I feel my placement has set me up for a role such as this one and I wish to put all my skills I have learnt over the past 4 years towards a new challenge and pursue a career in the travel industry.