Meet some of the women at SANDEMANs

Gernder equality at SANDEMANs

We’re committed to promoting gender equality in the tourism industry, so we asked a few of the women at SANDEMANs some questions about their careers so far, advice they’ve been given and advice they want to share, with the aim of helping to inspire other women interested in a career in tourism.  Enjoy!

Ebe Porter: Recruitment Associate

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

From Seattle, USA, now in Berlin, Germany

What’s your position at SANDEMANs NEW Europe, and how long have you been working here?

Recruitment Associate, since mid-2017

Do you work full-time or part-time?

Part-time, 27.5 hours per week

How did you get into the tourism industry?

Moving abroad led to me finding a niche in writing on expat topics. From there I started working for an online travel company about travel in Germany, then got the job at SANDEMANs.

What’s the best thing about working in tourism?

I am passionate about travel, as are most of my colleagues. Working with such an international community and making travelers’ trips a success is a joy.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given throughout your career?

Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you see something that can be improved, say so. If there is a problem, let your team know.

What advice would you give to a woman looking for a career in tourism?

Tough one….I think people often hesitate and worry about how to get involved or how to do something that seems so big. People often asked how I (and other foreigners) moved abroad. Just do it! And the same with following a career you are interested in. Write a blog, apply to jobs that look cool, and find your niche.

Simona Dallera: Operations Director

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I’m from Northern Italy and I live in Paris

What’s your position at SANDEMANs NEW Europe, and how long have you been working here?

Operations Director, I’ve been working in SANDEMANs since May 2014

Do you work full-time or part-time?

Full time

How did you get into the tourism industry?

I wanted to get into the non-profit sector, and I ended up in a non-profit organization for youth tourism in 2011

What’s the best thing about working in tourism?

Tourism is fun, and there’s an endless amount of new things to do.  The industry changes fast and it’s dynamic so you need to learn how to adapt – I find it fascinating!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given throughout your career?

To always aim for the highest and best, no matter how low you think your chances are.

What advice would you give to a woman looking for a career in tourism?

I would advise to be prepared for the challenge, because it is a real challenge and a lot of work. However tourism moves very quickly, so your professional goals can be achieved, and will come faster than you expect!

Stephanie Taylor-Carrillo: Chief Partnerships and Communications Officer

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I’m originally from Auckland, New Zealand, but now I live in Berlin, Germany.

What’s your position at SANDEMANs NEW Europe, and how long have you been working here?

I’m the Chief Partnerships and Communications Officer.  I’ve been in this role for almost five years, but between 2009 and 2014 I worked off-and-on with SANDEMANs as a freelance tour guide in Berlin.

Do you work full-time or part-time?

I work full-time, but I am also completing an Executive MBA, so every few months or so I take a week out of work to attend classes.

How did you get into the tourism industry?

When I was in New Zealand I worked in Public Relations, but when I moved to Berlin in 2009 and was looking for a change, I thought I would be good at being a Pub Crawl leader.  Luckily, SANDEMANs’ Recruitment Manager Annabel realised about 15 seconds after meeting me that I’d be terrible at that and suggested I become a walking tour guide instead. Thank God for Annabel seeing straight through my attempts to be cool!

What’s the best thing about working in tourism?

Hands down the people.  A lot of people get into tourism to travel and see the world, and while that is a pretty nice perk if you have a job that involves travel, you realise very quickly that the people are really what make this industry awesome.  Fun, lively people from all across the world who also believe in the power of travel to make the world a better place.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given throughout your career?

Play to your strengths.  You can spend a lot of effort on trying to make yourself mediocre at something you’re naturally bad at, or you can spend the same amount of effort to become a superstar at something you’re naturally good at.  Figure out where your strengths and interests lie and go after those. “If you choose a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What advice would you give to a woman looking for a career in tourism?

Do it!  One of the great things about an industry this massive is that there are a million ways to get into it.  You can study tourism, or start in a junior position, or transfer into it from another industry, but there really are limitless possibilities for progression in this industry for people who want them.

Mirte Groos: City Manager – Amsterdam

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

Haarlem, Netherlands (Amsterdam if it’s easier)

What’s your position at SANDEMANs NEW Europe, and how long have you been working here?

Amsterdam City Manager, I have been working at the company for 3 years

Do you work full-time or part-time?

32 hours a week

How did you get into the tourism industry?

Started as a receptionist at a hostel, as a side-job during my studies. From there I worked for a tour operator in Cuba as a social media strategist, to return to the same hostel as a marketing manager.

What’s the best thing about working in tourism?

Never a boring day! You have a lot of face-to-face contact with people, and it’s a branch where a lot of movement takes place.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given throughout your career?

Don’t judge a job too quickly by its title.

What advice would you give to a woman looking for a career in tourism?

Grab opportunities, but also don’t be afraid to say no. Do what feels right for you, not what you think the people around you want you to do.

Rocio Meneri: Regional Director – Israel

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina and now live in Israel.

What’s your position at SANDEMANs NEW Europe, and how long have you been working here?

I’m the Regional Director for Israel for a few years now, but started working for SNE  in July 2007.

Do you work full-time or part-time?

Part time

How did you get into the tourism industry?

By accident 🙂 I had guiding experience in the army, but saw an ad for Tour guides in Spanish in Berlin and applied. The rest is history 🙂

What’s the best thing about working in tourism?

The fact that it’s international, that people from all over the world and different backgrouns come to visit the same sites…

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given throughout your career?

To think outside of the box and be open-minded to new things

What advice would you give to a woman looking for a career in tourism?

Be yourself, don’t let anyone interrupt or stop you from doing what you love…

Clara Anton: Human Resources Manager

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I’m from Elche (Alicante), in 2009 I moved to London only to live a temporary experience, very soon it’s going to be ten years since I left Spain!

What’s your position at SANDEMANs NEW Europe, and how long have you been working here?

I’m Human Resources Manager, the position I held since I joined the company in June 2013. However my position at SANDEMANs has evolved a lot as the company grew.  It is very exciting to be part of this journey, not many companies can offer an individual such a challenge; and the opportunity to advance and develop in my role.

Do you work full-time or part-time?

I work full time. However, over the past two years I have been flexi-timing to accomplish my CIPD certification. I was able to compress hours and change working days during the week in order to complete my assignment deadlines, attend seminars and prepare exams.

How did you get into the tourism industry?

Prior joining SANDEMANs I spent a few years in HR consulting, supporting organisations in HR management and talent attraction, nothing tourism related!.  I very much enjoyed those days where I worked for a wide range of projects in mid and large organisations. I started looking for In-house HR jobs where I could apply my experience in consulting.  I initially pursued into this job because it really offered what I was looking as a transition; when I joined I instantly felt that I could be a good fit into this organisation.

What’s the best thing about working in tourism?

Tourism is diversity in all its meanings, from organisational, to ownership and operational terms. This sector embraces so much heterogeneity! we are experiencing a change in diversity management,  workplace relations, working towards agility and flexibility, which are all essential to operate in this very dynamic environment.  These are fascinating areas of work for any HR professional.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given throughout your career?

I remember the inspiring speech a teacher in particular on my graduation day said: “Studying continuously is vital, in order to take advantage of everything the world has to offer, no just professionally. Once you leave the university, continue your studies, it will be beneficial for your personal growth, for your health and your soul”.

What advice would you give to a woman looking for a career in tourism?

I cannot think about specific advice, however travel and tourism employs a significant proportion of women compared to other sectors.  We are living a very enlightening moment and it’s a great opportunity to be involved. We are advancing in the right direction, our participation is necessary and our presence is going to be greater.