Vocational schools and technical colleges offer programs for people interested in becoming travel agents. Degrees such as tourism and hospitality often take no more than two years to earn and can be completed at one's own pace. Travel agents must learn how to use specific computer programs and how to fill out travel industry paper work. Classes will also include marketing, sales and geography.
Although universities often do not offer travel agent degrees, four-year degrees in foreign language, business, geography and world history will help a person obtain a job in the travel industry. These degrees show that a person can run a business, be organized and have a cultural background.
It is important for travel agents to continue education because the world is constantly changing. For example, wars can cause changes in the travel industry. Another change is in computer systems, which along with other technologies, are constantly upgraded. Education can be as simple as a night class or keeping up with the daily news.
A travel agent not only needs a degree and certification, but it is important for travel agents to be well organized and have good computer and communication skills. Travel agents will work with more than one company at a time to find the best vacation deals and accommodations for customers. It is therefore important that agents can keep track of all the information. Computer skills are mandatory because all the work is done via different computer programs.
It is important for travel agents, especially those seeking jobs at larger agencies, to obtain certification. Certification is offered through school programs or sometimes at larger agencies. Certification gives a person authenticity as well as access to a number of resources someone without certification does not have access to.