Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
1 day ago
EIT graduate Josephine O’Halloran is charting her own course in the global tourism industry, working aboard luxury superyachts in the Mediterranean.
The 21-year-old completed the NZ Certificate in Tourism (Level 4) and the NZ Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) during 2023-2024.
She has since moved to Europe, recently finishing her first season as a second stewardess, where her duties included luxury service, high-end housekeeping, organising inventory and provisioning for charters, and maintaining the interior to an exceptional standard.
EIT graduate Josephine O’Halloran is working aboard luxury superyachts in the Mediterranean after completing the NZ Certificate in Tourism (Level 4) and the NZ Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) at EIT.
“It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve been able to work, travel, and meet amazing people. The skills and knowledge I gained at EIT have definitely helped me transition into this career, especially in professionalism, communication, and customer service.”
She is now set to work later this year as a stewardess on a 74-metre motor yacht based in Dubai, with trips to the Maldives over the winter season.
Originally from Dunedin, Josephine moved to Hawke’s Bay after high school and began working in hospitality at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.
That experience sparked her interest in expanding into the wider tourism sector, and she says EIT offered the perfect opportunity to study in person while continuing to work.
“EIT was the perfect choice because I preferred to study in person rather than online, and the course structure and timetable fit really well with my work schedule. It also has a great reputation and felt like a supportive, community-focused environment.”
The diploma also covered a wide range of topics she was interested in, rather than focusing on just one specific area.
“At the time, I wasn’t completely sure which path I wanted to take, so I liked that the diploma gave me the chance to explore different aspects of the tourism industry. It helped me figure out what I do and don’t enjoy, without committing too early.
Josephine says she “really enjoyed” her time at EIT.
“The teachers were supportive, the subjects were interesting, and the assignments were a great mix of practical and theoretical work. I liked that the course gave us the opportunity to gain skills that were transferable to other industries and areas of life.
“Meeting people through classes and placements was another highlight, and the facilities at EIT were fantastic. Overall, I found it a really positive and worthwhile experience.”
She says she would “absolutely” recommend EIT to others.
“I would recommend EIT because of its small class sizes, supportive staff, and hands-on learning environment. The courses are interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to learn through field trips, placements, and group activities. The EIT team genuinely cares about student success, and there’s a great balance between academic learning and real-world experience.”
Looking back, Josephine credits EIT for giving her the confidence to take her skills overseas.
“Studying at EIT gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to explore different career paths in tourism and hospitality,” she says. “It opened up opportunities I never expected, and I’m really grateful for the experience and the people I met along the way.”
Nikki Lloyd, EIT Assistant Head of School Tourism and Hospitality, says: “Studying tourism opens the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities. You’re not limited to just one type of job; there are many career paths with many possibilities.”
“What makes tourism especially exciting is its global nature, it opens up a world of opportunities, as Jo has shown. EIT offers tourism programmes from level 3 through to level 5, providing valuable skills that can take you anywhere in the world.”
