It may seem like a really long holiday, but Nicquel Rhoden is taking her upcoming trip as the New Zealand “dream job” winner very seriously.
The recent graduate from The University of Queensland’s School of Tourism will fly to Christchurch on February 20 for three months of touring, attending functions and flying the flag for New Zealand on her blog.
But the 20-year-old from the Gold Coast is not only thinking of her chance to go scuba diving in underwater caves, visit Hobbiton to see the remnants of the Lord of the Rings movie set and try skydiving.
Miss Rhoden is aware the trip is also a golden opportunity to set up the building blocks for a successful career in tourism.
“It is a dream job for a tourism student who has just graduated to start their career,” she said.
“I hope this starts me on the path to a career in tourism. Part of the reason I won the dream job was that I wanted to go into tourism. It set me apart.
“One of the great things about studying with the School of Tourism at UQ has been that my courses have combined academic learning with hands-on industry experience.”
Miss Rhoden has ordered business cards and set up her blog with graphic design help from her stepbrother Kane Ingwersen ahead of this weekend’s trip to Christchurch.
She has been checking out the blog of “The Best Job in the World” winner Ben Southall, detailing his time as Tourism Queensland's Islands Caretaker.
“I am trying to get a few ideas from his blog. He’s obviously successful. He’s got a job from the Queensland Government. I might even become a bit of a celebrity like Ben.”
Helping bring about this possibility is a Wicked van custom-painted with Miss Rhoden’s name and ‘dream job’ logo, which she will drive around New Zealand.
The van will take Ms Rhoden to Milford Sound for a nature cruise, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Taupo for a Hukafalls Jet ride.
She will host major parties with regional tourism operators and journalists in Christchurch, Queenstown, Auckland and Wellington.
A highlight for Ms Rhoden will be celebrating her 21st birthday in New Zealand in May.
Miss Rhoden beat more than 300 others to win the position in a New Zealand travel company’s competition aimed at promoting the country.
Visit entirelyworldfamousniquel.blogspot.com for updates of her journey.
Media: Nicquel Rhoden (0439 773 676 until Saturday) or Erik de Wit (0417 088 772)
