FCM, Women's Day, business travel solutions

 

How a frustrated Facebook status led to a career at FCM Travel

 

When Mpumi Nxumalo posted her frustrated status on social media a decade ago, she never imagined it would lead her into the world of corporate travel. "I was just expressing my frustration of being a statistic: a young black woman in SA with no money to study and no job," she recalls. This candid post caught her cousin's eye, who worked at a small Travel Agency in Boksburg.

"My cousin asked if I wouldn't mind passing time by coming to work with her and just assisting with admin stuff," Mpumi shares. "I didn't care, I just wanted to get out the house, so I said yes."

A serendipitous start in corporate travel

FCM Women's Day, corporate travel

Mpumi's first days at the agency were filled with basic tasks. "I went from watching my cousin work and making tea for a travel manager to learning QuickTrav and Galileo by watching others," she says.

Her natural curiosity and determination quickly saw her progress. "I was taken on a journey of acquiring the education and certification to continue to add value to the company."

This hands-on experience proved invaluable. "Things were a bit more manual back then," she explains. "You had to have more knowledge about what you're doing and why. Reissues were a manual process, involving calculations and reading fare rules."

Mpumi's journey at this travel agency lasted three years, during which she transitioned from a volunteer to a processor and finally to a Junior Consultant.

This experience laid the foundation for her future in corporate travel.

Mpumi's own travel experiences were initially limited. Her first educational trip, which was also her first time using a passport, was to Reunion Island. This trip was eye-opening for Mpumi, offering her firsthand experience of the destinations she had been booking for clients – and ignited the travel bug in her.

 

 

travel management consulting, Women's Day

Transition to FCM travel management consulting

After gaining some experience in the travel industry, Mpumi made the move to FCM. Here she found new opportunities to grow and develop her skills. Her role evolved, and she currently serves as a team leader, managing and guiding other travel managers. This position allows her to leverage her years of experience in travel arrangements and share her knowledge with others in the industry. Over the years, Mpumi has witnessed significant changes in corporate travel.

Now, the system does everything for you," she notes. "This frees up time to be the expert, spend more time advising travellers, and looking at options and solutions. It also gives you more time to develop yourself.

The automation of many processes has allowed travel professionals like Mpumi to focus more on strategic aspects of their business travel role. "It makes you an expert in your field, not just a business travel manager, but you are business-minded," she explains. "What do I do? How do I do it? How do I grow the business?"

 

Support and growth at FCM

At FCM, Mpumi has found a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. "I've gotten mentorship from day one, from leaders and team leaders," she shares. She also mentions the various training and development opportunities available, including travel consultant leadership training that have helped her grow into a business travel expert.

Attending the FCM global gathering in Lisbon was a significant milestone for Mpumi. "It was my first global gathering in 8 years of being here," she shares proudly. This event gave her a broader perspective on the global travel industry and the opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world.

As she reflects on her journey from making tea to leading a top-performing team, Mpumi remains passionate about the corporate travel industry. She sees ongoing opportunities for growth and development in the field of business travel solutions, both for herself and for newcomers to the field.

Advice for aspiring travel professionals on National Women's Day

Drawing from her experience, Mpumi offers valuable advice for young women looking to enter the corporate travel industry:

FCM Women's Day, alternative paths

1. Consider alternative paths

"If you don't have the finances to go through the 3-year diploma, which is a reality for many, find a school that can give you a few months of training with GDS."
FCM, Women's Day, communication

2. Develop communication skills

Mpumi emphasises the importance of being able to communicate effectively with business travellers. "I'm not afraid to pick up a phone, and discuss the travel requirements, offer solutions, even learn a thing or two from some of them," she says.
FCM Women's Day, practical skills

3. Focus on practical skills

"Find a school that can give you this travel and tourism course, but can also either point you to the right direction in terms of getting this Galileo or Amadeus certificate."

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