Before becoming a tourism instructor and industry practitioner, Arrian Alquiza, Certified Tourism Professional, built her career thousands of feet in the air. As a flight attendant, her world revolved around passengers, service, and navigating situations that could change in seconds. But when she made the decision to pivot into the academe and expand her work in the tourism field, she faced the same fear many professionals feel when stepping into the unknown.
“Shifting from Flight Attendant to a Professional Instructor and Industry Practitioner came with a lot of uncertainty,” she said. “The fear of the unknown and the time constraints were real challenges. I didn’t know what the day-to-day tasks would be or how my work-life balance would change.”
But instead of letting fear stop her, Arrian treated the pivot as a chance to grow.
Why staying competitive starts with staying uncomfortable
Arrian’s approach to career growth comes from a piece of advice she never forgot: “The only person who is going to look after your career is you.”
For her, that meant stepping outside her comfort zone—again and again.
“To stay competitive in such a dynamic and evolving field, I focus on continuous learning and adaptability,” she explained. “The industry moves fast. You need to be able to identify shifts in consumer behavior, preferences, and market dynamics before they become mainstream.”
Her strategy is simple but powerful: keep learning before the industry forces you to.
She stays updated through training, market research, certifications, and closely following emerging trends. Whether it’s changing traveler expectations, new technology, or sustainability practices, Arrian makes it a priority to stay ahead rather than catch up.
From the cabin to the classroom: the pivot that redefined her purpose
When Arrian transitioned into teaching, she discovered that her time as a flight attendant wasn’t just a chapter—it was the foundation for her new mission.
Every skill she learned in the cabin translated into the classroom: communication, customer service, calm under pressure, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence. But teaching demanded a different form of discipline.
“I had to deal with uncertainty about what the new career would entail,” she said. “But embracing the shift made me realize that pivots aren’t setbacks—they’re opportunities to grow and contribute in new ways.”
Her students now benefit from something most instructors can’t offer: real industry insight paired with academic structure.
Why standout professionals blend skill with mindset
Arrian believes the tourism field rewards those who combine technical competence with a growth-oriented attitude.
She describes standout candidates as problem-solvers who are analytical, adaptable, and competent—professionals who communicate well and remain open to change.
“What makes you stand out is being a problem solver and analytical while keeping a positive, growth-oriented mindset,” she said. “Adaptability is a big factor in this industry.”
It’s this commitment to both skill and mindset that helped her remain relevant across multiple roles.
Future-proofing a tourism career in a digital world
Tourism and hospitality today are shaped by rapid technological changes, sustainability demands, and evolving traveler behavior. Arrian believes that professionals need more than traditional hospitality training to stay future-ready.
“To future-proof my career, I prioritize upskilling in areas like emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and sustainable practices,” she said. “These complement the technical skills needed in the industry.”
She knows that memorizing procedures won’t be enough. The professionals who survive industry shifts are those who evolve with them.
Why she never stops learning
Whether she’s teaching tourism students or planning industry initiatives, Arrian approaches her work with the same mindset she developed early in her career: growth is a personal responsibility.
She stands by the belief that careers don’t advance by accident—they advance when you make intentional moves, seek opportunities, and challenge yourself to adapt.
Staying relevant in tourism means learning faster than the market shifts. And for Arrian Alquiza, continuous upskilling isn’t just a habit—it’s the reason she continues to thrive in an industry that rewards those who dare to evolve.
