At Enchanting Travels, we strive to create a nurturing and enabling environment for employees from all walks of life. We take special pride in our internship and mentorship programs aimed at providing opportunities to youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our team members take these students and graduates under their wing, giving them career guidance along with opportunities to interact with guests.
Our India and Kenya offices currently offer internships to bright young minds through partnerships with scholarship funds and NGOs. Some of these interns are full-fledged Enchanters today, and we couldn’t be happier!
Let’s introduce you to some of our new and former interns who are now part of the Enchanting family.
Timothy Odhiambo Okongo, Intern
I’d like to create my own company that helps sponsor street children. I’d also like to start my own travel company!
Timothy is currently interning in our Nairobi office. He came to Enchanting Travels through the Logos Scholarship Fund, where he was a volunteer and also a scholarship recipient. A Nairobi native, Timothy is attending Maseno University to study accounting and finance. He is currently helping us update our hotel reviews, and he is excited about gaining more insights into the travel industry. One of the things he loves the most about the company is the sense of camaraderie in the office, and how easily approachable senior team members are . “This feels like family. There’s no formality, unlike my previous jobs and internships!” he says.
Timothy dreams of going to space someday, and he can’t wait to visit Germany and Tanzania. His long-term goal is to create more opportunities for disadvantaged children so they can flourish in their chosen fields.
Cyprian Otieno, Trip Coordinator (former intern)
Once I was helping a family traveling to the Kenyan coast. Unfortunately, the mother had to be hospitalized for three days, and I checked in on all of them every single day, until she was discharged. They really appreciated that care. You have to be empathetic and think fast in this role.
Cyprian began his journey with us as an intern in our Nairobi office, and is currently one of our trip coordinators. Originally from Migori, Kenya, he joined us in 2018 after graduating from Kenya Utalii College, one of the top hospitality and tourism schools in the country. We were impressed with his confidence and his prior experience as a guide.
Cyprian admits he had no idea he could become a Trip Coordinator. He started out with practical everyday aspects of the role, such as updating spreadsheets, and quickly got a hang of the reservation system.
What does he like the most about working as a Trip Coordinator? “It broadens and sharpens my mind. Once you have the guest, you start counting the minutes: what can I do to capture their attention and create rapport? It’s always an adrenaline rush. It keeps me on my toes. My guests are always about to travel, so I have a keen eye for what might happen on a trip. If a guest is celebrating a special occasion, I have to start thinking about how I can make it incredible. Recently, I organized a private dinner on Denis Island in Seychelles. The guests sent me a photo right before dinner, saying, ‘This is fantastic, I can’t believe this is happening to us!’” he says.
Cyprian was lucky enough to get an opportunity to stay at a camp in Masai Mara during his early days in the company, and he treasures the experience. “I was constantly asking questions and taking notes so I could share my findings with the team. Learning is a big part of Enchanting Travels,” he says.
Where does he want to travel next? “Victoria Falls. I want to see the greatest waterfall in the world! I’d also like to go to Germany as I speak German and love interacting with our German guests.”
Vanitha Murugappa, Intern
The people at Enchanting Travels are very supportive and non-judgmental, and my experience has been great!
Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, Vanitha joined us as an intern through Baale Mane, a home for disadvantaged young girls. We offer internships to former residents of Baale Mane in the Bengaluru office, and team members mentor older children at the home on professional conduct, interview skills and career paths.
As an intern, Vanitha’s role includes coordinating exciting projects and sharpening her understanding of the industry. She is determined to put in her best effort, take on more responsibility and realize her ambition of leading a team eventually.
Where does she want to travel next? “Paris has always been a childhood dream. I want to visit the Eiffel Tower and also experience a long flight journey!”
We are glad to have played a part in shaping the careers of these young graduates, and we wish them all the very best with their future endeavors.
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