A passion for local produce and tourism prompted Wendy Gallagher to turn her dream into a viable career.
Here is how she became a Director at Causeway Coast Foodie Tours
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I have worked in the tourism/ hospitality industry for over 30 years and have always had a real love for welcoming visitors to my area. After studying a Travel and Tourism Management Degree I then worked in the industry until 2006 when I became a Lecturer in Travel and Tourism at the local FE college that I studied in. I became a World Host Trainer for Tourism Northern Ireland in 2011 specialising in Tourism, Golf & Food Ambassador training. I started my own food tour company in 2016.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I loved English Literature, French and Geography. I was lucky to have had a fantastic school experience and liked most subjects to be honest, due to superb teachers.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, If so what did you study and where?
I knew before picking my GCSEs that I wanted to work in the travel & tourism industry so chose subjects accordingly. On leaving school I studied a BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism at Northern Regional College and then went on to complete a BA (HONS) Travel and Tourism Management Degree at University of Northumbria, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
How did you get into your area of work?
My business started through a combination of family circumstances and my interest in highlighting the exceptional food and drink which is reared/grown on our doorstep. My decision to start the business coincided with the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink in 2016 and I felt this would be an appropriate time to see if I could bring my dream of combining my two passions; tourism and food, into a viable tourism product.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I never thought I would have the courage to step out of what I thought would be a lifetime career and start my own business. However, my journey over the past few years has given me a real sense of accomplishment and pride. I absolutely love the area I have grown up in and feel so proud to showcase the hidden gems that I have always appreciated.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Yes absolutely. I have built my portfolio of qualifications/experience around industry requirements throughout my career and I am constantly learning and upskilling.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Of course, my mantra now is never saying never! During this most surreal of years, I have appreciated having the ability to take a step back and focus my energies on the aspects of life that fulfil me the most. I do work extremely hard and feel incredibly lucky to be where I am just now. It has not always been that way and different chapters of life can affect your outlook on things. If you have a passion for something this naturally shines through and this may well be something that could make you a living, rather than being a hobby or pipe dream.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
The key skills are excellent communication skills – listening and responding to what my customers want, self-confidence – in myself, in my wonderful visitor experiences and my ability to sell them here and abroad and resilience – being able to initiate and weather change, so necessary to developing my visitor experiences.
What does a typical day entail?
My day usually starts with responding to emails. As a sole trader I am responsible for all aspects of the business, so time is allocated each week for general administration, marketing, promotion, accounts, website updates, tour preparation, business development and so on. I love the buzz of a tour day. Currently I am running my Catch and Sea Portstewart sunrise, breakfast fishing tour. My alarm goes off at 4.15am to ensure I am at Portstewart Harbour for 5.45am sharp to set-up and ready to greet my customers at 6.15am.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best aspects are meeting such a diverse range of people and watching them fall in love with our place and our people. The most challenging for me personally is having the confidence to delegate and as a working mother often feeling restricted due to other demands.
Why is what you do important?
It is important to me because I am proud of where I come from. My parents brought me up in an environment where we, and visitors to our home, were always fed well with fresh, local produce including plenty of delicious home-baking and made to feel welcome. Raising my own family, I have always connected with that ethos around the importance of living off our land, using good homegrown or locally produced ingredients and being able to showcase our sense of place. I want to bring that to my family, my tours, colleagues, and customers.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Go for it, do not procrastinate, but be organised. Do your research, take time to learn and make sure to have clarity of purpose – understand what you want to achieve and how the product/s you develop meet that vision. Do not be scared to take a risk but do listen to people you trust and stay true to what you set out to achieve. There is a lot of help and information from industry agencies and local authorities on getting started so do your research and collaborate.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I have reached a place in my career where I am very content so for now, I really would not want to be doing anything else.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Keep your head up and have confidence in your ability.
Describe your ideal day off?
A day on one of our stunning Causeway Coast beaches in the sunshine with my family; rock-pool fishing, playing on the sand, swimming in the sea and fish and chips while watching the sunset.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
I would always aim to follow my passion and aim for the right level even if that means starting from the ground up. Look at essential/desirable criteria closely and ensure you can genuinely demonstrate how you meet this. Do not be scared to sell yourself, sometimes we can be too modest. If you find it hard to list your strengths, think about how your friends or family might describe you and share those qualities with prospective employers. Read every application thoroughly and ensure you follow exact application instructions.
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