TicketAroundWorld

Hello from the other side of the world! In January of this year, I set off to do something that I never would have dreamed I’d ever do. And, further, I never would have dreamed that a background in communication would be the ticket.

Getting paid to edit menus and daily activity newsletters – while on a ship circling the globe?

Yes, in January I started a four-month journey working as Assistant Editor of Guest Publications for Crystal Cruises on their 2008 World Cruise. Traveling overseas for the first time, and within one week doubling the number of countries I’d set foot in.

Now, at the conclusion of my globe-spanning work/travel journey, there is one thing that I have learned above all else. More than learning about the fascinating countries and cultures of the world, and more than the personal ups and downs of a travel adventure (I’ve documented the journey along with tonnes of photos at http://www.impression1.net/whereisandrewnow if you’re interested). More than that, the one thing I’ve learned that I really want to share in this reflection – especially to students or others like myself who are at the start of their career – is just how powerful a ticket our communication skill-set can be.

I never thought that my choice of profession would open doors such as this! And who would? The common refrain before I left was either: “I can’t believe you’re doing this,” or “I would love to do something like that.”

But, I sincerely believe that any communicator with a desire could do it. Of course, without any significant ties holding me back, I was free to pack up for 108 days. However, I didn’t do anything special to land this job: merely FedExed my response to a posting Crystal had on their website and emphasized in the telephone interview that I was ready for the shipboard lifestyle.

So maybe it’s not working on a cruise ship, since that’s not realistic to everyone. It’s the concept of doing something really “neat,” or something you’re really passionate about. And how communications can be the ticket.

I discovered through all this that the communications skill-set has truly unlimited potential. As communicators, we might take for granted what we’re great at…but the amazing thing is that it’s a customizable asset that could be applied to anything – anything you’re passionate about. For myself, it was the chance to see the world and its cultures.

But, if you’re a tad creative in finding the link: communication could really be the ticket to whatever your heart desires.

Andrew Kaszowski put his media studies degree and public relations diploma to use when he launched a freelance communications business (www.impression1.net) after spending more than a year as a communications consultant with the Lawson Health Research Institute. In January, he set sail as assistant editor of guest publications for Crystal Cruises on a four-month world cruise from Los Angeles. After backpacking Europe for a month to thoroughly satisfy his travel bug, he will return to Canada in June to continue life’s journey.

Communication as a Ticket Around the World?