A Vital Role To Play – Baxter Student Ambassador Program Takes Flight

Now more than ever, the Baxter Student Ambassador Program (BSAP) plays a vital role in the long-term survival of our industry. In its 7th year, the program continues to work with colleges and universities from around the country to identify the most promising student talent in travel, tourism, and hospitality programs.

In spite of the effects of the global pandemic, interest in pursuing a career in travel and tourism has not diminished.

“COVID-19 has made the world a very strange place and we fully expected the universities and colleges would tell us that they didn’t have the student population to support the program in 2021,” explained Wendy McClung, Program Director and Executive VP, Baxter Media. “But that wasn’t the case. When we asked them to participate, the answer we received was a resounding ‘yes.’ So, we are confidently adapting our program to work within restrictions put in place by the pandemic.”

This year will also see the launch of the first ever BSAP Career Fair in early May. The career fair will feature a virtual awards ceremony for the winning Baxter Ambassadors, access for all students in the programs, a keynote presentation, networking opportunities, and a career fair trade show.

Based on a combination of academic success, industry and community involvement, leadership skills, and a skill-testing interview, one graduating student from each of our 15 participating schools will be designated as the Baxter Student Ambassador.

Institutions taking part in BSAP 2021, include:

•  Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON
•  BCIT, Vancouver, BC
•  Capilano University, Vancouver, BC
•  Centennial College, Toronto, ON
•  Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON
•  Confederation College, Thunder Bay, ON
•  Fanshawe College, London, ON
•  Fleming College, Peterborough, ON
•  George Brown College, Toronto, ON
•  Georgian College, Barrie, ON
•  Humber College, Toronto, ON
•  Red River College, Winnipeg, MB
•  Ryerson University, Toronto, ON
•  SAIT, Calgary, AB
•  Seneca College, Toronto, ON

With the support of our partners and sponsors, winning Baxter Student Ambassadors will receive their profile published in the special BSAP issue of Travel Courier, a one-year membership to ACTA including access to the Learning Campus, a one-year membership to TIAO, a bursary, subscription to all Baxter media publications, a special introduction at our first-ever BSAP Career Fair in May, access to networking and mentorship opportunities, and access to the new BSAP Alumni Association via LinkedIn.

Of course, BSAP wouldn’t be possible without the generous participation of our sponsors and partners –  Jamaica Tourist Board, Manulife, ACTA, SKAL and TIAO – who provide students with the opportunity to kick-start their careers.

Launched in the 2014-2015 school year with Humber College, BSAP is the only travel and tourism student mentoring program of its kind in Canada offering learning and networking opportunities for aspiring travel industry professionals.

To find out how you can lend your expertise in shaping the future of our industry through the Baxter Student Ambassador Program, visit www.baxterambassadors.com or contact us at info@baxter.net. #BaxterAmbassadors