My travel experience started early while working at the MSP airport while going to travel school. Months prior to graduating, I got my first job working for a local tour company in the reservations department on the Las Vegas and Orlando Specialty desk. It was a seasonal position but I gained valuable skills during that time. My experience in the Travel Industry has included such companies as AAA of Minneapolis, Traveler's Choice, TransGlobal Tours, Hertz Corp, Mark Travel Corporation, and Northwestern Travel and Incentives. I've also learned many computer systems including WorldSpan and specific reservation systems for tour companies. My work experience as an Administrative Assistant has allowed me to use many of my travel skills, such as Event and Meeting Planning, and to increase my computer knowledge using Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher. My greatest achievement came in the opportunity of helping build an in-house travel department for the Marketing department incentive program of a private company. I enjoyed the experience and challenge of arranging travel for incentive groups, large and small, without a reservation system. I gained valuable experience managing budgets, attending site inspections, negotiating contracts, and traveling with some of the groups for on-site support. While the travel industry has changed, I believe that my experience and skills still remain valuable in a position that requires high attention to detail, computer proficiency, and organizational and customer service skills.