Valarie Duquette
Plattsburgh,NY
Summary
Sales-oriented travel expert with excellent administrative skills and experience working with well-known travel suppliers. Proven expertise in customer service and in resolving conflicts. Provides exceptional service and quality obtained from years of hands-on experience in the travel and customer service industry.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Travel Advisor
Touraid Travel
06.2017 - Current
- Researched cruises, airfare options and siteseeing options to best meet client expectations.
- Responded promptly to client calls and emails requesting new travel arrangements or changes to existing itineraries to provide optimal customer service.
- Resolved travel problems, processed complaints and issued refunds to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Supervised payments via credit and debit cards and handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.
- Developed loyal return clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
- Attended training sessions, familiarization trips and site inspections to maintain current industry knowledge and gain insight into tourism trends.
Resident Assistant
Bath Spa University
09.2015 - 11.2016
- Responded to student inquiries and concerns, offering support and guidance.
- Mediated conflict resolution with roommates and other residence hall members to promote peace, order and positive relationships.
- Collaborated with residential team to maximize effective and efficient operations.
- Enforced policies and safety standards through building and room rounds.
- Provided crisis management and intervention during emergency situations.
- Established and enforced residence hall policies and quiet hours to establish safe and respectful living environment.
- Organized and hosted social and educational events for residents to foster meaningful connections and community spirit.
- Promoted culture of respect and understanding among students.
Language and Culture Assistant
IES Sierra De Mijas
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Helped improve the level of English used throughout the school by students and staff
- Focused specifically on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary usage
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Developed and delivered presentations on course topics.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Aided older students in preparing and passing English language exams
- Honed intercultural communication skills and overall intercultural sensibility
- Improved overall Spanish proficiency to the intermediate level
Peer Advisor, Office of Study Abroad
GO Office, Susquehanna University
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
- Promptly responded to incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries
- Planned and implemented promotional events to increase student interest and participation
- Worked independently and in cross-functional team environment and displayed self-motivation to complete tasks beyond specific directions.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks to maintain up-to-date program and student information
Student Employee for Donor Relations
Susquehanna University
08.2008 - 09.2011
- Promptly responded to inquiries and requests from prospective donors
- Advised alumni and potential donors on the necessity of their gifts to ensure the future of the university
- Facilitated donations of various sizes
- Regularly worked with higher-end donors to facilitate donations above $1,000
Education
Master of Arts - International Education
Bath Spa University
Bath, England06-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA06-2012
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Creative problem-solving
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness
- Travel planning research
- Building client connections
- Dynamic work environments
- Compliance management
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Travel Advisor
Touraid Travel
06.2017 - Current
Resident Assistant
Bath Spa University
09.2015 - 11.2016
Language and Culture Assistant
IES Sierra De Mijas
09.2012 - 06.2013
Peer Advisor, Office of Study Abroad
GO Office, Susquehanna University
01.2012 - 05.2012
Student Employee for Donor Relations
Susquehanna University
08.2008 - 09.2011
Master of Arts - International Education
Bath Spa University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Susquehanna University
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