Class to Offer Advice on Careers in Travel

A class at the Conejo Valley Adult School may help launch the careers of Julie McCoy-wannabees and others who have dreamed of leading cruise ships like the Love Boat around the world.

Professional tour director Cherie Anderson of San Juan Capistrano will teach an evening class on Thursday on how people can get jobs leading trips--on land and by sea--across the globe.

Anderson, who said she has earned up to $2,000 a week taking groups of tourists to Australia, Alaska and Asia, will share her experience on how to prepare for a tour, work large groups and organize check-in spots in various countries.

“The travel industry is the biggest generator of jobs,” Anderson said. “But people normally just think of travel agents. That’s not true. I’ve escorted tours around the world.”

Since 1989, Anderson has worked for companies including Grand Circle Travel in Boston, Olson-Travelworld in Los Angeles, RFD Tours in Lawrence, Kan., and American Express in Norcross, Ga.

Former students of Anderson’s class have gone on to jobs at local companies or at parks, which have often led to positions at larger tour operating agencies, she said.

If enough participants register by Wednesday, the class will begin Thursday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Conejo Valley Adult School at 1025 Old Farm Road. Cost of the class is $25 plus a $5 lab fee.

To register, call 497-2761 .