Mag. (FH) Melanie Koch, MA
Melanie Koch is a full-blooded tourism expert. She has been Managing Director of the regional tourist board 'Oststeiermark Tourismus' since August 2019.
Key data:
Job description: Managing Director
Company: Oststeiermark Tourismus
I work in: St. Johann bei Herberstein, Styria, Austria
I’ve worked here since: August 2019
Social URLs:
Facebook
Instagram
What I do:
- Destination development
- Marketing and public relations
- Improving the quality of tourism services
What I love about my job:
- Working with others
- Introducing ideas for further development
- Thinking outside of the box
Important skills in my job:
- Communication skills
- Management skills
- Creativity
- Intuition and sensitivity
- Common sense
My biggest accomplishment so far:
I am a full-blooded tourism expert. I spent 10 years as Managing Director of the Murau-Kreischberg Tourist Board. I also worked as an assistant to the management team at the Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen company and am now heading the tourist board for the Eastern Styria region. Each of these posts have given me valuable experience and contact with some fantastic people.
How I found my current job:
I valued my predecessor very highly as a colleague in the tourism sector. So I was even happier when I found out that I had been awarded her post as the new Managing Director. I simply followed the normal application process to gain the job.
What I learned for this job during my studies:
A great deal. During the course, I learned theory which I was able to apply in my job. After many years of working, I completed a second course to expand my knowledge and expertise in the PR sector. I benefitted from the course and internships in particular. The internships are an important way of gathering initial experience of professional life and finding your direction.
Job prospects in my field:
I started out with various jobs to see what suited me and what I enjoyed doing. Anything is possible with good training and personal goals in sight.
I am:
- communicative
- warm
- target-driven
About my job:
The important thing for me is to have fun in my work. You have to keep on seeking new challenges and developing. Working for Oststeiermark Tourismus has allowed me to make a contribution to the region of Eastern Styria and develop the region further, in collaboration with numerous other stakeholders.
You can only impress guests if you are fully behind your product and are passionate about what you do. Then you are authentic and convincing. I am happy to be a part of this region and to play my part in shaping it. I would recommend that all graduates try out everything which appeals to them in their professional life. Only then is it possible to find your true calling.