<p><span class="p-body">Travel and tourism professionals rarely stay put, as exploring the world is often part of the job description. The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-travel-and-tourism-management.html">MS in Travel and Tourism Management</a> program awards wanderlust-struck students the flexibility to study online or in person, so they can continue their professional pursuits while leveling up their industry knowledge and expertise. Adelia Karamina Putri is a student in the program who recently spoke with us about her experience as an NYU SPS student and where she plans to go next in her career.</span></p>
A Lifelong Passion for Travel
<p><span class="p-body">Adele's passion for tourism started at a young age. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, her first experience—a family trip to Bali when she was just five—sparked an excitement for travel that would shape her entire career. Recalling the thrill of her first flight, she says, "I couldn't stop talking and jumping here and there," which speaks to how profoundly travel impacted her life even then. "What's better than planning and managing something that undeniably could be enjoyed and longed for by tons of people?" she adds. And just like that, a seed was planted.</span></p>
Putting in the Work
<p><span class="p-body">Adele chose to pursue her MS in Travel and Tourism Management at NYU SPS due to its flexibility and the opportunity to tailor her education to her specific needs. Coming from a background in urban planning and working as a policy analyst, she needed a program that could enhance her knowledge in tourism from a planning and policy perspective. NYU's program offered exactly that.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Her time at NYU has been transformative. Adele appreciated the way students were encouraged to be outspoken and critical in the best way, feeling that her voice was truly heard and valued. She also admired the real-world experience her professors brought to the classroom, noting that learning from practitioners in the tourism industry added immense value to her education. "I loved the fact that our professors came not only from academia but also practitioners in various tourism-related fields," she says, highlighting the practical insights she gained.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Adele's hands-on experience at NYU was equally fulfilling. As part of her capstone project, she had the opportunity to work with Destinations International, developing inclusive tourism destinations. The project was an eye-opener for her, providing insights into how she could apply her learnings to real-world tourism initiatives.</span></p>
When I stumbled upon this specific program at NYU SPS, I instantly set it as my first choice to pursue my master's."
Looking Ahead
<p><span class="p-body">Now, Adele is back in Indonesia, working as a full-time policy analyst for the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Fittingly, she's working on a pilot project in Bali, the very destination that first inspired her love for travel. Reflecting on this full-circle moment, she says, "What are the odds? My first-ever tourism destination was Bali, and now I am taking care of Bali on a daily basis!"</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Adele credits NYU SPS with giving her the tools and network to thrive in her career. The program provided not just an education, but also a global community where she could exchange ideas and expand her professional network. Looking ahead, she is excited to continue making an impact in the tourism industry, shaping policies that promote sustainable and inclusive travel in Indonesia.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Make an impact on the future of global tourism when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-travel-and-tourism-management.html">MS in Travel and Tourism Management</a> at NYU SPS today. </span></p>