THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT FERRYSCANNER

Every year during the summer high season, Ferryscanner recruits some interns to assist with the workload. It’s always a group of intelligent individuals close to completing their university degrees, joining the team in mainly Customer Support roles. From face-to-face interactions or communicating with customers through chat to issuing tickets and solving booking problems – every day will have the same structure but be totally different. Our modern and well-equipped offices are conveniently located in the heart of Athens, full of talented and fun travel professionals.

At the end of the 2020 internship period, we asked a few of the students to answer some questions to get a better understanding of their time with us.

Tell us about your Ferryscanner experience.

• “Working at Ferryscanner during the season of 2020 proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences one could ask for. Despite starting late due to the pandemic and despite the pressure of having to learn and adapt quickly due to the sudden influx of customers after the travel restrictions were lifted, it was all more than worth it. This was because the work environment at Ferryscanner is so friendly and welcoming that you are compelled to give it your all and work hard for the team. Being a new up-and-coming company it has a very modern feel which is further increased by the fresh young people that were there to guide me through the internship. Furthermore, one of the biggest rewards was that I made friendships (the other interns and the full-time employees) that I am sure are going to last.” – Dimitris Kollias, University of West Attica
• “My internship at Ferryscanner was a beautiful experience that could not have been better. The company space is so beautiful that it makes you enthusiastic about waking up and going there every morning. Not only is the place beautiful though, but all the people there who make up the team.” Christina Berries, University of West Attica
• “The Ferryscanner company in which I chose to do my internship, I found that it is a rapidly growing and modern company selling ferry tickets. The procedures that concern the complete management of reservations in which I was trained in combination with the pleasant environment that characterizes the company is a set that would impress every young person and not only, who is ready to join the field. More specifically, my training covered all the procedures related to booking management, while at the same time I learned to manage any possible problems that may arise in each customer.” – Danai Siriopoulou, University of West Attica
• The best experience ever. ” – Irina Konikov, Agricultural University of Athens (previously Technical Educational Institute of Mainland Greece)

What did you learn during your internship?

• “Unlike many other places where one might do their internship, here you acquire extremely valuable knowledge in the travel field. You are quickly taught how to issue ferry tickets and make any changes that the customer might request using all the latest online systems. Even more valuable though, I learned to be patient and calm while handling stressful situations, both online and at the reception desk dealing face-to-face with the customer. Also, I learned to adapt to situations using the toolkit that I have at my disposal and learn from my mistakes to become smarter and stronger.” – Dimitris Kollias
• “Apart from the fact that they taught us everything we need to succeed in our work, we were also taught how to work as a team and respond professionally to customer requests.” – Christina Berries
• “My training covered everything related to ticket booking management, while at the same time I learned how to manage the various problems that may arise with each individual customer.” – Danai Siriopoulou
• “During my internship I learned many software programs, I learned all about ferry companies and their policies, and I learned how to be more patient with customers.” – Irina Konikov

Favorite thing/moment at Ferryscanner?

• “It is very hard to pinpoint what I liked most during my internship, however, I believe that the casual atmosphere and friendliness of the people working alongside me (both permanent staff and other interns) made it an amazing experience during an otherwise difficult year. From the moment I first entered the office I knew that this was a place that I would enjoy working and being a part of the team. My favorite experience came early in the internship when we all went and had drinks at a nearby bar after work. It was a very fun night where we got to know everyone better, exchanging stories and experiences.” – Dimitris Kollias
• “What I liked most was how comfortable everyone at the office made me feel. The atmosphere every day was so friendly. My favorite moment was one day during July when a new sales record for Ferryscanner had just been set. To celebrate, the whole team had a pizza party.” – Christina Berries
• “The day that impressed me the most was July 3, 2020. That day there was a record number of bookings compared to the previous year. The satisfaction of completing such a day felt great, and so did the celebration that happened during our break. It was a beautiful occasion to get to know each other better, which had a positive effect on our subsequent collaboration.” – Danai Siriopoulou
• “I loved working at the front desk of the office, dealing with Customer Service. The entire mood of the company was very fun and positive. We had many great moments together, like celebrating Halloween or going out for drinks. All of the little jokes and daily interactions we had brought us closer. – Irina Konikov

What surprised you the most?

• “What surprised me the most was the number of ferry tickets sold despite COVID-19 situation, both Greek domestic sales and international sales numbers were really good. This proved to me that people will always try and travel to their little island paradise to escape and relax.” – Dimitris Kollias
• “Apart from how great the company environment was, I was also surprised and impressed by the scope of work and responsibilities.” – Christina Berries
• “What initially struck me was how easily one can buy ferry tickets online and board in just a few hours with just a few clicks. Also, how you can make such a positive difference to someone’s day by going the extra mile to help them. For instance, checking alternative ferry routes when a customer’s trip is canceled.” – Danai Siriopoulou
• The most surprising thing for me was that every ferry company has completely different policies regarding cancellations and Open Dated tickets. Also, the process to make these changes is different each time as well. At Ferryscanner, you never stop learning new things.” – Irina Konikov

What advice would you give to next year’s interns?

• “I would recommend interning at Ferryscanner wholeheartedly, you will truly be better off afterward both in professional and personal experiences. It provides you with invaluable knowledge and experience for a career in the world of travel and ferry tickets, while also making you not want to miss a day at the office. The advice I would give next year’s interns is to try to always stay calm and collected during even the most challenging circumstances. Every problem has a solution and everyone that works alongside you is there to help you.” – Dimitris Kollias
• “I urge every student to try this internship experience at Ferryscanner and I advise them to put a lot of emphasis on education first. Once you feel confident and know what to do, then really will enjoy chatting with customers!” – Christina Berries
• “The internship at Ferryscanner is something I recommend to anyone who wants to explore the travel industry. The knowledge gained here will be crucial and you will enjoy the time spent working. There are many people on the team willing to answer any questions and offer their experience, with a smile.” – Danai Siriopoulou
• “Yes, 100%. Future interns will learn so many important things about the customer service world while working with a great team. Also, I advise patience and tough skin. Don’t take everything to heart, and remember that customers aren’t always right every single time.” – Irina Konikov

Here’s what some of our other interns in the past had to say generally, about their experience working at Ferryscanner.

• “The Ferryscanner office had a very friendly atmosphere, and help was always available whenever I needed it.” – Sotira Stergiatou (2019)
• “The 5 months I was at Ferryscanner during the internship were perfect. The atmosphere with the others was great, the cooperation was impeccable and I gained so much knowledge about ferry tickets. The first month was the hardest but then it was all very easy after that. During the summer months, there was a lot of work as ferry tickets are mainly seasonal. With the right preparation, everything runs smoothly. I would highly recommend becoming an intern at Ferryscanner.” – Electra Tsik (2019) 
• “At the end of my 6-month internship at Ferryscanner, I had acquired the necessary knowledge for the operation of shipping systems and offices. The environment was very friendly and our managers were always willing to help us and solve any questions that arose. For those who are looking for practice in a modern space that helps you develop your communication skills and is good for your resume, I highly recommend Ferryscanner.” – Christos Acheimastos (2019) 
• “The internship covers one semester of a student’s life. Ferryscanner managed to make this whole process much simpler and more fun even during the high season, despite the pressure of summer tourism. I learned online booking systems, and how to work in a team. Also, I became more extroverted, which I consider to be one of the best aspects of my whole experience, given the closed nature of my character. I had the freedom to make decisions and take creative action. There were the necessary seriousness and professionalism of course as well. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to stay on with the company as a permanent member of the team.” – Maria Christoforidi (2019)

If you are a university student in Greece interested in working in the travel and tourism industry, get in touch with us. We are currently recruiting interns for the 2021 season, click here to apply!