OPT Travel Consultant Jobs
Travel Consultant roles can qualify for OPT authorization when tied to a relevant degree in tourism, hospitality, business, or international studies. Most positions involve itinerary planning, client advising, and supplier coordination. STEM OPT extension is uncommon in this field, so planning your 12-month OPT timeline carefully is essential.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”
Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.
Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Specialty Travel Consultant
Join our dynamic team to oversee university corporate and deployed travel office operations. Serve as a trusted advisor to campus departments, expertly coordinating complex domestic and international group travel. Leverage advanced knowledge of international study programs, EFY, continuing education, and athletic team/individual travel to deliver exceptional service. Manage high-volume corporate travel demands and drive process improvements under the guidance of the corporate travel supervisor, while leading impactful travel office projects.
What you’ll do in this position:
- Strategic Planning & Collaboration: Partner with university departments to design and implement sophisticated logistical strategies and event coordination plans, ensuring seamless execution of university-hosted events.
- On-Site Logistics Management: Oversee and execute on-site logistical operations for complex group and VIP travel, including airport coordination, pre-arrival hotel arrangements, catering, and event venue setup.
- Contract Negotiation: Negotiate and finalize contracts with airlines, hotels, and event venues to secure optimal terms for group and event planning needs.
- Travel Itinerary Coordination: Collaborate with university staff to arrange and manage intricate domestic and international travel itineraries, including air, hotel, and rental car bookings for individuals and groups.
- Travel Transaction Oversight: Independently manage ticket refunds, exchanges, upgrades, fee waivers, and seating preferences to optimize travel experiences and compliance.
- Policy & Process Guidance: Advise university personnel on travel authorization procedures, expense management tools, and campus travel policies to ensure adherence and efficiency.
- Emergency Support: Provide 24/7 support for after-hours travel emergencies, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
- Transaction Review & Corrections: Audit daily transactions, identify necessary adjustments, and implement corrective actions to maintain accuracy and compliance.
- Customer Engagement: Organize and conduct campus visits to address travel office performance, gather feedback, and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
- Training & Presentations: Deliver engaging presentations to campus units, highlighting travel office services, preferred vendor benefits, and best practices.
- Unused Ticket Management: Assist in tracking and managing unused tickets to maximize resource utilization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in business management, travel & tourism, geography, or related field.
- Two years full-time experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
Preferred
- Two years relationship management experience in travel or related field (concurrent with 2 years of experience above).
- Proficiency in leading initiatives and ensuring accountability toward success.
- Advanced personal computer skills and demonstrated advanced proficiency using the SABRE airline booking system.
- Experience should demonstrate broad understanding: strategic sourcing, contract management, airline computer reservation systems, geography, and fare construction, etc.
Pay Grade: 52
Typical Starting Pay: $65,500 - $84,500
The actual compensation offered will take into consideration internal equity and may vary based on the candidate’s job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and other relevant factors. Candidates with very significant work-related experience may receive an offer higher than the posted typical range.
Required Documents:
All Staff positions require a resume.
Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!
INTRODUCTION
As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”
Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.
Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Specialty Travel Consultant
Join our dynamic team to oversee university corporate and deployed travel office operations. Serve as a trusted advisor to campus departments, expertly coordinating complex domestic and international group travel. Leverage advanced knowledge of international study programs, EFY, continuing education, and athletic team/individual travel to deliver exceptional service. Manage high-volume corporate travel demands and drive process improvements under the guidance of the corporate travel supervisor, while leading impactful travel office projects.
What you’ll do in this position:
- Strategic Planning & Collaboration: Partner with university departments to design and implement sophisticated logistical strategies and event coordination plans, ensuring seamless execution of university-hosted events.
- On-Site Logistics Management: Oversee and execute on-site logistical operations for complex group and VIP travel, including airport coordination, pre-arrival hotel arrangements, catering, and event venue setup.
- Contract Negotiation: Negotiate and finalize contracts with airlines, hotels, and event venues to secure optimal terms for group and event planning needs.
- Travel Itinerary Coordination: Collaborate with university staff to arrange and manage intricate domestic and international travel itineraries, including air, hotel, and rental car bookings for individuals and groups.
- Travel Transaction Oversight: Independently manage ticket refunds, exchanges, upgrades, fee waivers, and seating preferences to optimize travel experiences and compliance.
- Policy & Process Guidance: Advise university personnel on travel authorization procedures, expense management tools, and campus travel policies to ensure adherence and efficiency.
- Emergency Support: Provide 24/7 support for after-hours travel emergencies, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
- Transaction Review & Corrections: Audit daily transactions, identify necessary adjustments, and implement corrective actions to maintain accuracy and compliance.
- Customer Engagement: Organize and conduct campus visits to address travel office performance, gather feedback, and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
- Training & Presentations: Deliver engaging presentations to campus units, highlighting travel office services, preferred vendor benefits, and best practices.
- Unused Ticket Management: Assist in tracking and managing unused tickets to maximize resource utilization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in business management, travel & tourism, geography, or related field.
- Two years full-time experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
Preferred
- Two years relationship management experience in travel or related field (concurrent with 2 years of experience above).
- Proficiency in leading initiatives and ensuring accountability toward success.
- Advanced personal computer skills and demonstrated advanced proficiency using the SABRE airline booking system.
- Experience should demonstrate broad understanding: strategic sourcing, contract management, airline computer reservation systems, geography, and fare construction, etc.
Pay Grade: 52
Typical Starting Pay: $65,500 - $84,500
The actual compensation offered will take into consideration internal equity and may vary based on the candidate’s job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and other relevant factors. Candidates with very significant work-related experience may receive an offer higher than the posted typical range.
Required Documents:
All Staff positions require a resume.
Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Travel Consultant
Target employers already familiar with OPT
Large travel management companies and corporate travel agencies are more likely to have hired OPT students before. Familiarity with E-Verify and work authorization paperwork reduces friction during the hiring process significantly.
Connect your degree directly to the role
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your field of study. Tie your tourism, hospitality, or business degree to specific job duties like destination research, client itinerary management, or supplier negotiations in every application.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Employers unfamiliar with OPT timelines may hesitate if your authorization start date is weeks away. Begin applying at least two months before your OPT begins so hiring managers have time to understand your work authorization status.
Emphasize GDS and booking system experience
Proficiency in reservation systems like Amadeus or Sabre signals immediate productivity to travel employers. Listing these technical skills prominently shows you can contribute from day one, making work authorization concerns feel less significant.
Consider corporate travel over leisure agencies
Corporate travel management firms tend to have HR departments experienced with international hires and work authorization. Smaller leisure travel agencies may be less equipped to process OPT documentation efficiently.
Be upfront about your OPT authorization window
Clearly state your authorized period and work authorization type in your cover letter. Transparency early in the process builds trust and avoids confusion later, especially if the employer has not worked with OPT students before.
Travel Consultant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Travel Consultant jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, if your position is directly related to your field of study. A Travel Consultant role typically qualifies for students with degrees in tourism management, hospitality, international business, or related fields. The connection between your coursework and your job duties must be genuine and documentable for DSO verification purposes.
Are Travel Consultant roles eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
Generally no. Travel consulting is not classified under STEM-designated degree programs, so most students in this field are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. If your degree is in a STEM-adjacent field like data analytics or information systems and your employer uses you in that capacity, discuss eligibility with your DSO.
How do I find Travel Consultant jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended starting point. It filters specifically for employers open to sponsoring or hiring international students on work authorization, so you are not wasting applications on companies unfamiliar with OPT. Browsing by role type and authorization status lets you focus on realistic opportunities within your 12-month window.
What should I include in my resume to improve OPT hiring chances?
Lead with your OPT authorization status, degree field, and authorization end date in a dedicated summary or header section. Include any GDS proficiency, language skills relevant to international travel markets, and specific coursework in tourism or hospitality. Concrete experience with client management or itinerary planning strengthens the connection between your degree and the role.
Can I work for a travel agency as an independent contractor on OPT?
No. OPT regulations require that your employment be a standard employer-employee relationship. Independent contractor arrangements, commission-only structures, or self-employment do not satisfy OPT requirements. You must receive a W-2, not a 1099, and your employer must be identifiable for SEVIS reporting purposes.