Julie Higgins Charter Operations Manager

What inspired you to explore this career path?

I wouldn’t call it a love of travel, I would rather say a deep need for travel—it’s a compulsion! My parents introduced us to travel at an early age, and that was it, it became a must in my life. I was fortunate to work in most departments onboard, and very early on in my career I realized that hospitality was where I was supposed to spend my life.

Tell us about your journey with Uniworld. What do you love most about your job?

I have worked in almost every department within our onboard hotel operations—from housekeeping to bar and restaurant, to day reception and night reception, Purser to Hotel Manager—learning my way, and being taught by so many true professionals as I went along. Now, being part of Learning and Development, I get to support others in their own learning journey at Uniworld. 

What do I love most about my job? Hmmmmm, the people, first and foremost. I have met so many incredible people in the last 17 years, and all with one common love—to explore this world! The chats that we have had about where to travel, and what to see, sharing our experiences. I have discovered that the more I travel, my “to do” list of places to visit only becomes longer!

Do you have any words of wisdom that have helped motivate you in your life or career?

Allow your heart to show in everything which you do—choose a path that inspires and motivates you to always be better, and to do better, and everything you do, do it with purpose.

What advice would you give to other women who are pursuing careers in travel?

Travel is a world that has room for everyone, no matter the gender, nationality, religion or race. Anyone with heart, passion, acceptance and creativity will thrive in this industry.

This year's International Women's Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge. What are you doing, or will you do, in your role or in your life, to help create a gender equal world?

To make sure that I will always speak up and call out when I see any inequality of any sort. If this last year has taught me anything, it’s that it is time for more action, and less words. I am looking into different online volunteering/coaching/support opportunities which aim to help other women looking to enter or reenter the workplace—there are plenty of these organizations worldwide.