Shinae Aurik
Being caught between a rock and a hard place is a common idiom for being in a difficult situation. For Shinae Aurik, a Hiking Guide with the Tasmanian Walking Company, her rock and hard place are not difficult at all. In fact, she has come to really like rocks as part of her role of introducing her walking guests to some of the iconic natural wonders of Tasmania.
Shinae is a relative newcomer to the tourism industry, only starting as a hiking guide around a year ago. However, her specialised interest and knowledge surrounding Tasmanian ecosystems is celebrated perfectly in this environment.
“I studied at university in plant science and ecology and then after that I got really excited about working outdoors. I thought hike guiding would be the perfect way into that”. She adds, “I really enjoy communicating about science, about all the different things that [the guests] might have not known before, to hopefully expand their minds and encourage a connection to nature”.
It was an easy transition for Shinae as she has been hiking for most of her life. It set her up in good stead to understand and deliver proper hike briefings, what to expect on the trails, how hard the trek will be and so on. Of course this would become the perfect outlet to express her love for plants and wildlife.
“It was basically doing what I love for work, and doing it all the time.” She explains, “I started off doing some training trips and then I went out as an assist guide. I've also done some hosting at the Lodge and cooking food for the guests.”
Work experience and the ability to learn as you go is a unique proposition that the Tasmanian Tourism Industry presents. It’s under these nurturing circumstances that Shinae has propelled her career in such a short time.
“Recently, I’ve just started as a lead guide and running all the trips.” She continues, “And I’ve had the chance to go over to the Northern Territory and was guiding some trips over there, which is a great opportunity. There's so many things I can go and do all across Australia and potentially other countries as well.”
Not only does Shinae boast of the traveling opportunities, but appreciates the personal development she has experienced so far, including developing her leadership capabilities.
“The skills that I've learned through guiding are so versatile and they can be used anywhere. Like communication skills – I didn't really like public speaking before starting…” she explains, “…but you get better at it every single time and then you kind of even look forward to it”.
Shinae finds the impact on her guests is a major attraction for working in the tourism industry and revels at the chance to show them the best parts of Tasmania.
“I'm so lucky in my job getting to do what I do and experiencing a really cool environment every single day.”
“I'm so lucky in my job getting to do what I do and experiencing a really cool environment every single day. I love Tasmania. The nature is so close.” She continues, “The fresh air is so good for the body and as soon as I get out in nature, it's just like a big deep breath. I think Tasmania has something for everyone.”
“Sometimes it's really special at the end of a trip, when a guest comes up to you and says that their whole outlook on hiking and the outdoors has changed… and it’s now a new passion of theirs. It's really cool. Maybe it was their first ever hiking trip and now they just want to do it all the time.”
For someone so young and relatively new to the tourism industry, Shinae makes a great ambassador for Tasmania. In a tourism lead state, she encourages her peers to seek more opportunities that are right on our doorstep.
“If you're considering a career in tourism, absolutely do it. There shouldn't be anything holding you back.” She urges, “If you've got a passion for it, there's always room for you in the tourism industry.”
