CTM Career Pathways: Sammy Seung

A holistic career path 

Not everyone strives to be a master of just one domain, some like to spread their wings and learn about everything. Where you start is not where you finish, and what you learn along the way is what leads you to your true passions. Meet Sammy Seung, a CTM employee who has worked across various departments, growing his knowledge and skills to find his home in a role that complements his personal strengths.

Sammy’s CTM Career Pathway – Snapshot

• 2015 – Executive Trainee
• 2017 – Senior Executive, Business Development
• 2019 – Regional Implementation Specialist
• 2020 – Client Value Manager, Asia

Tell us your CTM story. Where did it start and what attracted you to join the industry?

I always had an interest in the greater tourism industry and was something I wanted to be involved in and pursue as my professional goal, so I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. Upon graduation, I had an opportunity to join CTM as an Executive Trainee where I was exposed to different departments, absorbing as much knowledge and new skills as I could from my mentors in each area. After two years, I then moved into a business development position within the corporate sales team and then specialized as an Implementation Specialist, taking care of regional and local customer implementations. From this role, I then had the opportunity in 2020 (my current role today) to become a Client Value Manager, managing business travel programs for our corporate customers.

Where the last 7 years have gone, I don’t know, but what I do know is I have been provided many opportunities to spread my wings and find my true passions, whilst growing my industry knowledge and skill set. CTM is a good balance between exploring innovative travel technology and maintaining personalized service. As a global travel management company it will continue to provide the opportunity for me to learn, explore and broaden my horizons.

You have worked in various departments and roles in your career with CTM, what has been the highlight so far?

I have always found myself to be a people person and love networking and communicating with people from different backgrounds, personalities, and industries. It is in dealing with a range of people that we can learn personally and professionally, so my career highlight was my internal transfer to my current role as a Client Value Manager. This role has undoubtedly allowed me to meet corporate customers from a range of industries and bring value to their company’s travel program. It is wonderful to work in a role that complements my strengths.

You have been someone who has demonstrated the art of learning and welcoming new opportunities. Have you been involved in any CTM employee initiatives during your CTM journey?

Of course I have! I have been fortunate enough to participate in the High-Potential Program (HiPo) which provided me with a platform to exchange ideas and share insights with colleagues from other regions. I also participated in a program called “Step Up” where I was able to manage a project to enhance my department’s current workflow – assisting me to sharpen my leadership and decision-making skills.

What is your most valued CTM employee benefit and why?

Birthday leave, where employees are able to spend valuable time with family and friends during their special day.

What advice or guidance have you been given that has impacted your career progression and ability to take risks?

A manager once said to me “success is not final and failure is not fatal.” Sometimes people may hesitate to step up due to potential risks – however, this manager advised that failure is not a bad thing, it depends on how you react and learn from the experience and how you can improve yourself in the future.

What is something you have discovered about working in the travel industry that you can share with prospective employees?

Working in a travel management company doesn’t mean you will necessarily travel in your role or receive endless discounts or “freebies”. This is sometimes a perception of those that are not familiar with the industry. What it does is provide you with is loads of useful information for your trip planning and educates you on the inner workings of the travel supply chain. Don’t get me wrong though, there are some wonderful travel suppliers out there that do provide exclusive industry offers for employees to enjoy.

You have had the opportunity to travel in your role at CTM – what has been your favorite experience?

I had the opportunity to travel to Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou to conduct travel forums for corporate customers, demonstrating our online booking platform. For me it was such an unforgettable experience for many reasons; firstly it was my first time visiting those cities and secondly, it allowed me to learn the different travel behaviors between Northern and Southern Chinese travelers.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?

The CTM Conference. It is such a great event to meet with my colleagues from other Asian markets and have a lot of fun together.