Neil Carr

Current Employer/Organisation Name

University of Otago

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since leaving Exeter with my PhD I have been teaching and researching in the field of leisure and tourism. This led me to the University of Hertfordshire, followed by the University of Queensland and then the University of Otago where I am now head of the department of tourism.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Why did I choose this career – simply because helping students learn is great fun and researching is a great way to keep expanding my own knowledge and helping people and animals (my research looking at both within a leisure/tourism context). What I most enjoy about my work – the challenges, the freedom, and the sense of achievement.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The huge freedom that a PhD offered and the guidance from my supervisors.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Because at the time it had some of the leading academics in the field of tourism geographies.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

An ability to problem solve and an entrepreneurial perspective that allows for the identification of opportunities.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Take chances, never be afraid to ask and voice an opinion and develop a high level of resilience.

What are your plans for the future?

Keep on enjoying my life and my work. Focusing on a ‘career’ is, I feel, overrated. Instead, be more willing to go with the flow.