Working for us: What's it like being an ICO?
Our In-Country Operatives (ICOs) do some of the most important work that goes on here at Choose a Challenge during our departures season. So what's an ICO, and what's it like to be one?
In-Country OperativE
Our ICOs are stationed out in-country at each of our major trekking destinations, for the duration of the departure season for that destination.
The ICO role requires a cool head to keep on top of the day-to-day operations, customer service and problem-solving that's required when looking after large groups of students halfway round the world! This role gives you an opportunity to spend an extended period of time in-country, in either Tanzania, Peru or Nepal, meet hundreds of like-minded students and stick something awesome on your CV!
Meet last year's ICOs!
Sarah, Fran, Hattie, Jack and Henry made up our team of in-country staff in 2017, hailing from the Universities of Exeter, Birmingham, Warwick and Durham.
Each of the team had travelled with us before, so they were all well experienced when it came to all things Choose a Challenge.
Each year, we provide a training day at our London HQ for our ICOs, and the gang came down to get to know each other, do some team building, and of course learn all the important information and skills they'd need whilst looking after our students in-country!
So what's it like to be an ICO?
“It was an amazing opportunity to challenge myself and develop tangible skills, not to mention the privilege of living in such an inspiring country for a month!”
“Exciting and challenging in the best way possible. I met so many great people whilst staying in an amazing city all while working to give the participants the best experience possible.”
Thinking about applying?
If you have any questions before applying to an ICO position, or any of our other roles, please feel free to contact us by emailing team@chooseachallenge.com!
Did you know?
If you aren't already convinced, you may be interested to know that of the four ICOs we hired in 2016, three are now full-time staff at Choose a Challenge!
Applications are NOW OPEN to our In-Country Operative roles for 2018! You can find out more, including a full role description, on our Work For Us page, and when you're ready you can hit the button below to apply!
Applications close 5.30pm on 2nd May 2018.
