Carolina Serrano Abello

(+57) 3188312199 | c.serrano.a@outlook.com | Finca Los Nudos, Vereda Rio Frio Oriental, Tabio, Colombia

Professional Summary
Dynamic and adaptable, acknowledged for delivering consistent and professional results for every assignment.
Experienced in social research and tour directing. Expert at navigating cultural challenges and building rapport.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish. Ability to work independently. Offer 5+
years in tourism industry environments, 1 year in the not-for-profit sector. With a degree in anthropology and
strong analytical acumen.

Skills

 Understanding and appreciation  Creative and critical thinking  Interdisciplinary research

of human diversity

 Interpretive and analytical  Oral and written  Customer service and

thinking communication people management

Experience

Freelance Tour Leader January 2017 – March 2020

Intrepid Group - Peak DMC South America, Colombia

 Run trips for Intrepid Travel in Colombia according to itinerary and budget.

 Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the country's history and social dynamics.

 Work with management to enhance existing tours and develop new routes.

 Constantly show high levels of customer service to guests.

 Fulfil administrative requirements for every trip.

 'Tour Leader of the Year' award 2018 (Melbourne, Australia).

Freelance Workshop Coordinator September 2017

Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia

 Designed and implemented a workshop on research question design for high school students of a
public education institution in Bogotá.

Freelance Qualitative Researcher April 2017 - June 2017

Grupo Inmark, Bogotá, Colombia

 Conducted a brand perceptions study for company in the financial sector.

 Managed the quota scheduling process for 41 in-depth, semi-structured, interviews.

 Led and transcribed 20+ interviews and two focus groups.

 Performed a detailed, qualitative, analysis of the information, and presented a written report with
conclusions.

 Presented results to client.

 Researcher-Ethnographer June 2016 - December 2016
Fundación Alma, Bogotá, Colombia

 Conducted a general ethnographic diagnosis of the life of artisanal fishermen on the Magdalena
river floodplains (Colombia) with a team of fellow researchers.

 Appointed head of research in Magdalena Medio region.

 Actively contributed to research methodology design, which employed methods and techniques
such as participatory action research, interviews and workshops.

 Characterized the different manifestations that artisanal fishermen reproduce as subjects and
carriers of intangible cultural heritage.

 Contributed to the success of the inclusion of the knowledge and practices of artisanal fishermen of
the Magdalena River into the National Heritage List.

Operations assistant May 2015 - January 2016

Kiboko Voyages, Bogotá, Colombia

 Quoted and designed tailor-made luxury travel itineraries to African destinations.

 Provided visa assistance services to customers.

 Leaded sustainable tourism certification process by performing internal audits and bringing
company’s operations to compliance.

Intern February 2015 - May 2015

Fundación Alma, Bogotá, Colombia

 Conducted a case-study research to identify tools to contribute to the ecological restoration of

wetlands in the Caribbean region.

 Held weekly meetings with Fundación Alma's Co-Director focused on designing a larger-scale
research project.

 Wrote a research article as final delivery.

Education

Anthropologist - Universidad Externado de Colombia , Bogotá, Colombia November 2016

 Academic Merit Scholarship 2014.

 Thesis approved with honorable mention recommendations by academic experts in the field.

Languages

English December 2019

 IELTS score: 8,5 (CEFR Level C2).

Spanish
 Native