Inside Story - Flight Attendant



Chantelle

Age Range
18-25

Countries of Work


Study and Career History
St,Joseph's Convent Secondary School: 7 GCSE'S, 1A & 6B'S

Manchester College of Arts and Technology: Distinction in Business Studies (GNVQ) The University of Salford: Leisure Management BA Hons - 3rd Flight Attendant May 01 to date.

How long have you been doing the job?
1yr 9 months

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
It was always one of my ambitions in life to become a flight attendant once I had completed studying. After graduating from university I pursued my goal and achieved it and have not regretted one moment of it.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
It was always one of my ambitions in life to become a flight attendant once I had completed studying. After graduating from university I pursued my goal and achieved it and have not regretted one moment of it.

What does the job involve?
Dealing with the public on a one to one basis, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and fellow colleagues, flexibility, good leadership qualities, making passengers feel comfortable and ensuring they have an enjoyable trip, possessing a knowledge of first aid, being able to difuse confrontational situations.

Describe a typical day at work.
Check in at the office at the given time prepared to participate in a briefing which is conducted by the senior Flight Attendant. This briefing includes a discussion on the type of service to be offered, safety procedures on board, times for departure and arrival, Flight numbers, destination, number of passengers etc. After the briefing we then proceed to the aircraft where individual stations are checked for safety equipment and security and the aircraft is prepared for the flight ahead. Passengers are greeted as they arrive and help offered where needed as they get comfortable in their iseats. After completion of boarding, a walk through of the cabin is done to ensure that everything is safe for take off. In flight, the meal service is done and continual checks are made to ensure passengers are comfortable and safe. At the end of the flight, security checks are done, followed by a debriefing where we discuss any issues about the flight.

What do you like most about the job?
I enjoy meeting and working with new people all the time. Not always knowing what destination I could be going to next and being afforded the privilege of seeing different places and experiencing new cultures.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
Honestly, there is nothing that I can say that I don't like about my job.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
The majority of my vocational guidance came from my family. I would say my biggest influence was from my dad as he is greatly involved in the Tourism industry. I would often go to work with him which also included flying to other parts of the world. I believe this helped to develop my love for travel industry and passion to be a part of it.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I was 22 years old when I graduated from University. I was pleased with all of the results that I had achieved throughout my educational years. I strongly believe that I could have done better where my degree was concerned but I am still pleased that I achieved it.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
I believe that I studied areas that are significant to my career so I have no regrets at all.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
I went to College and University after Secondary school and my reason for this was to make myself more marketable in the working world.

What was your first job?
My very first job was a summer holiday job at a hotel as the Front of House Manager's personal assistant.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
My most challenging was working in tele-sales at a Travel Agency because I am not a sales person at all and the job became very repetitive and nerve racking.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
I also would like to pursue a career in modelling which I am currently working on. My ultimate goal however is to own my own travel company in the Caribbean.

What are your top tips for personal success?
My only tip for success which I found to be reliable is PERSEVERANCE and SELF CONFIDENCE.

Any comments?


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