Karolina Navikaite & Shannon Ingram
Travel & Tourism
HNC Travel and Tourism
“One of the best things about the course was learning about the travel industry through the lecturers’ own experiences of working in it. Working as cabin crew is an amazing career and NESCol can definitely help you get there!”
Shannon and Karolina (both 25) have been friends since they attended Fraserburgh Academy together. Both had an interest in the travel industry and working with people while they were still at school so it was no surprise when they decided to study travel and tourism at North East Scotland College.
Karolina had originally been keen to work as a travel agent but, once she began her studies at NESCol, she realised that cabin crew was what she wanted to do. Shannon had considered working in the aviation industry before she started college and this was confirmed as the right path for her when she studied an air travel-focused unit during her HNC.
The two friends enjoyed their time at college and agree that it gave them the background knowledge they needed to start their careers as cabin crew. Shannon said, “The lecturers’ passion for the industry really comes across during classes and helps build on your own enthusiasm for it.” Karolina agreed, “One of the best things about the course was learning about the travel industry through the lecturers’ own experiences of working in it.”
Since graduating from NESCol, Shannon and Karolina both secured jobs as cabin crew with Loganair. Shannon said, “The industry knowledge I gained during my time at college really helped during my interview and I also found the interview skills I had developed helped get me through it!”
They are now a few years into their careers and they both still love working as cabin crew. Karolina said, “I enjoy lots of things about my job including the fact that every day is different; I get to know my regular passengers and forming a little family with the rest of the crew”. Shannon added, “It might be a cliché but in my case it is true – choose a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life!”
Karolina and Shannon were delighted to be able to volunteer for a few week at Woodend Hospital with Project Wingman during the pandemic lockdown in 2020. Karolina said, “It was great to meet so many new people and help put a smile on the faces of some of Aberdeen’s hardworking NHS staff.”
The high flying duo are keen to stay working in the aviation industry they love so much and progress their careers. Shannon said, “I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol to anyone looking for a stepping stone into the aviation industry. I know at least five people working as cabin crew who also studied at NESCol!” Karolina said, “Working as cabin crew is an amazing career and NESCol can definitely help you get there!”