MENNO HABRAKEN AS CREW SCHEDULER @ TUI FLY NETHERLANDS

If this isn’t your first job since graduation: what were your other jobs and at which companies?

This is my first full-time professional job after graduating.

How did you get your current job?

I ended up in my current position after looking for a job for eight months. Unfortunately, there was no possibility or option to continue at the company where I did both of my internships. In the end, I think I applied to around 35 to 40 applications. The most common response was about not having the right amount of experience in the work field compared to the other solicitants. However, after applying for my current function I had one interview and I got an offer not long after!

What are your daily operations?

My daily operations is planning the trainings for the complete flying corps of TUI Fly NL. In the winter season, these trainings are mainly Type Ratings, Command Trainings and Operator Conversion Courses. These trainings are performed in the winter season to be prepared for the busy summer season ahead. In the summer, when the flight schedule is at its busiest, I plan the yearly recurrent simulator training for the next year. Continuous through the year I help resolving disruptions before or during training. This can range from a re-planning a simulator sessions to plan ad-hoc trainings.

What do you like the most at your job?

I am doing this part of scheduling on my own, I like that I can structure the tasks myself and have my own little “department”. It can be busy, and sometimes, especially during the winter season, then you need another colleague to help, but most of the time it is manageable.

I also like the small bit of diversity. Basically the tasks are same, planning trainings. However, every training is different, which need to be planned differently. Everything is variable, from the location of the training to the type of instructors.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

My dream is to became a commercial pilot, so hopefully I will start training in the next couple of years.

But most importantly, I see myself in a position where I like what I do for a living. It’s my main motto: “Do what you like, if you don’t like something, don’t do it then”. And sure, every job has its downsides, but when the downsides overrule the upsides, why are you still doing that job?

What do you like the most from your education that helps you out currently in your work?

Where I learned the most during my time at the Aviation Academy is during the internships. You learn to do a project on your own in an unfamiliar environment. Learning as you go whilst being in the actual work field where the study leads to. The most important thing I learned is to be nice to everyone at the company, you never know how they can help you in the future! Also, everyone is way more informal than you think.

Are you still connected with the Aviation Academy?

Not currently, but would love to give a guest lecture in the future!