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Even the most avid travelers would be surprised to learn how many different professionals work day after day to ensure that airplanes safely reach their destinations and that every passenger feels comfortable. The diversity of specialists as well as every day in this field makes it not only exceptional but also highly intriguing, as described by Margarita Budziute, a training instructor at the international ground handling service provider, BGS.

Dedication of other aviation professionals inspired me to become an instructor

Although Margarita began her career in aviation as a passenger service agent and initially never considered working at an airport, her perspective changed almost immediately after her first days and meetings with BGS training instructors and mentors. "As a newcomer, I quickly understood the significance of people like mentors and instructors in this type of work. They teach you the job's functions, acquaint you with the rules, and provide answers to all your questions. However, that's not all. Instructors are the ones who introduce you to the team, become your first friends in the company, create a positive atmosphere, and even share breakfast. Working with instructors, I always felt supported, and respected, and their commitment to teaching newcomers like me was evident. It didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted to become that person too and ensure that every employee feels cared for", - Margarita shares her memories.

She recalls that her desire to become an instructor was soon followed by another training, leading to becoming a passenger service agent of the III category. Later – by the opportunity to work as a mentor and assistant shift supervisor. "I always felt that I wanted more. I always knew that the greatest wonders happen beyond the window, next to airplanes. To get closer to this field, I took a risk and sent application for the position of Ramp Instructor. I tried, and it worked. Now I am a Senior Training Instructor responsible for the ramp area", - Margarita explains.

The concept of an "ordinary workday" doesn't exist

Margarita says that the main characteristic of her work is dynamics. There are no typical days in her office, and each morning brings new challenges and opportunities to learn something new, broaden horizons, and contribute to the main aviation processes. "I cannot stand routines. Every day, I want to be better than I was yesterday, know more than I knew yesterday, be able to do more than I could yesterday. This position opens very broad horizons for me. Working with different departments, I learn about their professions daily and deepen my knowledge. Let's not forget that I touch this aviation miracle not only from a theoretical but also a practical perspective. I can perform many tasks independently: to push an aircraft out of the apron, load or unload baggage, set up passenger boarding stairs, transmit information to loaders, arrange aircraft etc. And not just perform, but also share knowledge with others. Isn't it the most beautiful dream?" - the BGS training instructor talks about her daily tasks.

The goal is to see challenges as opportunities for growth

Margarita notes that being a training instructor requires a tremendous sense of responsibility. In this position, every detail, rule, and nuance matters, and she, as a training instructor, cannot overlook any of them. Additionally, the position covers a multitude of responsibilities, from preparing training materials and training employees to participating in audits conducted by other organizations and airlines. "In our work, we meet a wide variety of employees - different in age, hobbies, insights, beliefs, or even languages. An instructor must be very flexible and not only listen but also hear each employee, find common ground, and transfer important knowledge. I am glad that our company has such interesting and diverse people, even though it poses the greatest challenge in collaboration with a training instructor. However, every challenge like this seems like an interesting task to me, helping me learn, improve my independence, make decisions, and grow as a specialist", - the training instructor shares.

Advice to future colleagues - follow your dreams

For those dreaming of a career in aviation but hesitating to take the first step, Margarita advises, "Don't leave your dreams to be just dreams - everything is possible. It doesn't matter how old you are, what your experience is, how you look, what others think of you, what you did before, or what studies you completed. Nothing is more important than your dreams. If you sincerely want it, you will succeed. It's essential to try and not give up if it doesn't work out the first time. My story shows that one day I dreamed, the next day I dared to apply for an interesting position, went for an interview, and now I'm talking about a job that not so long ago existed only in my mind. Everything is truly possible!" - assures the BGS training instructor.