Do you remember how did you hear about UITM and what convinced you to choose to study Aviation Management?
When I was in senior high school, I thought about studying at the Riga Aeronautical Institute in Latvia because of my interest in aviation. However, life took an exciting turn when a buddy from a different city mentioned he was eyeing UITM in Poland for something quite intriguing: an aviation-related major. That little nugget of information sparked my curiosity, and so I looked up UITM and found that a local agency in my country was partnered with them and helped future students out with the details of the application process, clarifying tuition related matters, and assisting on the Schengen visa for Europe. My family actually expected me to go into medicine, but I’ve always been more passionate about aviation. After researching UITM and finding out they had a solid program in Aviation Management, I decided it was the right fit for me.
Do you think courses lectured by international professors and expert from the aviation industry should be a standard in higher education?
An engaging professor, regardless of their background or nationality, who can deliver lectures in an interesting and captivating manner, plays a crucial role in a student’s educational journey. And there was always something special about bringing in experts from the actual aviation industry, like those with airline or airport experience. When these professionals visited the classroom, they provided real-world insights and practical knowledge that we, students, couldn’t get from textbooks alone. These experts showed us how things really worked in the aviation industry, giving us a clearer idea of what to expect in our future careers.
How do you recall your time in Rzeszow?
My three years in Rzeszow, before moving to Warsaw, were really good and nostalgic if I think about it now. Rzeszow is a smaller, quieter city, which suited me just fine. I wasn’t into partying or going out a lot, so I can’t say much about what the nightlife or entertainment scene was like there. But for me, what made my time in Rzeszow special was the group of friends I had. We didn’t need to be out doing something exciting all the time; just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company was enough. I believe that it’s the people you’re with who make a place feel like home, not the place itself. Even in a quiet city like Rzeszow, I had fun and made great memories because of my friends. So, when I think back on my time there, it’s those friendships and moments together that stand out, not the city’s attractions or events.
Tell us about your current job and whether your practical studies helped prepare you for it.
After graduating, I applied for jobs in Krakow and Warsaw and got a few offers, but they weren’t in aviation, which I really wanted to break into. So, I started working as a ramp agent at Warsaw Chopin Airport. It was tough, especially in bad weather, but I loved being around planes. My university courses, especially in Ground Handling, really helped me understand what was happening on the ground. However, after a year, the challenging working conditions on the ramp I moved to LOT Polish Airlines, where I secured a position as a Flight Analyst within the Revenue Management department.
At LOT, I was tasked with overseeing flights to and from destinations in the Baltics and Caucasus regions. My responsibilities included making strategic decisions about aircraft assignments and optimizing commercial performance through aircraft changes, managing extra section flights, and making cancellation decisions. Additionally, I was involved in creating overbooking rules and defining revenue strategies, as well as analyzing the profitability and optimizing the network and transit connections at Warsaw hub.
