The starter pack for day in my life would be an alarm, a nice cup of coffee, and browsing through 40 emails on my laptop- not kidding! Sounds boring? I think so too! I find it dull until I realized that the actual job would be assisting a passenger who is hoping to get his seat upgraded because the day has not been too good for him(her) or a first time flyer perhaps who is excited if the actual flight lives up to his immense imagination, or a frequent flyer who just needs that extra time off after long day at work. Whether a first time flyer or frequent flyer, the opportunity of providing my passengers the best seats in the sky is the deeper purpose of what I do. I never really imagined I’d be part of the aviation industry this way.
I was a call center agent before stumbling on the flyer guy at the mall who hands me a shiny paper written with AVIATION large enough to catch my attention. Grinding on night shifts for a US Telco is not a piece of cake, yet, I felt less challenged on that industry at that point. I thought that maybe its time for me to take on a new level as I dont want to be stagnant as an agent.
As my life motto ‘You need to be like a jungle tiger’. The real battle is life, finding your way off muddy, rocky pathways actoss tall trees, raging rivers and the high mountains of life until you reach the top and see how what beautiful view that spot has to offer. Coming from a zero airline background I knew that I needed to study and learn a lot about the aviation industry. True enough, after putting in the hardwork, dedication, and numbers I earned a small spot in the industry as a guest reservation back office agent but that was just the beginning. On one usual day at work my mentor encouraged me to try my luck as an Associate Trainer. At that point I found a strong motivation to push myself in the aviation industry. Just as our lives mirrors a passenger who embark and disembark on certain destinations.
That I would say was the turn around of my life that I have fallen inlove with the industry. I was blessed to be given an opportunity to fly business class from SYD to HKG for an international training and I practically ordered almost everything out of the menu, from appetizers, main course, desserts and even the booze! I think I might have had just a little bit too much of that! The chance to experience the calm, peaceful and warm people of my dream destination Japan.
I can definitely say to everyone to follow your heart, and you will always have a space and great opportunity in the airline industry. Lastly, keep your head up high and be proud of whatever journey your in your life would be in this time of pandemic.
Erwin Agustin
Guest Reservations
Back office agent to Senior Trainer
Virgin Australia
