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Top Advice
What do you want to do when you're older is asked of young people all the time. Few of us really know. I wanted to be a fire fighter, then in the army, then a pilot. That one stuck. I knew nothing about flying but I heard about the air cadets from a friend and joined. It was the flying that I was most focused on but it gave me an insight into the world of the RAF. The camps were the best and my highlight was a flight in a Hawk; it was so exhilarating. Despite all this I realised the forces were not for me and having no clear options I found nursing. This was never on my radar but I loved it and I tried it for a year before committing and then went to University where I got a degree in Paediatric Nursing. I took so much from being a nurse for those few years before flying raised its head again with another opportunity to get a cadetship with BA. I didn't have high expectations but if you don't try then you won't know. I had a go and here I am today as a Captain.
Career path
Captain
British Airways
From 01/2019 to 05/2024Paediatric Senior Staff Nurse
British Airways
From 07/1997 to 11/1998Neonatal Staff Nurse
British Airways
From 08/1996 to 07/1997Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I wanted to fly. I loved the power and the speed you could feel just by standing under the flight path. That was why I wanted to be a pilot. British Airways was the iconic brand and any one I knew who was a pilot flew for them. Becoming a Captain was something I took incredibly seriously and waited until I felt I had time in my life to be the best Captain I could. I was ready to challenge myself and I had the experience and the skills needed and you learn so much when you try something new. It is rewarding to be in charge of the team everyday and I enjoy the responsibility.
Greatest achievements
I felt incredibly proud of achieving my command while also juggling being a mum of three wonderful children and all the challenges this brings. I love being a role model for girls who may never have considered being a pilot as a career path until they saw someone doing it! My friend's daughter was so excited when she found out she could be a mum and a pilot! It is great to challenge the stereotypes and I have realised how important this is. When people say pilot most people think man, but not my daughter and not my colleague's son, they think woman because that is what they know!
Charlotte B
Top Advice
Given the size of British Airways as an organisation, I learn something new each day and I think it's important to succeed at British Airways to relish learning new things and taking hold of opportunities. You need to be comfortable that you will never know absolutely everything, but be reassured that you have resources and colleagues who will guide you!
Abi P
Top Advice
Anything is possible within a large company like British Airways. Once you are within a large set up the opportunities are endless and you can work across many departments, gaining experience as you go.
Samer T
Senior Revenue Delivery Executive
Top Advice
Don't give up! You will face several challenges along the way, and you might have to settle at one point in your career with something that isn't really fulfilling to you. Learn from your experiences, and let them be a fuel for change. Believe in yourself and never let the willingness to follow your passion die. Take risks even if it means leaving the comfort zone and the security buffer. And most importantly, surround yourself with positive people, who will believe in you, see your potential and encourage you to jump into the unknown when you feel scared to do it. The reward is big, trust me!
