Zagreb

Those who go straight on, do not get far…

September 8, 2019 /

Hi there. Every day is a beginning of something new. Spontaneously I decided I want to write a blog with which I would actually get to know myself better and share my stories among everyone. For me, writing a blog represents my own satisfaction which I can combine with something useful, and thus contribute to the fulfillment of the wishes of individuals. (For me writing a blog is about my own satisfaction combined with something useful, for example sharing my extraordinary experiences with people all around the world.) I always say to myself and others that we can achieve anything we want … you just have to believe in yourself!

My journey into the unknown began in August 2017, when I saw an article about the work as cabin crew and life in Dubai. After a lot of reading and browsing combined with having a childhood wish to visit at least half countries of the world, I put a sticker on the wall of my room in Slovenia with a new goal: “APPLICATION FOR CABIN CREW IN 2018 (Emirates).” Why didn’t I do it immediately? Emirates did not recruit for two years and I wanted to graduate FMF BITCHEEESSS 😛 before going to work. The months went by without Open days in Slovenia until June, but then… Emirates called Open Day in Zagreb. I was very eager to try my luck, but soon I experienced the first disappointment. Of course, it was my fault. I failed my last exam and the next date of this exam was exactly on Open Day. I missed my first opportunity. Shortly thereafter, date for the Open Day in Ljubljana was released (late July). But this one also slipped through my fingers. Why? One month prior I booked a ticket for Thailand. Although I tried to sell or at least cancel my booking, it was impossible at that time. After two unsuccessful attempts to get to Open Day, I started thinking that it is just not meant for me. And so the summer of 2018 passed. 

Fast forward to Saturday September 8, when I made my first step towards a new life and decided to follow my dreams. I bought a black suit with my parents, took pictures and prepared my CV. On Monday, September 10, I drove alone to Westin hotel in Zagreb and started preparing for a new phase in my life. And here comes the real story. 200 girls and boys with the same desire were gathered there, showing the best side of themselves and trying to get the opportunity to work for Emirates. SHOW THE BEST OF THEMSELF AND GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR EMIRATES. The company’s presentation was the first step towards employment. Each of us approached the recruiter, gave our CV and answered a question she asked us. The question I got was why I wanted to become a cabin crew since I am a graduate in financial mathematics. After one hour and a half, the results were known, and … I was selected into the next round, one of 70. I quickly took the phone and sent the message to my parents, my sister and my boyfriend. In the next round, we entered the hall and we sat in a circle. Recruiter gave us 5 minutes to get to know the person next to us, and then we had exactly 30 seconds to present that same person to the rest. After completing the task, we waited outside the room and we received the results one hour later. Among all the numbers on the white paper with results, I again found mine. Number 33.

Only two more steps left to get the dream job: A personality test and an Online English exam. On Monday, 17th of September I had the last interview one on one with the recruiter via Skype. I was ready and nervously waiting in front of my computer for 30 minutes before the interview began. I waited until a recruiter appeared on the screen. And that’s how we started the interview. She explained the procedure of the interview and proceeded with the following questions:

  • give me a bad customer experience and how you managed to save it,
  • how do you approach a customer to feel welcomed,
  • what did you do in your life that was out of your comfort zone,
  • what was the most important role that you performed as an employee,
  • what kind of relationship do you have with your friends and what do they say about you?

For most of the time there were sub-questions about customer service. After completing the interview, the recruiter wished me luck and told me that I would be informed about the results in 2-4 weeks with a phone call. A week passed and during that time I did not receive any calls. Even though I froze at each phone ring, the phone number was never right. That Monday, one week after the interview, I went with my girlfriends from college for short 4-day break in Italy. Our first stop was in Venice where we walked the streets of this incredible city. When we were walking, I heard a familiar sound, my phone was ringing. I quickly took my bag and started searching for the phone and of course, as you all know how woman’s purse is organised, I missed the call. When I found it, I checked the number and it was UAE number. Without hesitation, I called back and, fortunately, the person on the other side picked up. The news that I wanted to hear followed: “You are selected to work as Emirates cabin crew and your day of arrival is November 2.” My reaction: a scream of joy in the middle of a street in Venice. I’m going to remember this day forever. Monday, September 17th of 2018 at 13.34! I told the happy news to my loved ones, who were even happier than I was. With this they showed me that they believed in me this whole time. 

When I think about everything today, I realize that this would not be possible without my parents supporting me and filling me with positive energy and my sister who always stood by me and advised me when I went through difficult moments of my life. And, of course, my boyfriend who cheered me on in my path of  achieving my dreams. Of course, I must not forget about relatives and friends, without whom I would not be who I am. Thank you all for supporting me and standing by me. I love you!