A low cost carrier implements a business model that reduces the overall cost of operation to such an extent that

the company may provide considerably low priced tickets to passengers. The main strategies employed to achieve the desired goal of reducing the costs are: using a homogenous fleet composed of a single type of aircraft, often the airline chooses their aircraft from the most successful models built (e.g. A320, 737 family) in order to reduce maintenance and training costs; flying to secondary airports that provide cheaper services; encouraging direct point-to-point flights, connecting flights are not a priority; secondary services offered to passengers such as the carrying of baggage, meal-on-board are not included in the ticket price. I, in the role as Flight Crew for a low-cost carrier, can contribute to keeping a high level of performance in the company by focusing attention on my training as a pilot and being up to date with the latest procedures related both to flying technique and company policies. I believe that keeping a professional attitude as a pilot is the most important element through which I can express my contribution to the overall success of the company. Moreover, I will focus on the punctuality of the flights. Secondly, I am willing to accept a flexible roster and relocation if it is in the interest of the company.

While working for ING Bank Romania in the credit fraud investigation team, our team-leader was replaced. The new leader had reformed the department's operations and as a consequence we were assigned different tasks. I was content with the changes, but some of my colleagues did not adapt easily to the different tasks received and I ended up having to do some of the work that was previously assigned to my co-workers. At first, I found this uncomfortable but I thought it was acceptable because I was sure it was temporary, just until my colleagues would adapt and learn to manage the new tasks. After some time, I realised that little progress had been achieved; I was overworked and the situation did not show signs of improvement. I had to take action and I discussed the situation with the team-leader and suggested a meeting in which we would discuss and manage task-sharing in the team. After the meeting, a solution was found and the team was relieved of some tasks just until a new member could join us. From this experience, I learned that in a situation that one finds unacceptable, action must be taken and solutions must be found. Transparency and communication within a team are key elements to a successful operation. I also learned that changes cannot be successfully implemented without a thorough analysis of the consequences implied.

While in my 2nd year at university, pursuing a career in finance and banking, which at the time I thought I wanted and would fit me, I came to the realisation that this was not the road I wanted to follow in my professional life. I consider this to be a personal failure since I had worked hard to get admitted to that university and I ultimately realised that my work would probably have

no reward; it soon became clear that a job in the aforementioned occupational field would not satisfy me, nor give me the impression that my personal qualities are being put to good use. In dealing with this situation and knowing myself and what I can do, I started focusing my attention on what other professions I could opt for. I started gathering information about how to pursue my lifelong dream, that of becoming a pilot. Prior to this, I had no real knowledge about what must be done in order to become a civil pilot and it looked like something outside my reach. After learning the steps to be taken towards becoming a commercial pilot and after proving that I was medically fit for flying, I decided this is what I want to do and I was sure I would be good at it. Ultimately, I proved that I did have the qualities necessary to become a pilot and I obtained my licences.

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