Hey! So, I finally got a job with an airline after finishing my master’s degree, and let me tell you it wasn’t easy. I’ve always loved the idea of working around planes and airports, and now I’m here, but the road to get this gig was bumpy. I’m writing this to share how it went for me mistakes, little wins, and all. If you’re a post-grad like I was, maybe this’ll help you figure out how to chase those airline vacancies too. It’s long, but stick with me I’ve got some tips at the end!
Why Airlines?
Ever since I was a kid, I’d stare at planes flying over our house and think, “Man, that’s cool.” I didn’t want to be a pilot or anything math isn’t my thing but I figured there had to be other jobs in that world. Fast forward to last year, I finished my master’s in commerce. I was 24, broke, and living with my parents, wondering what’s next. One day, I saw an ad about airline jobs and thought, “Why not?” I had a degree now, so maybe I could get something decent.
The Hunt Begins
I didn’t know where to look at first, so I just Googled “airline jobs after post-graduation.” A bunch of stuff popped up customer service, operations, even marketing jobs with airlines. I went to Air India’s website and saw they were hiring “Guest Service Agents.” It said you needed a degree and good English, which I had. Then I checked IndiGo they had “Ground Staff” openings. I got excited. These weren’t fancy jobs, but they sounded fun helping people, being at the airport. I thought, “I can do this!”
So, I started applying. I’d sit at our old dining table with my laptop, typing up my resume. I didn’t have much to put on it just my degree and some college stuff like organizing events. I’d write these cover letters about how I loved travel and wanted to work with planes. I sent out maybe 10 applications that first week, feeling all hopeful. Then… nothing. Days went by, and I didn’t hear a peep. It sucked.
| Post Name | Air-Line Job |
| Vacancies | 1133 |
| Salary | No Details |
| Job Location | All India |
A Wake-Up Call
One evening, my cousin Rohan came over. He’s older and works at a bank, so I asked him what I was doing wrong. “You sure those jobs are real?” he said. I was like, “Huh?” He told me some people fake airline job ads and ask for money to “process” your application. I panicked a little had I messed up? I went back and checked. The Air India site said real clear: “We don’t charge fees.” Lucky me, I hadn’t fallen for anything dumb. But it made me careful. I stuck to big airline websites and Naukri.com after that.
Figuring Out What I Could Do
I started making a list of jobs I could actually get. Here’s what I came up with:
- Customer Service: Talking to passengers, fixing their problems like if they lose a bag or miss a flight. My degree helped because I’d done group projects and learned how to deal with people.
- Operations Stuff: Helping run things behind the scenes, like making sure flights leave on time. I saw a “Junior Operations Assistant” job that wanted a post-grad with basic skills. I’m organized (mostly), so I liked that.
- Other Bits: Some airlines had marketing or HR jobs. I found a “Sales Support” role at a smaller company that sounded okay promoting tickets and deals.
I didn’t have experience, but a lot of these said “freshers welcome,” which was a relief. I just had to show I was willing to learn.
Applying Like Crazy
I got into a routine. Every morning, I’d grab my chai, sit down, and send out applications. I’d change my resume a bit for each one like for customer service, I’d talk about how I handled a cranky teammate in college. For operations, I’d mention a time I planned a trip for friends. I applied to Air India, IndiGo, even some airport jobs. I practiced answering stuff like, “Why airlines?” I’d say, “I love how fast it moves, and I want to help people get where they’re going.” It wasn’t perfect, but it was me.
One day, my phone rang while I was eating Maggi. I almost choked it was a lady from a regional airline. I’d applied for a “Passenger Service Agent” job weeks ago and forgot about it. She said, “Can you come for an interview?” I was so nervous I said “yes” twice. The interview was in three days, and I had no idea what to wear. I borrowed my dad’s blazer it was too big, but I rolled up the sleeves and hoped for the best.
The Big Day
The interview was at their office near the airport. I got there early, sweating like crazy because the auto ride was hot. There were five other people waiting all graduates like me. They called me in, and two people asked me stuff like, “What do you do if a passenger yells at you?” I told them about a time my neighbor got mad about noise and I calmed him down with a smile. They nodded, which felt good. I messed up one question about shift work I said I’d be fine but sounded unsure. Still, I left feeling okay. Not great, but okay.
Waiting and Hoping
After that, I waited. Every day, I’d check my email, my phone, even my spam folder. My mom kept saying, “It’ll happen, beta,” but I wasn’t so sure. Then, after 10 days, I got an email. I opened it, hands shaking it was an offer! They wanted me to start next month. The pay was basic around 20,000 rupees but it came with training and a chance to grow. I ran to tell my parents, and we celebrated with samosas that night.
What I Learned
I’ve been working for a couple months now, and it’s not all fun. Some days, passengers are rude, and my feet hurt from standing. But I love the airport vibe planes everywhere, people rushing around. I’m learning how it all works, and maybe one day I’ll try for a bigger job. For now, I’m happy I made it.
Here’s what I’d tell you if you’re a post-grad hunting for airline jobs:
- Look for Easy Starts: Customer service or ground jobs are good for beginners. You don’t need tons of experience.
- Use What You’ve Got: Your degree matters talk it up in applications. Mine got me noticed.
- Keep Going: I got rejected a lot. Don’t stop applying it’s a numbers game.
- Watch Out: If a job asks for cash upfront, it’s fake. Stick to real sites.
- Be Yourself: In interviews, just talk like you. They want real people, not robots.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s my story. From sitting at home with a degree to wearing a badge at the airport it’s been a ride. If you’re a post-grad dreaming of airlines, don’t give up. It’s tough, but there’s a job out there for you. Maybe I’ll bump into you someday, handing out boarding passes or sipping bad coffee in the break room. Until then, good luck you’ve got this!
Published on April 4, 2025
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