Several weeks have passed since I made the decision to apply for the position of Cabin Crew Member at SWISS. Fate has put me to the test in recent years. To catch a breath, my relatives took me on a month-long trip. After years with few vacation days and hundreds of overtime hours, I didn't even know what else there was in life besides work. I realized that although I had done a lot, I hadn't seen as much as I wanted to. Traveling and working at the same time, that would be it. Even during the trip, I filled out the online application as a Cabin Crew Member at SWISS and submitted my documents. Shortly after my return, I was invited to attend an Assessment Day at the SWISS headquarters and introduce myself.

Preparation
Three days after the Assessment Day, I received the confirmation of employment as a Cabin Crew Member. The training was scheduled to begin in two months. I received checklists and instructions via email regarding everything that needed to be done before the first day of work. In addition to signing the employment contract, a medical check-up needed to be completed, a U.S. work visa applied for, and the uniform adjusted. I also need shoes that comply with the uniform regulations. I will be advised and find suitable shoes at a shoe store at the airport. I'm not the only one who needs shoes. There's another lady in the store who will soon begin her training as a Cabin Crew Member, just like me.

The Intro Day
The Intro Day starts at 8:20 a.m. in the SWISS office premises. There's enough time beforehand for a morning jog. Once again, I check the preparation checklist – everything is ticked off. I take the train to the airport in advance and arrive at the headquarters in Kloten half an hour before the start. I already meet some of the new participants outside the entrance. I notice faces that I already recognize, either from our Assessment Day or from the shoe store at the airport.

At the beginning of the event, I receive my employee ID. There is time for a coffee and initial conversations while waiting for everyone to arrive. The attendees are not only new Cabin Crew Members but also come from various departments of SWISS. From software engineering and media relations to aircraft control and technical warehouse management. I realize how many functions interact to ensure smooth flight operations and how many dedicated people are involved.

The morning is filled with diverse presentations about SWISS and the Lufthansa Group. We get an overview of the past 20 years of SWISS, learn about the current economic situation, and the strategy for the coming years. Numbers and statistics show me the size of the company. In the past, on my first day of work, I would receive the company mission statement, greet everyone, and start working after the coffee break at 9 a.m. Here, it's different: SWISS is large, and there's a lot to learn.

Treasure Hunt in the Heart of Flight Operations
After the lunch break, the new Cabin Crew Members proceed to the Operations Center (OPC1) at Zurich Airport. Here, in the heart of flight operations, we set up our log-ins, receive a tablet from our team leader, and get more detailed information about our training. In pairs, we are sent on a treasure hunt through the building. At each station, SWISS employees await us and patiently explain their tasks and functions, such as flight and network planning. Almost every week, a class of 20-24 new Cabin Crew Members begins with this "treasure hunt." On behalf of all newcomers, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the SWISS colleagues for their helpful explanations (even for the hundredth time).

On this first day, there's no time to get to know everyone in the class. Today, I have to be content with names and faces. The next few days will reveal what backgrounds these people bring, what unexpected stories their faces tell.On the way home, I realize that my mind is filled with all the impressions. To get some fresh air, I take a short bike ride along Lake Zurich in the evening. Then, I read the materials we received for the next day.

Satisfied with the experience and curious about what lies ahead, I end the day. You will hear from me and my "FAB" class, the Cabin Crew Basis Course, soon.

Warm regards and see you soon!

Yours, Alice (SWISS Cabin Crew Member in Training)