From Creative Classroom to Cabin Crew: How Changing Direction Can Lift Your Future
East Sussex College alumna Belle Hart has taken her creativity, communication skills and adaptability from the art studio to the skies, beginning an exciting new chapter as Cabin Crew with Wizz Air.
After studying Art & Design at ESC, Belle discovered that the resilience, problem-solving and people skills she developed during her course were the perfect foundation for a dynamic, customer-focused role - proving that your first course can open doors to unexpected and rewarding futures.
Belle recently completed Wizz Air’s intensive seven-week training programme, covering first aid, fire safety, survival procedures and self-defence. She also travelled to Budapest for hands-on training, facing real-life cabin scenarios for the first time.
“The most challenging part of the training was definitely remembering the content,” she says. “There is a lot to learn in cabin crew – all the procedures, first aid, fire training, survival, self defence just to name a few.”
Her time training overseas proved especially valuable. “The training in Budapest was very eye opening,” Belle explains. “I was faced with emergency situations and had to use the knowledge I’d been learning from the previous weeks and put it into practice… as long as you know the knowledge it will be fine.”
Now fully qualified and taking to the skies, Belle has discovered what she enjoys most about the role - connecting with people and making a positive difference in their journey.
“I have heard many stories at my company about being kind to passengers as you never know what they are going through… Stories like this give me the patience and motivation to be kind to everyone no matter what I’m faced with. This is what I enjoy the most as it gives me hope that I am making a small difference in people’s lives.”
Although aviation and art may seem worlds apart, Belle says skills from her time at ESC continue to support her daily.
“I would say communication has helped me the most from college,” she reflects. “I was new to East Sussex College before my art foundation and so I had to talk to new people and make friends. This is what I do every day! I meet new crew members every flight and am rarely with the same people… no day is the same!”
Her journey shows the value of adaptability, confidence and embracing new opportunities wherever they appear.
Her advice to current students is reassuring: “Don’t panic. It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do after college - I don’t think most people do! Just give something a go and see if you like it, somehow things will just fall into place.”
She also encourages students to make the most of their time at college. “Take all the opportunities you have. Use everything available to you to give yourself the best chance in the future. Learn as much as possible and use that knowledge to your advantage.”
Looking ahead, Belle is excited for where her new role will take her - personally and professionally.
“This role has taught me confidence and assertiveness even in such a short amount of time,” she says.
With her Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA) and A320 Operator Type Conversion Certificate, Belle is now ready for the next chapter - one shaped by resilience, new skills and the confidence to try something different.