Caterina Galiti, Training Manager at Mega Airlines Studies

“New Faces” is a column by GTP that introduces the young professionals of the Greek tourism industry. In each column, the young Greek professionals refer to issues related to their profession, the travel & tourism sector and Greece as a destination.

Caterina Galiti

“It is crucial for me to encourage young people to explore their opportunities. Moreover, passion and energy at every day level are fundamental keys in the training process of transforming our students to tourism industry’s professionals. ”

Business: Mega Airline Studies
Location: Athens

Caterina Galiti was born in Athens and studied Sociology and Media Psychology at the Panteion University of Greece. Following her studies, she began working as a training manager at Mega Airline Studies, a leading training center in Greece certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Operating since 1999 by George Galitis, Mega Airlines Studies’ programs are designed to offer high quality education.
Mega Airlines Studies is the only IATA Authorized Training Center (ATC) in Europe, which also obtains the title of a Regional Training Partner (RTP) and Authorized Training School (ATS). Training takes place in dedicated facilities which are located in the center of Athens, however the School also offers Distance Learning Courses to meet all needs.

• What are the things you like best about your job and how would you describe your philosophy for the airline education industry?

There are several things that make my job exciting. The airline industry is a field that grows rapidly worldwide. The most creative moment is when you finally reach the way you can match the specific needs of the airline industry with education. This is the moment that you start to create an educational field with diplomas that transform the graduate into an expert. At the same time the fact that the majority of the people I meet and communicate with are young, fresh and full of dreams, is something that makes me more passionate about my job.

• Have you had to face any challenges in your career to get to where you are today?

Despite my study skills in social psychology, the everyday contact I have with many different people in search of their careers is a great challenge. However, through this experience, I managed to maintain my feeling of understanding fresh and this guided me to promote training programs fully connected with the airline industry.

• In regards to airline education, where do you think Greece needs to improve the most?

Greek tourism is no longer as it was years ago. The offered education should be updated. Studying tourism in Greece shouldn’t be connected only with serving people. Greek airline education must be fully harmonized with international standards with training material fully informed and supported by practicing in real time. Greek tourism must be represented by educated professionals with specific capabilities in travel and tourism.

• Which is your country’s best kept “secret”? (In other words, what shouldn’t be a secret in your opinion and should be promoted more abroad?)

Greece is beautiful during all seasons! This is a fact that shouldn’t be a secret anymore.
The Greek islands are well known as one of the most beautiful summer destinations around the world. But what about the other seasons? We should concentrate on the promotion of our country’s winter treasures. Our climate can host even in the winter and visitors can move freely without any weather difficulties. Generally, Greece is a country that is capable of offering an interesting stay covering the needs of any type of visitor, during all the seasons of the year.

• If you could pass on a message to the airline education industry about Greece, what would it be?

Greek airline education is fully aligned with global educational standards. Our institute for example, managed to organize a successful international seminar for professionals from all over the world, which offered specialized knowledge through a unique educational experience. All participants were fully satisfied with the offered educational program as well as with the free time they had to spend in Athens.

• What are your plans for the future?

Mega Airlines Studies is an IATA authorized training center and an official representative of one of the most significant international tourism organizations. Our plans for the future are to continue offering high quality education products and keep a straight line with the labor market. We would like to enrich our RTP programs and support our basic diplomas. Our success will be reflected to our graduates which will become tomorrow’s professionals.

• If you didn’t work in the airline education industry where would you be?

I grew up in a family that was always searching to explore new destinations. In fact, I feel lucky, because I manage to combine my knowledge referred to education with the passion of travelling. If I must imaging myself doing something else, I could certainly be in the education field.