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When El Nova Mae Pannell, former HRC student, left secondary school, she was unsure of her next steps. “I didn’t know what career I wanted to do,” she explained. After studying Business at another college for two years, El Nova explained “Business was a great course but I knew I didn’t want to go into that type of industry.”
Looking for a fresh start, El Nova Mae followed in her brother’s footsteps and enrolled at Hertford Regional College, choosing to study Travel and Tourism. “I still didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I had a slight interest in the airline industry,” she said. “Travel and Tourism provided me the opportunity to take my time and decide what I had wanted to do within the industry.”
Starting the course with low confidence and limited qualifications, El Nova Mae feared the airline industry might be out of reach. But the supportive learning environment at HRC soon changed that. “The tutor’s support of all the students was incredible.” For El Nova Mae, the benefit of being taught by someone with real industry experience and knowledge from their previous role as cabin crew was the turning point in cementing her decision to follow that same path, and with support of that tutor her confidence grew massively and she applied for her first role as cabin crew while completing her studies. “I knew I had wanted to be cabin crew and that’s the role I would work hard to get.” Despite unwavering support from her tutors, El Nova Mae realised that ultimately she wanted to complete her studies at HRC before going back into the industry, so she left her first airline and did just that.
In 2023, El Nova Mae felt ready to step back into work again and using her experience from her previous role in the industry she took a leap and applied to Jet2.com. Now, over two years into her role, she is thriving as cabin crew. “I fly all around Europe with the most amazing team,” she said.
When asked what advice she would give to current or potential students, it was simple: “If you’re thinking about Travel and Tourism at HRC – do it. You’ll be supported through absolutely everything. Stay determined and chase your dreams. Anything is possible.”
