Resilience is my personal strength by Alexi Pitsillis

Hello, I am Alexi. I have previously studied courses at CASS Business School, University of London, University of Oxford and I am currently completing my MSc at University of Westminster in Air Transport Planning and Management.

At the moment I am currently working full-time in the Air Transport Industry for an Airline as a Flight Data Analyst while completing my studies (which is delivered through block attendance). My health condition was a serious long-term health condition which required multiple operations and further treatment.

MyPlus Students’ Club and their Win A Day campaign helped me gain an opportunity to attend a day at Morgan Stanley, where I joined other students at an insight day. It provided me with the opportunity to learn about Morgan Stanley’s application process, what they are looking for and key tips for better success. I am hoping to gain a position within the industry one day, and I will make use of the invaluable insight I gained.

My medical condition posed me with initial barriers as it put me out of action completely for one year. I am also still attending weekly physiotherapy to strengthen my body. However, I believe your mindset is your most powerful and valuable asset, and I always remain positive irrespective of the situation.

With my current employer, I mentioned to them briefly about my past medical situation, as I believe the detailed information is quite confidential. I do expect that they will make reasonable adjustments for me on medical grounds (when I need to go for scans etc.). However, in terms of normal workdays, I do not expect other adjustments to be made, and neither have they been offered.

My medical condition has helped me develop a key personal strength, ‘Resilience’. Resilience has given me the ability to recover quickly from situations, to be flexible, have a positive attitude and hone leadership qualities. I believe I have become a resilient leader who can lead by example while positively influencing and uplifting those around me. This has benefited me as it has helped me gain roles with a high sense of responsibility.

As I continue to gain experience, and further develop my knowledge through my academic studies, I hope to one day gain a role within Investment Banking or Aviation Consulting. I believe with the right attitude, dedication and through positive networking, I will gain a position within the respected fields I desire.

I encourage all those with a disability or long-term health condition to never give up. Always believe and be positive. We all are only as good as our mind lets us be, so I encourage you to leverage off all opportunities available. May you always be hungry to learn and to try. It will only benefit you, and you will improve mentally, physically and intellectually.

As such, I encourage all undergraduates, from your first year of studies, to apply for insight programmes as they will build the foundation of your career to come. Those that start early, reap the multitude of benefits available. For those that are in their second year of undergraduate study, I encourage you to apply for summer internships, as it usually leads to a graduate offer and relieves you from the stress of applying for jobs during your final year of studies. Above all, always believe and never give up.

I would like to send a big thank you to both MyPlus Students’ and Jo who have been excellent in every respect.