Breaking the Mould: From Analyst to Scootee

Holding a degree in Finance, Hui Xian worked in a multi-national company as a Finance Business Analyst before relocating from Malaysia to Singapore and joining Scoot as a cabin crew. A career change can be intimidating, but Hui Xian attributes her experience working with foreign banks that helped develop the interpersonal and communication skills she now uses to excel as a flying crew.

What prompted her to take the leap and why did she choose Scoot? We sit with Hui Xian to find out more!

Congratulations, you’re approaching your 1st Scootversary in a few months! How’s life as a Scootee treating you thus far? Any standouts?

Challenging to say the least, but once we overcame the training to become full-fledged Scootees, life’s been great! Here’s a shot of me in front of the breath-taking view of the mountains in Shao Lin Temple (in Zhengzhou, China) just the other week!

From Finance Business Analyst to Scootee, how did that happen?!

I loved my previous role as an Analyst and I was fortunate enough to progress within a couple of years, and move across different functions thanks to internal mobility opportunities. However, I couldn’t see myself in a long term career as an Analyst. The job required a lot of time at work, and I frequently burned out.

To be honest, being a Cabin Crew wasn’t one of first few options that came to mind, until a close friend reminded me of my early ambitions back in High School. So here I am today!

Did you have any worries about changing careers, and more specifically changing job to become a cabin crew? What were some challenges?

Hmm, to be honest, I was more excited than worried because I finally got to do something that I wanted. Having been at Scoot for a year has actually assured me that I made the right decision on changing careers because I love what I am doing now!

With regards to the challenges, thankfully, my past work experiences provided me with the platform to polish my interpersonal and communication skills, so that helped! I was concerned about picking up the skills required to be a cabin crew, having to start from scratch, and so the training that all trainees have to go through and pass before graduating as a cabin crew was the biggest hurdle.

I admit that I had my doubts halfway, as I did not have any prior experience or knowledge about being a cabin crew. However, I was motivated by my batch mates and trainers who encouraged me and made trainings more fun and interesting. The initial trainings were quite intensive, with a lot of emphasis on safety procedures and good service. However, if you are willing to put in the effort to learn and revise, you will be able to grasp it in no time. No pain, no gain! #Batch92Rocks

Additionally, being a Scootee meant that I would be seeing less of my family as they live in Malaysia and I live in Singapore now. However, I do FaceTime them more often now, especially with my mom. And thanks to this, I’ve learned to cherish family time better. Whenever I miss them, I can also use my discounted staff tickets to fly back to Malaysia on my off days! 

What attracted you about being a flight attendant when you were in high school? How about now?

How glamorous flight attendants look when they are preparing for check-in in their uniforms while pulling their cabin bags! Doesn’t it compel you to want to be like them? And the pay check is attractive too! But of course, I have always loved to travel, and that is one of the best perks of being a cabin crew because I get to see the world.

Why did you choose to join Scoot?

I had not considered Scoot until that same close friend of mine recommended I apply for the cabin crew position with her - #friendshipgoals. I passed the initial tests and checks and got invited down to their Assessment Centre. There, I learned about the fun activities – Scootitude flights - that their cabin crew hold onboard to engage passengers, and that immediately grabbed my attention.

What about Scootitude attracted you?

At first, Scootitude gave me the impression of being young and fun, and that attracted me as it was different from how other airlines would promote themselves. As time went on, I discovered that Scootitude is not just about that, it’s also about being yourself – expressing your own personality while exhibiting professionalism, having your own quirkiness and being spontaneous and giving passengers a different experience. That's what I have discovered so far. Maybe down the road I will be able to uncover more about the meaning of Scootitude.  

Any memorable in-flight experiences?

I am still gearing up for that first Scootitude flight! Other than that, it’s the passengers’ smiles that make all the difference! There was that one instance when a couple walked the entire length of the opposite aisle where they were seated, just to thank me, and tell me that I did great! That was the moment I felt a great sense of achievement, and made every effort worthwhile!

Which is your favourite destination so far?

By far, I would say any of our destinations in China! It’s not because of a specific memorable experience, but the food (I love food!) because everything is so affordable and delicious! The dim sum (especially from Dim Dou Tak), Mala Tang, Prawn & Scallop Congee, plus a lot more – these are what keep me going back for more!

We can’t choose which routes we are rostered on, as it is up to the rostering team and based on many factors. But, we have the option to swap our rostered flights with our colleagues (subject to availability and approval) – so if you like to save money and eat good food at the same time, I would recommend choosing China for layovers! There’s only a limited number of times you can swap flights though, so choose carefully!

You’ve been with us for nearly a year, what is the next thing in your Scootee career that you’re looking forward to and why?

For the moment, I am still learning on the job. However, when the time comes, and when I am ready, perhaps working towards a promotion to the next step - a Complex Leader! A Complex Leader does what a cabin crew does, but with an added supervisory role onboard the flight. Such a progression requires consistent good performance and additional training as well.

Do you still hang out with your batch mates or operate flights with them?

Sadly, I have yet to operate a flight with my batch mates ever since our training flights, but I am hoping to fly with them soon! And yes, if we do catch each other before or after a flight, we will meet up for a meal. I feel lucky and blessed to have two of my closest batch mates with me (Beatrice and Yusof) at Scoot and they are now my partners in crime!

Inspired by Hui Xian? Find out more about our cabin crew position here!