Whether you’re an engineer, training specialist, or maintenance planner, each and every career path in aviation starts somewhere. The chances are high that the first role is an internship relevant to your chosen field. As it can be a little tricky to navigate the job-hunting landscape when you’re just starting off, Magnetic Line’s interns share their stories on career pursuits as young professionals.
Meet Bart Eimers, an Amsterdam-based mechanic, former intern:
Could you introduce yourself and your background?
Bart: I’m Bart, and I’m 21 years old. I live in Hoofddorp. For the last four years, I have been studying to become an aircraft technician. In my free time, I love sailing or working on cars with my friends. I started sailing on classic Dutch sailing ships from a very young age. During the last few years, I have also competed in some competitions. We even won the Dutch championship! If we were not competing, we were sailing for leisure, it’s always nice to have a relaxing weekend on the water. Hearing the water hit the hull is such an amazing and peaceful sound—a great way to un-destress after a long week at work.
How did you come to join Magnetic Line?
Bart: I joined Magnetic Line as an intern because I really wanted to get work experience in line maintenance. And I have never had any regrets about joining Magnetic. Before I joined Magnetic, the only plane I had seen up close was the 737-200 at school. But getting to see the beautiful B777 and A380 up close was a real eye-opener.
From the first day, I have been learning new things. I was quite surprised about how different every day was. One day, all the planes were in tip-top condition. The next day, you crawl into an engine to ensure everything is safe for flight. The following day, you are seeing a plane being jacked up to inspect the nose gear. No day is ever the same. I feel very fortunate to be able to work around the most amazing machines on the planet with the most amazing team.
As for the future, I plan to keep learning new things and meet more amazing people at Magnetic Line, eventually having enough knowledge to become an engineer myself.
Meet Elias Benewitz, a working student based in Berlin:
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
Elias: I live right outside the city of Berlin, which I immensely enjoy. It’s much less busy, and the city is right around the corner. I always knew I wanted to get into aviation, so after high school, I joined an aviation engineering program at a technical university, where I am about to graduate. During after-work hours, I like traveling and working out in the gym. Still, the most significant part of my life outside of university and work is being a volunteer firefighter in my city. It’s interesting work, and you’re helping people.
What was your start like with Magnetic Line, and where are you headed career-wise?
Elias: For my university degree, I had to do a mandatory internship for three months. As I previously had the opportunity to learn more about aircraft maintenance a few years back, I knew that’s where I wanted to end up again. Magnetic Line, then Direct Maintenance, was one of the biggest maintenance providers here at Berlin Airport. So, I sent my application and, luckily, was accepted to start in September 2022. I had a warm welcome from the entire team and quickly began to enjoy working on the aircraft.
As my internship was about to end, I talked with the Station Manager, who, just like me, was interested in extending my work for the company. Thus, I continued working here as a working student while finishing my degree. In terms of the future, I hope to finish my studies by the fall of this year and have no intention of leaving the company afterward. Together with my station manager, I am planning my journey to become a licensed aircraft engineer. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and hopefully obtaining a B1 license in the future.
What have been the most exciting things you’ve witnessed or learned during your internship?
Elias: When I started out here, I always looked forward to learning more about all the different aircraft types the Berlin station serves since I was closer to them than I had ever been before. Handling AOGs was especially interesting because you get to work on systems you usually don’t.
Over my nearly 2 years with the company, I’ve had the privilege of participating in interstation relief trips to other stations in the network. These experiences, beyond the excitement of exploring new places, have been invaluable in broadening my perspective and understanding of our company’s operations.
Meet Solomon Mwakio, an intern in Kenya
How did your career in aviation start?
Solomon: I’m Solomon Mwakio, a resident of Embakasi Nairobi, Kenya; studied for a diploma in aeronautical engineering airframes and engines option at the East African School of Aviation. I graduated in December 2023 and started pursuing my internship in April 2024.
As far as I can remember, I have been passionate about aviation. Planes have captivated me since childhood. I have consistently admired and always wished to work on them, so immediately after finishing high school, I didn’t need to think twice about doing aeronautical engineering. In my spare time, I play football, tennis, and gaming simulations based on aviation.
As for Magnetic Group, at first, I didn’t know about it, but a friend of mine working at the airport suggested the idea of joining the company. So, a quick research about the company via the internet allowed me to know more about the company. I applied and, luckily, was chosen for the internship program in the Nairobi base.
What’s your favorite part about the internship?
Solomon: The internship program has definitely been a blessing for me; working on the B777, “my favorite aircraft,” and B747, “Queen of the skies,” always puts a smile on my face. Also, having a chance to work with the very supportive staff who are willing to help in various situations makes my learning process very exciting. I have learned a lot from the various types of aircraft we handle; this really makes me happy and further fuels my enthusiasm for aviation.
Solving day-to-day challenges with the help of staff while working on the aircraft gives you a satisfying feeling. I always look forward to solving the next challenge, further making the learning process exciting.
Looking at the future, progression to be one of the best aircraft engineers is all I am aiming for, and working with a company that is so supportive will allow gratification of not only personal goals but the esteemed success of the company to a greater degree.