On the Job: Autumn Booker

As a flight attendant for Allegiant Airlines at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Autumn Booker gets to travel the country for work.

“I like having the freedom of a flexible schedule,” says Booker, an alumna of Flint Northern High School. “I can work at any time of the day and it changes all the time.”

This allows Booker to work toward her dreams of opening an online boutique with uniquely sourced and handmade clothing. With a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in fashion from Wayne State University, she plans to launch her boutique this fall.

“I plan to use my travel benefits to go to Los Angeles,” says Booker. “I want to be hands-on with what I am purchasing for my boutique.”

Below, find out how TeenQuest helped Booker on her journey to her current position.

Describe the path you took to get to your current position.

After I graduated from Wayne State University, I took an internship at Disney World for eight months through the Disney College Program. After the program ended, I realized I like to travel and have new experiences. So, I applied to be a flight attendant.

How did lessons learned in TeenQuest/SYI help you on the path to this position?

TeenQuest helped me with my networking and communication skills.

What skills did you use from TeenQuest when interviewing for your position?

The number one skill I used from TeenQuest was customer service skills. Knowing how to talk to people is an important skill, and I was able to demonstrate that during my interview.

What advice can you offer current and former students of TeenQuest/Summer Youth Initiative?

Be yourself and get involved with things that you love.

What has been your proudest moment since TeenQuest?

Going into my first job through Summer Youth Initiative at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. I was in a supervisory position and I am not a very commanding person. I thought I would be pushed around, but I was able to learn how to use my authority in a positive way.

TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.