Probably many Lithuanians would leave the country without hesitation to enjoy the warm Florida’s sun at least for some time. Meanwhile, 22-year old resident of this state Ty Yamnitz has done the opposite and chose to pursue his career in Lithuania. Floridian was looking for a change and decided to choose his dream studies in aviation in an unknown European country; and, so, he came to Lithuania. 

“It was a last minute decision. I chose Vilnius and did not regret it for a moment,” said the student. 

Recently, he took another step important for his career as he started working for Avia Solutions Group – the largest aviation holding company focusing on aviation business solutions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Chose his dream studies

While in Florida, Ty Yamnitz was looking into the best universities in Europe educating aviation engineers and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University attracted his attention. Entering the university for a person who has been interested in aviation since childhood was not hard, but filling in all documents remotely took quite some time. He barely made it for the start of the school year.  

The American was seriously concerned when his classmates have started their studies while he was still in the USA. The minute he received the final confirmation, he bought the ticket for the nearest flight and in three days he has left home for his studies in Lithuania.
 
“It was completely new to me because it was my first time in Lithuania. Nevertheless, I have only positive experience. The quality of studies stands up to the highest standards of the European Union. The only thing I am worried about is the financing of studies. It seems that education institutions do not receive enough funding as in other countries and students have less opportunities,” noted the student.
 
He believes that a person needs to gain a lot of experience and be creative in networking to be in demand after graduation in Lithuania. 

Admires Lithuania

When asked about his first impression after his arrival to Vilnius, T. Yamnitz was joking that Vilnius seemed small and compact at first, and it took only a few days to get used to the city. 

“Of course, the hardest thing is to get used to the cold climate. On the other hand, I love the forests and that the country is very safe,” added the American. 

At first, Lithuanians seemed closed and focused on their own affairs, but his opinion had changed once he got to know them better. “In fact, you are reserved, but at the same time friendly and nice people,” T. Yamnitz praised Lithuanians. 

Studies are not enough

The American decided not to waste time and find a job matching his profession during his study years. 
“I am convinced that it’s not enough just to study. Work experience is also very important. It is an opportunity to get to know people and build your professional network,” he told. 

The student wanted to find a job in an international company, and Avia Solutions Group was on his list for quite some time. He found information about the company online. 

First, he sent his CV via email and was eager to hear from the company. Unfortunately, he was informed that currently there are no vacancies, and aviation holding company will inform him when they will be looking for new employees. 

“Later, representatives of Avia Solution Group participated in the university’s career days. I decided not to give up and went for a conversation with the company’s employees from Human Resource department. I introduced myself, described my background and said that I want to work for the company,” he remembered. 

Reached his goal

In a few days he received a long-waited message – he was invited to a job interview and was offered a two-month internship at Communication department. 

After a successful internship the student was offered a job. “I am very happy. My job schedule is flexible; I can plan it according to my classes at the university. Every day at work is like a new challenge. I am learning to work in a team and with various departments. It is very interesting to see the results of all hard work which we are doing,” said the American.  

Student, satisfied with his studies and work, shared that he could imagine living in Lithuania, but on the other hand he is open to new career challenges abroad. 
“A person who is too closely attached to one place in a way sets the top limit to what they can reach. Lithuania is very important to my long term goals even though I cannot stay here for the rest of my life,” shared T. Yamnitz.