Meet the Team: Selena Travkina
From the tourism sector to global aviation, Selena Travkina, Sales Manager and Training Projects Lead at Magnetic Training, an organization that’s EASA Part-147 certified and offers a broad range of aviation-oriented technical courses. Learn what working in the field is like helping clients cultivate their knowledge worldwide.
How did you start your career journey with Magnetic Group?
Selena: My aviation journey was far from conventional and all the more exciting because of it. I came from a vibrant tourism and legal services background, having worked across dynamic destinations like Greece, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. A strong foundation in law taught me to think critically and communicate with precision, while my time in tourism deepened my understanding of human connection, cultural awareness, and service excellence.
Aviation entered my life unexpectedly but with perfect timing. I joined Magnetic Training as a Training Coordinator, diving headfirst into the world of certified aviation training. While organizing technical courses for clients from across the globe, I discovered not just a career path but a calling. This particular sphere introduced me to a new language: regulations, rules, engines, aircraft types, different licenses, approvals, systems, certifications, and so much more. Day by day, I grew more fluent in this fascinating world. From childhood dreams of flying or working as a cabin crew to a role that connects all corners of the world, I had unknowingly landed right where I was meant to be.
What is your current role and primary responsibilities?
Selena: I am currently a Sales Manager and Training Projects Lead at Magnetic Training. My role is a mix of communication, coordination, and strategy. I work with clients to understand their needs, suggest the best training solutions, and manage the full process from Europe and the Middle East to Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Each project is a bit like solving a puzzle, bringing people from different countries, time zones, and technical backgrounds together to reach a common goal. I work closely with our training team, instructors, and colleagues to ensure every online or on-site course provides the needed knowledge, confidence, and value.
How would you describe the company’s culture?
Selena: Magnetic Group's culture is like a jet stream: fast-moving, boundaryless, and empowering. It's open-minded and international, where communication is not only encouraged but essential. Here, you're expected to think boldly, share clearly, and bring your whole self to the table.
What I love most is the clarity and honesty in our communication. You're not just allowed but expected to contribute your ideas, challenge the status quo, and take ownership. The support from leadership and the trust between colleagues make it a place where you can thrive. It's a space of mutual respect and continuous learning, where being proactive is valued and authenticity is celebrated.
What are some of your favorite and most challenging parts of your work?
Selena: One of the most inspiring parts of my role is organizing training in different regions, whether it’s Asia, Africa, the Middle East, or other continents. Aviation may use a global language, but each country and client brings their own way of doing things. I thoroughly enjoy learning about these cultural differences, understanding what each client expects, and creating solutions that work well for them.
It’s not just about delivering training - it’s about building trust, communicating understandably, and bridging technical knowledge with human needs. And yes, the challenges are real: navigating logistics across multiple time zones, handling urgent changes, decoding complex terminology, and constantly adapting. But those challenges are what make the role thrilling. Each one deepens my expertise and sharpens my communication skills.
How do you spend your free time?
Selena: When I'm not immersed in project-related calls or course planning, you'll find me in nature or planning my next adventure. I love traveling, diving when I can, and practicing yoga, especially aerial yoga and different sports that combine balance and creativity, helping me to recharge. I'm always curious and constantly exploring. And now, I'm excited to take on something new: exploring a dance class.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
Selena: Where do I begin? My travel bucket list stretches across continents. I want to see the world, all of it. But if I had to choose, Japan, Italy, and Iceland are at the top. Each of them offers something unique, including ancient wisdom, timeless beauty, and breathtaking nature. Traveling feeds my soul and brings me new ideas, which I carry back into my work. For me, every journey is a way to understand people better, and that's what my job is ultimately all about.