Expert: David A. NewMyer - 11/15/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi David,

I am a fresh MBA candidate specialized in "Aviation Business Management" from Indira Gandhi Open University -India, as full time Regular program. Now after finishing the program i am finding it difficult to get a proper job with regards to management level.All jobs which are coming across are more of process related in airlines, which don't even require a graduation degree. I have tried applying in many airlines & Airports in and around the globe but nobody i reverting back .Now i find myself completely stuck.My interest is more on Strategy Business development in Aviation Industry /Management support roles.

So my question where should i try next ?Do i require to  study anything further or what should i do further to reach my interested field. Can you please suggest some Aviation Industries who can hire MBA's like me.

Kindly help me sir, as i want to start my career in appropriate direction.I believe Choosing a good start is very relevant for beginning a new career.

Awaiting your positive reply & suggestions

Thanks in advance
Jaya Paul

ANSWER: Dear Jaya:

Thank you for your question, I will try to assist!

First of all, I am not sure that a "Placement Office" or a "Career Services Office" exists at Indira Gandhi Open University, but, that is one place that I would start looking, if I were you.  Many times, the university itself has some placement counselors that can help place their graduates.  

Second, working in stategic business development in aviation or in aviation management is typically a job that happens in larger airports, larger airlines, and at aviation-related government agencies.  So, if I were you, I would check for jobs at:

A. The largest airlines  (Air India, Indian, Kingfisher, Spicejet and so forth)---generally, strategic planning work is done in a "corporate planning" department--sometimes, that work might be done in an airline marketing/sales department or even in a public relations department;

B. The largest airports (Mubai, Delhi and so forth) have planning staffs that work on overall business strategies.  You might also try working with their planning departments, or their public relations departments.

C. Aviation-related government agencies at the national as well as state or provincial levels might also have strategic planning jobs.  Therefore, check with the Ministry of Air Transport for India; Airports Authority of India (they have a personnel recruitment website at www.aai.aero/employment_news/Employee_Recruitment_new.jsp )

One thing you might look for in your job search are INTERNSHIPS.  Here in the USA, internships are offered by airports and aviation-related government agencies as a way to get to look at potential employees while, at the same time, giving those potential employees a chance to work at an entry-level aviation job.  These internships sometimes work into regular jobs and sometimes they do not.

I wish you the very best in your search for a meaningful first job in aviation!

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David,

Sincere Thanks for your quick reply.

I have already applied in all the above Airports &  Airlines which you have named, but not yet recieved any replies from any of them .
Now i will apply it once again,if it  works this time.

As you said do Indian students like me can get the chance for Internship at USA /UK.If so can you suggest those Airports & Aviation related government agencies?? What are the process for applying and what are the eligibility criteria required for it.

With your permission if i share my resume will you be able to kindly forward it with your links.

Awaiting Your reply.

Jaya.

ANSWER: Jaya:

Thank you for your follow-up question regarding airport and aviation internships.  Here in the USA, the primary source of internships are the larger airports and also some key government agenice such as the Federal Aviation Administration.  The way to find out more about what is available at the Federal Aviation Administration is to go to this link:  www.faa.gov/jobs

For airports, since the airport system (those served by airlines) in the USA is largely state and local goverment owned, you will have to go to individual airports to find internship opportunities.  Some of the airports that frequently have internships available include:

San Diego, California

Tucson, Arizona

Atlanta, Gerogia

Denver, Colorado

But, one way that I have found to be updated regularly on airport internships AND regular jobs at airports is to join the "American Association of Airport Executives"....if you are still a student, you can join for merely $40 per year.  It is a higher cost if you are no longer a student.  But, the key benefit of this membership is they email you a newsletter twice a week that has job and internship listings in it.  This past week, for example, there was a listing for an internship at the Colorado Springs, Colorado airport.  This newsletter is entitled AIRPORT REPORT and also contains news about the aviation and airport industry.

I hope that this gives  you some ideas about where to look for aviation internships!

With all best wishes,

David A. NewMyer



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David,

Thanks you David for your informations,let me work on it .I am going to apply individually with these aiports.

Meanwhile Sir, with your permission if i send you my resume, will you  be able to kindly forward my resume to any of these  airports with you links.?

Awaiting your reply
Jaya

Answer
Hi, Jaya:

Thank you for your follow up email.  

I am sorry but I am unable to refer your resume to airports.  This something I do for students whom I have had in class and am able to refer based on their excellent performance in my classes.  I hope you will understand.

Thank you,

David A. NewMyer