Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/31/2008

Question
Hey Mr NewMyer, I hope this message finds you well. I want to work in the aviation management field. I have a few questions.

1) I have been told to stay from a degree in aviation management and go do a more general degree, that way I have something to fall back on in this cyclical industry. What's your advice on this?

2) What type of job opportunities are there? Also if you could further explain the  field of aviation/airline management.

3) What type of wages in this field?

PS I'm in high school and live in Canada, if it makes any difference.

Thanks in advance, Paul.

Answer
Hi,

The Degree in Aviation Management has been around since the 1930s when it was first offered by Parks College of St. Louis University and by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.  This degree serves as an excellent general preparation for the aviation industry, but, especially for jobs in such aspects of aviation as airport management, airport planning, government aviation jobs, and in aviation manufacturing.  In general, most people taking an AVM degee also have a technical background in aviation of some sort, but, not always.  It is good to have both a technical background (pilot, mechanic, air traffic control, military aviation, etc) as well as an aviation management background to make yourself the most marketable.  

To me, if you want to be employed in aviation, you show your interest in it by getting a degree in the field.  A more general degree such as in business or liberal arts shows that you can learn, but, it does not show that you are specifically prepared or interested in aviation like an aviation management degree will show.

As far as the wages in the field, they can range from $25,000 a year on the low end for entry level up to $45,000 at the high end for entry level....and, they go up from there.  The higher wages are normally paid in the manufacturing industry.....

I hope that this helps,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D, Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale