Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/23/2008

Question
Hi David,
This question pertains to my daughters interest in MBA Aviation or Airlines/Airports Management. After her B.E. course she has got around one years experience in IT industry as DB Designer.Can she change her profession now and is it advisable? Please advice.

Answer
Hi,

A career change is never easy and is one that should not be taken lightly.  The key thing is that the person making the career change has to be truly interested in the new field and, an indication of that interest, is to do what is needed to get into the field (such as to take a new degree path, etc).  If she goes down that path and finds success in the MBA in Aviation or a related field, then, perhaps the career change is a good idea.  There is no question that aviation is a field that attracts many good people from many fields.  It is a very operational and hands on field with a lot of people contact.  It is apparent that your daughter has some talent on the technical side.  If she is a person who likes people and likes working with them AND she has an interest in aviation, then, maybe the career change is a good idea.

All the best,

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