Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/4/2008

Question
Dear Mr. NewMyer,

I´m a Spanish engineer with a technical aeronautical engineering degree (specializing in airports), a master´s in Airport Systems (a one year program), and have just finished a superior industrial engineering degree.  I have five years of experience working in the airport business here in Spain.  I currently work for AENA managing projects in the Canary Island airports, and recently have begun working on more business related tasks.

I´m married to an American and we are considering moving to the states, and keeping in mind some of your previous posts, these seem to be my best options:

1)Studying an MBA, if possible, specializing in airport management.  I´m aware of the Embry-Riddle program, however, I have also tried looking for the program at Concordia University in Montreal, and it seems that they no longer offer it.  Is Embry-Riddle the only program currently offered in North America?
2)Studying something even more focused on airports, such as the MPAs that you recommended previously (Southern Illinois and Omaha)
3) Trying to work immediately without studying, but I would feel better studying before trying to find a job in this field, to become more familiar with the U.S. regulations and procedures, and also to feel more comfortable speaking about airport topics in English (I recently took the TOEFL exam and scored a 105 IBT)

My questions are:

Is it possible for a foreign person (permanent resident) to get a job in airport management i.e. local authorities, FAA?

Is the job outlook good for MPA graduates, even foreign ones looking for jobs in the US?     

Which option do you think is the most reasonable for my situation?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Sincerely,
Sergio

Answer
Hi, Sergio:

Thanks for your questions, I will try to assist.

With regard to the MBA programs in aviation, the one at Concordia just recently closed down.  There is now one at Daniel Webster University in Nashua, New Hampshire....it is available on line.  I know some of the faculty there and it seems to be a good program.

With regard to the market for MPA graduates, it still seems to be quite good, especially among airport planning companies.  There are quite a few companies in the USA that specialize in airport planning work that they do under contract to the airport authorities and owners around the USA and the world.  These firms are always looking for technically competent people who know airports.  It sounds like you would fit in well to this sort of organization.  Also, I know of airport planning companies who, because of the special knowledge of a foreign-born employee, have sponsored that employee for citizenship.  So, it is important to both establish yourself as an expert in a technical field in aviation planning (such as airspace modeling or in some sort of environmental field such as air quality work) and then market yourself to an airport planning company who needs that technical background.

As for working in airport management, do not forget that there are several private companies that manage airports on behalf of airport authorities and cities, etc.  They might be more flexible in hiring you than some local government agencies that own airports.

I hope that this answer helps!

Best wishes to you,

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