Expert: David A. NewMyer - 2/7/2009

Question
Mr. NewMyer:

I am glad you're out there. I am a recent MS graduate of Aviation Studies,(Natural & Applied Sciences). The curriculum heavily consisted of writing essays, critiques, and classroom presentations for the undergrads. I absolutely enjoyed this program. Also, public speaking comes natural to me. So, I have a few questions.
1) Are there any career paths for public affairs in aviation related industries/or airports? If so, I am considering joining the Army and attending journalism/broadcasting school at the Defense Information School in Maryland.
2) Who in the industry needs a writer?
3) I know that a journalism or communications degree would be more competitive in the marketplace. But, do you think future employers would accept my aviation master's degree with army training if I purse public relations/affairs?

Any information would definitely be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hi,

Thanks for your questions, I will try to assist.

First of all, yes, there are some career paths in public affairs for aviation related industries and airports.  For example, the larger airports and airport systems have public affairs departments (public relations departments, etc)....sometimes these departments also have the responsibility to communicate specifically about noise complaints and/or airport expansion issues as well.  Also, the larger airlines hve public affairs departments, as do the larger aerospace manufacturers.  Of course, these are tight times right now, so, those sorts of jobs are more scarce than usual, but, they do exist.  If you attend the Defense Information School in Maryland as part of an Army public affairs career, this would mesh well with working for a defense contractor in public affairs once you retire from, or separate from, the Army.

Second, who in the industry needs a writer?  Another path that you may not have thought about is working in higher education (post-secondary education) in aviation.  There are over 100 separate institutions that offer aviation at the post-secondary level and most of them are members of the University Aviation Association.  You might want to check the UAA out at www.uaa.aero for more information about that organization.  It, for example, has a newsletter that is published every two months that lists jobs, etc....most are faculty jobs, but, some are focused on teaching writing and writing-intensive courses within aviation degree programs.

Third, yes it is competitive, as I mentioned before.  I do believe that your degree plus experience in Army public affairs (with the training at the Defense Information School) would be a great combination to look for positions.  Given all of the technology out there for communication, one of the things that you might want to ponder is to obtain as much technical background (software exposure, etc) in communications and public relations as is possible.

Best wishes to you,

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