Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dear David,

I have a 2 yrs experience in aviation industry, and have done B Com.I am looking forward to do MBA in Aviation.So can you please guide me doing MBA in distance learning will be good or I should take a gap from my work and do full time mba.And which college will you suggest?

ANSWER: Hi, Shwati,

It is nice to hear from you, I will try to assist!

First of all, choosing the MBA in Aviation is a big step for you since I do not see any mention of a prior aviation background.  Therefore, you are moving into a new career direction or discipline if my assumption is correct.

Second, if you do not have a prior aviation background, it would seem to me that you would benefit greatly from taking the MBA in Aviation in a "face to face" program where you can experience the program in person, interact with your professors and work with your fellow students and learn from them.  

The aviation industry in general is suffering from an economic downturn but is expected to rebound in the next two to three years.  So, NOW is the time to be in school to finish your MBA in Aviation so that you will be ready for the next hiring trend in aviation.

As far as schools are concerned, there are a few out there that provide the MBA in Aviation, most notably:

In your area:

1.  The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies in India.  They can be reached at the following email address:  http://www.upes.ac.in/transportationpg.asp

2.  The MBA in Aviation Program offered at Emirates Aviation College in the UAE is still available, I believe

In the USA:

1.  Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire

2.  Embry Riddle Aeronautical Univesity, Daytona Beach, Florida

3.  Dowling College, Oakdale, New York

I hear that there is also a program in Australia, but, I am not sure at which university.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.  Best wishes to you in your future plans!

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu


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

QUESTION: Dear David,
I am working with an airline in India ,and has a 2yr experience in aviation .Also I have done a diploma in aviation and hospitality management from Air Hostess Academy .One more thing that I want to ask is that as per your previous ans you want me to do regular course and for that I'll have to leave my job and carry on my studies,So dont you think my experience will be of no use??But if still you believe that I should leave my job and do full time MBA and that would be more beneficial than I would definitely consider that .

Awaiting your response.

Answer
Hi, Shwati:

Thank you for your follow up question and the clarification regarding your experience in aviation.  Yes, indeed, two years of experience in aviation is an important qualification. And, since you are already employed in aviation, that is an important consideration in your case.  In other words, since you already have a job in aviation, it is a good idea to keep that job as you pursue your MBA in Aviation.  In most companies, promotion from within is a desriable goal and it is normally one that the company will support since it makes sense for them to promote someone whom they have trained and who knows their company procedures and work rules.

In any case, I believe that the fact that you already have a job with an airline in India means that you should pursue an on-line program.  Such a program would be one that would be flexible enough to allow you to purse the degree at your own pace as you continue to work in the airline industry.  

As far as I am aware, there are on-line Aviation MBA programs in the USA at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Dowling College, Daniel Webster College and at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (which is an MBA in Aerospace, not aviationo).  I am not aware of any outside the USA.

I wish you the best in your pursuit of the MBA in Aviation.  Let me know if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer