Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/21/2010

Question
David,

I am looking to get into the aviation industry once again, after 2 summer seasons flying as cabin crew here in the UK in 2005/2006.
I am plane crazy and after many job roles, realise I should be following my passion into this industry.
I currently have 2 degrees in Leisure and Tourism but wonderd if it was a good idea to do a foundation degree in BSc Aviation Management?
If I did, will this help me to get into aviation management with also having 2 degrees already in leisure and tourism?
Also, what sort of jobs, and salaries, can I hope to achieve with these qualifications?

Kind regards,

Carlos, Liverpool, UK

Answer
Hi, Carlos:

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

First of all, it is good to hear that you are planning on working in a field that you enjoy (since you are plane crazy).  That is important--having a passion for what you do every day!

Second, since you have worked in the field as cabin crew (I assume for an airline?), you have some background/work experience in aviation that will be helpful to you in your decision to do more in aviation.

Third, your work since 2005/2006 will be important--perhaps there are skills and knowledge from the period since 2006 that will add to your list of qualifications for the aviation industry.

As to the plan to do a BSc degree in Aviation Management, I am sure that would be helpful. But, if you already have two other undergraduate degrees, I am wondering why you should pursue a third undergraduate degree?   It is perfectly fine to do so if you believe you need to do so, especially if your plan is to take coursework that might also help you pursue a graduate degree (by taking the pre-requisites for a master's degree).  What I was thinking is that you might want to eventually consider getting an MBA in Aviation as a capstone degree for your undergraduate work.  You can either pursue it now, based on your two Leisure and Tourism degrees, or later, after the BSc in Aviation Management.  The one thing to consider is that any MBA does require a number of pre-requisite undergraduate courses (in things like Accounting, Finance, Marketing, etc).  So, if you pursue an MBA, you will have to do those first.

With regard to salaries, positions, etc, in aviation, remember that aviation is the sort of industry that highly values work experience in the industry.  So, the key for you will be to pursue either the BSc or the MBA degree that has some element of being able to work in the industry as an intern.  That would add to the cabin crew experience that you already have under your belt.  And, the school or university that you select should also be one that can assist you with ultimate placement in the aviation industry.  Make sure you ask placement-related questions of the institutions you are choosing from for your college of choice--what is their placement record, where are their alumni working, what entry-level salaries do they earn, etc.

I wish you the best in your aviation career!

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer