Expert: David A. NewMyer - 2/5/2012

Question
hello sir,
am doing my b.e aeronautical engineering in India. am planning of pursuing a aviation management degree in the US , preferably at ERAU. and i read about someones question on CM and AAE. my question is that , how much value do these CM and AAE hold globally. how much are they valued ouside the united states , and specifically in india. if i choose to come back to india will my CM or AAE boost my market value and employability in india?

Answer
Hi, Aditya:

Thank you for your question, I will try to assist.

The CM or Certified Manager designation and the AAE or Accredited Airport Executive designation are both US designations.  That being said, I would think that, if you do attend Embry Riddle and take an airport-oriented curriculum, (and assuming there are not any other restrictions), I would recommend that you do the "CM" process since all it requires you to do is take an on-line exam over materials that you will largely cover in your ERAU program.  Therefore, you would have to invest relatively little to bring back that designation and it would be an added credential to show your interest in, and abilities in, the airport management field.  I believe that this effort would pay off in India by showing your initiative and interest in the field.  

On the other hand, unless you see specific employers in India who list the AAE as a desired qualification in their advertisements for jobs, I would not pursue the AAE.  Besides, for you to obtain the AAE, I believe you have to work for two years in an airport, which would be next to impossible unless you had a change in your education visa (most such visas allow one year of "practical training" in the US after graduation).

I hope that this helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions,

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer