Expert: David A. NewMyer - 12/21/2004

Question
Hi,

I am an engineer in Computer Science, at this moment I am working for a big computer company as a sales and marketing manager for Latin America, but my dream is to work selling airplanes and taking care of customers( account managment)in the aviation industry, what can I do to get to this field?.

Any coments would be appreciate.

Regards,

Ricardo

Answer
Ricardo,

Nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

Account management in the aviation industry, particularly on the manufacturing side of the industry, is limited to a relatively few companies of some size:  Boeing, Lockheed-Martin (military only), Embraer (Brazil), Airbus (mostly in Europe, but, there is a North America office), Raytheon, Bombardier (Montreal, Canada) and a few others.  Recognizing those limits, entry into such companies will depend on your credentials.  Obviously, you must have some account management experience as well as experience in sales and marketing in the computer business.  That experience will be generally applicable to the aviation industry, but, you will need to convince an aviation manufacturer of your ability to make the "jump" to the aviation industry.

I would suggest that you pursue some sort of education or training that would give you some background or credentials in aviation.  This might include attending some conferences and workshops, earning another degree or obtaining some sort of aviation training (such as an airframe and power plant mechanics certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration or the equivalent from ICAO).  The latter suggestion (the airframe and power plant mechanic certification) would be something that would give you the technical knowledge of aircraft systems and how aircraft work so that you can apply that knowledge to aircraft sales, marketing and account management.  The idea of an additional degree might be something that you could do on a part time, weekend or online basis while still doing your current job.  There is a listing of aviation-related degrees and training available entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  It is published by the University Aviation Association and can be ordered via email at uaa@auburn.edu or by calling (334) 844-2434.  Cost is about $25 US.  Consult this listing to see the wide range of aviation degrees offered.

I hope that these suggestions are of assistance.  If you have further questions, please follow up with another question via Allexperts.com

Thanks again,

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