Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/1/2004

Question
Hello,

I am a 36 year old software developer. I hold a Bachelor degree in software engineering from McGill University in Montreal Canada. For the past 5 years I have been involved in the design and development of Airline crew rostering systems. I now have an opportunity to joing an airline company where I will be working in crew planning and scheduling. I am basically making a career move from IT into airline operations. I find the aviation field very interesting and would like to build a successful career in it. I would like to know your opinion regarding the following issues. Based on your experience and observations:

1- Would you say that marrying my IT background with airline operations is a winning combination as far as a career growth in this field is concerned ?

2- Would a bachelor/Master degree in aviation managemet help propel my career faster into higher positions in airline operations ?

3- Do you know of any GOOD schools/universities that offer airline management degrees through distance learning ?

Thank you,


Answer
Hi, Antonie:

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

1.  Yes, I believe that your marriage of IT with airline operations is a great thing.  As you are probably aware, the airlines were one of the first non-military entities to adapt IT concepts to sales, marketing and distribution (their reservations systems) as well as in other areas.  So, your background might enable them to go to the next level....they have been stagnating a bit since 9-11 with not as much IT investment.  So, I would rate your career growth opportunities as outstanding.

2.  As far as a degree in aviation Management....I assume you already have a BS or BA degree or the equivalent.  I would suggest that you not get a second degree.  I would think that an master's in aviation would be the way to go if I am right that you already have a baccalaurate degree.  One point of caution:  Not every airline is cognizant of the value of higher education, especially graduate degrees.  Therefore, the value a company may place on a master's degree will vary widely.

3.  I would recommend that you check out the MBA in Aviation and or airline management offered by either Concorida University in Montreal or by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL.  They are the two programs that offer on-line versions of their degrees wtih some quality.  The only other quality on line program in aviation that I am aware of is offerd by the Univ of Nebraska at Omaha and that one is a Master of Public Administration in Aviation.  I have also heard that there is an institution in Paris that offers something on line in this subject area but I am not sure of the name...

I hope that this answer is of assistance.  Let me know if I can be of more help.

Sincerely,

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