Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/20/2003

Question
Dr. NewMyer,

I was one of your students at SIU-C in aviation management.  I graduated in December of 1990 and my career has taken me into other fields.  I have spent 7 years in food service management and the last 5 years in sales.  I am trying to get back into airport management and would like some advice on how to pursue this career with thirteen years gone by since receiving my degree and no experience in the field.

Thank you,

David P. Thate


Answer
Hi, David:

Great to hear from you!  I will try to help!

First of all, there are three things that can help you get back into your career field:

1.  Further education....a master's degree.  In this instance, if you can, take a degree that is related to your area of interest (airport management).  These are offered by SIUC, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Florida Tech (also called FIT, Melbourne, FL), Middle Tennessee State Univ (Murfreesboro), and, I think, Arizona State.  By taking such a degree, it will refresh what you know about the field and, in some cases (like in the SIUC program) give you a chance for a one semester internship at an airport or airport consultant.

2.  Continuing Education via the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  You can join them and begin the process of pursuing the CM (Certificated Manager) program, which is a first step toward AAE (Accredited Airport Executive).  The AAAE website is: www.airportnet.org

Also, AAAE has short courses in airport operations, security and other topics which will bring you up to date quickly on what is expected of you in this field.

3.  Getting a job or an internship with an airport just based on where you are now in your degree and work experience.  This option may not result in a very high paying job or internship, but, will give you some experience.  An internship, in particular, does not demand a lot of work experience to obtain....I would recommend one at a smaller airport where you can obtain a view of the entire airport situation (larger airports tend to focus your internship in one area such as security or operations).  I have a list of airports that have offered internships over the years....if you email me at newmyer@siu.edu and send me your postal mailing address, I will send you that list along with the latest AAAE newsletter (entitled "Airport Report").  I will also send a copy of the latest "Air Jobs Digest" so you can see what aviation jobs are being advertised out there.

I hope that this general information is helpful to you.  Again, it is great to hear from you.  Let me know what else I might be able to do.

Sincerely,

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