Young Professionals: Choosing Your First Job in Business Aviation

“When considering your first job in aviation, ask yourself what you want to be, and then seek a position that puts you on the road to that destination,” said Rod McDermott, CEO of executive search firm McDermott + Bull. “But realize that a straight line or linear progression of positions do not always connect the two. There is always more than one way to reach a goal, so back off a couple of steps and ask yourself what are the various avenues that head in the desired direction.”

At the same time, “Look for the company more so than the job,” said Ian Lumpp, a sales executive with Polaris Aero LLC. “Don’t always go for the title. Measure the company culture based on your unique situation and pursue those that promise the best work-life balance and grow from there. Before you apply, talk to people who work for the company to get an idea of its culture. Don’t sacrifice anything that is most important to you.”

To meet these people face-to-face and forge a lasting impression, “get connected,” said Jamie Muñoz, general manager at Galaxy FBO. “Whether it’s a conference, convention or seminar, there are many ways to meet and network with like-minded aviation professionals and build positive relationships that will lay the foundation for immediate and future opportunities. When a door opens, even if it is not the one you had hoped for, take it as a chance to learn and make yourself more well-rounded for the future. Lastly, no matter where you are in your journey, remember that leadership comes from within and is not found in a title, so take opportunities to help lead others along the way.”

Business aviation is a small, tight-knit community, so be careful how you present yourself. “Always make sure that you maintain your professionalism regardless of your situation or environment,” said Jenny Showalter, founder and chief motivational officer for Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching. “Professionalism encompasses everything – how you perform your job, meet your responsibilities, your appearance, how you present yourself, eye contact, how you speak to others,” Showalter said. “Being consistently professional will carry you far and will get you noticed within your current company or by another company that will advance your career. You want to make sure that when someone mentions your name in conversation, it is for the right reasons.”

Review NBAA’s resources for young professionals at nbaa.org/yopro.