June 8, 2022
As the school year ends, many high school and college students are considering their next steps, but in a moment with lots to do – touring colleges, figuring out what they want to do in life, determining if a given field is a proper fit – how does a future aviator decide if business aviation is the right path?
That’s where the NBAA Internship program comes in, to bridge the gap between thinking about a career in business aviation and making it a reality.
The NBAA Business Aviation Management Committee developed the NBAA Internship and Career Guide (PDF), a resource leading the way for future business aviation professionals. The guide provides direction on how companies, collegiate aviation degree programs, regional business aviation associations and government entities can work together to build a business aviation career program to support the next generation of industry leaders.
NBAA Operations Manager Noah Yarborough, who interned for the association in 2019, said the experience forever changed the course of his career.
“Not only did I learn so much about the business aviation industry, but I was able to meet meaningful people who would help my career flourish,” he said. “As a result of my internship, I received help from my colleagues at NBAA and then interned at Centennial Airport in Denver, CO.”
Yarborough added, “From there, I was able to market myself, learn about airport operations and make connections that eventually led to a job with Boeing and culminating my career thus far in a full-time position as an operations manager with NBAA.”
NBAA Chief People Officer Annemarie Oxman emphasized the role internships play for an individual and an organization.
“NBAA’s internship program offers opportunities for a new generation of aviation enthusiasts to learn, be mentored and experience the unique and varied opportunities within the business aviation industry,” she said.
“NBAA interns gain valuable experience and connections, and many interns become full-time employees of our member companies or NBAA,” Oxman added. “By supporting a diverse group of talented individuals early in their careers and providing real-world business aviation experience, NBAA strengthens our industry’s workforce.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.