If you’re looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding, the aviation industry might be just what you’re looking for. But before you can start working in this exciting field, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
Below are important steps you need to take to get started in the aviation industry.
How to Prepare for Work in the Aviation Industry
1. Get Educated
One of the essential things you can do to work in the aviation industry is to get educated. There are various educational pathways that you can take, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
The best way to find out which pathway is right for you is to talk to an expert and ask for advice. Once you’ve determined which educational route is best for you, it’s time to start studying. Aviation is a complex field, so make sure you’re ready for a rigorous academic experience.
2. Build Your Experience
Building your experience is another important step on the road to working in aviation. This means getting your hands dirty and doing everything possible to gain exposure to the industry. Some of the ways you can gain experience are by:
-
Volunteering at an aviation-related event like an air show or convention. You’ll meet people who might be able to offer you a job later down the road, and they can also provide valuable insight into what it’s like to work in aviation.
-
Internships or apprenticeships with companies that regularly hire these positions.
The more experience you have, the simpler it will be to find a job in the industry.
3. Get Licensed and Certified
The third step in your journey to work within the aviation industry will be getting licensed or certified. Licensing requirements have differences from state to state, so make sure you know what’s required of you before applying for jobs.
Certification is an important step, as it will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in this field. The different types of certification that you can obtain include Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Flight Instructor Certificate (FIC), and more.
If your dream job involves flying aeroplanes, then we highly recommend going through some training first so that when it comes to applying those skills on an actual aircraft, you’ll be ready.
4. Network with Industry Professionals
The fourth step on your journey to working in aviation is networking with industry professionals. This means meeting people who work in the industry and getting their advice and feedback. By creating a network with other professionals in the field, you’ll be able to learn about new opportunities and connect with potential employers.
It can be hard to break from the industry, so having a strong network of professionals can help in an aviation career. Attend trade shows, webinars, and other events related to aviation and make connections with as many people as possible. The more relationships you have in your network, the better off you’ll be when it comes time to apply for jobs.
5. Apply for Jobs
Once you’ve achieved all of the above steps, it’s time to apply for jobs. You can use a variety of different methods to find work within aviation. Here are some examples:
-
Look for aviation recruitment advertising
-
Online job boards
-
Networking websites such as LinkedIn
-
Job fairs and career expositions
-
Employment agencies that specialize in the aviation industry
-
Company websites on job postings
The best way to find a job in aviation is to cast a wide net and apply for as many jobs as possible. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back from every employer. Keep trying until you find the perfect opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Working in the aviation industry takes hard work and dedication to succeed in this work field. This means taking all of the previous steps discussed and putting them into practice.
Spend some time thinking about what skills or experience would make you an ideal candidate for any given position within this industry, then go after those opportunities with everything that’s inside of you.
Check out: 5 High-Paying and Flexible Careers You Can Choose To Do Today
