Although most Aviation Science students are focused on becoming career pilots, the aerospace industry contains multiple facets of aviation. From airport management to space exploration, the Aviation Sciences degree prepares you for a successful career in aviation - whether you choose to be in the cockpit or remain on the ground. The aviation careers below are all attainable and represent only a fraction of the available opportunities for a newly graduated aviation professional.
Preparing For An Aviation Career
- Log as much flight time as possible - being proficient in flying an aircraft will be the most attractive aspect of your portfolio and logged flight time is one of the biggest qualifications for employment.
- Acquire aviation internships - this will help you forge vital industry relationships and open networking opportunities.
- Volunteer in many different areas in aviation - this will help you to find an aviation career that best suits you.
- Build your confidence, acquire a strong work ethic, display enthusiasm, adaptability, and sensibility. These are all key traits for being a good pilot AND employee.
- Consider taking low-level jobs at airports, FBO's, manufacturing companies, etc. to gain experience in the aviation field.
Possible Careers for Aviation Science Majors
| Careers | Employers |
|---|
| Airline Pilot | Regional and major airlines |
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| Corporate Pilot | Individual aircraft owners, businesses, and corporations |
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| Military Pilot | United States military |
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| Missionary Pilot | Churches, missionaries |
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| Law Enforcement | Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies |
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| Test Pilot | NASA, airlines, military, general aviation |
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| Sight Seeing | Tourism companies |
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| Search & Rescue Pilot | Military, law enforcement, fire & rescue agencies |
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| Aerial Firefighting | Fire & rescue agencies |
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| Flight Instructor | Flight schools |
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| Cargo Pilot | FedEx, UPS, DHL, Amazon Air, Atlas, United States Postal Service |
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| Agriculture Pilot | Farms, corporations, United States Department of Agriculture |
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| Simulator Instructor | Flight schools, type-rating schools, corporations and airlines |
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Possible Careers for Aviation Administration Majors
| Careers | Employers |
|---|
| Airport Operations/Resource Management | Municipal, regional, and international airports |
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| Airline Revenue Management | Regional and major airlines |
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| Aviation Analyst | AOPA, NTSB, FAA, NOAA |
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| Airport Planning | Municipal, regional, and international airports |
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| Fixed Base Operations Management | Private FBO's |
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| Aviation Insurance | Insurance companies |
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| Aircraft Sales | Aircraft manufacturers |
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| Corporate Flight Departments | Large corporations (e.g., Walmart, AT&T) |
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| Safety Manager | Corporations, airlines, FBO's |
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