Senior Seminar Recap

I enrolled at EMU to obtain my degree for personal and professional reasons.  I have been working in the industry for 16 years, starting as a part time bag thrower and working my way up to Hub Duty Manager.  The next two steps are Department Manager and HUB Director.  There are also a range of support management positions that augment the operation.  My degree allows me to achieve the next steps.

My plan has not changed.  I am nine years from obtaining lifetime flight benefits.  As long as I am able to grow with my employer, I will stay to earn those benefits.  The program and this course have given me options on where I can take my career.  I have learned that maintaining options, through education and networking, are vital to thriving in this industry.  Paths I would consider if my plan changes include, airport and corporate flying management.

The most interesting blog topic was on commercial flights and the should flying be a luxury.  I strongly believe that our country needs a new master plan for air and ground transportation.  There needs to be a strong regional ground network that supports a regional airport.  Our current transportation system is over reliant on short haul flying and rental cars.  This is too expensive for the user and the environment.  

I found the least interesting blog topic on NextGen.  Much of this is because I choose it for a paper topic and then it kept popping up in other classes.  NextGen is a large project and it will affect each of us.  However, the project milestones are far apart and the topic gets repetitive when there is nothing new to discuss.

The guest speaker that I found most interesting was Theresa Whiting from Solo Aviation.  Her personal story and career path were interesting and motivating.  Her presentation style was energetic and she conveyed the success of a non traditional career path.

After four consecutive semesters of full time work and school, I will be taking a break.  I only made it out of the country once last year and need to make up for some lost travel time.  In all honesty, I will start my MBA in the beginning of 2014.  Even if it one class, each semester, it is important for me to continue my education.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this class.  The blogging and guest speakers should be incorporated into all of the core aviation courses.