5 answers
Heidy
Student
Gainesville, Florida
6
Questions
Asked
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What's your advice on applying my degree to my future?
I am interested in pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Aviation/Airline Management. However, I am concerned about the potential applicability of this degree in my future career. Worried that later in life I might end up switching careers that have nothing to do with aviation. I would appreciate your guidance on this matter.
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5 answers
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
75
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
Choosing a master's degree is a significant commitment, and it is completely natural to feel a bit of weight on your shoulders when thinking about how that specific niche will serve you in the long run. While an M.S. in Aviation Management certainly builds deep industry expertise, the true value of the degree lies in the high-level leadership, logistical coordination, and complex problem-solving skills you develop, all of which are incredibly sought after in almost any corporate or operational environment. Even if your professional path eventually leads you away from the hangar or the terminal, the ability to manage intricate systems and lead teams under pressure will make you a versatile asset in fields like global supply chain, project management, or urban planning. You are not just learning about planes; you are learning how to keep a massive, multi-faceted organization running smoothly, and those core competencies will never go to waste regardless of where your curiosity takes you. Trust in your ability to adapt and know that your education is a foundation you can build upon in many directions, so keep moving forward with confidence and good luck.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Heidy !
Aviation is one of the most exciting and interesting careers you can choose and it's great that you already know the career you want !
Frankly, it is way too soon to be projecting thoughts about ten, twenty or thirty years from now. Your concerns are valid, but rest assured, you will be at best to take things one step at a time. Nothing is ever solved by worrying about the future, especially about careers. You are on the right track with planning for a career in aviation and choosing the Major that will prepare you for it.
Absolutely no one knows what will be in their later life. Life is episodic. You take it week by week, month by month, year by year. And in that time, you meet a lot of people, do a lot of things, go a lot of places and get many new ideas. You can't write the script for your entire life, it just happens. The way this works is that in the future, based on your circumstances, opportunities and thoughts at that time, you will make decisions about work.
If you will have your degree and career in airline Management, that will mean that, in the future, you will have built up a very strong background in Management. Another good thought would be in the Travel/Vacation industry. There will always be places that you can transfer your Experience to. You would probably be great in the Hospitality field with that background. Lest we forget, you can also go back for a teaching credential and teach aviation courses in a technical school or community college. There will always be something for you.
No matter what career you may (or may not) transition to, you will bring a very high skill set to it. For right now, concentrate on applying to colleges and keeping busy with your school work, volunteer work or extracurriculars.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Aviation is one of the most exciting and interesting careers you can choose and it's great that you already know the career you want !
Frankly, it is way too soon to be projecting thoughts about ten, twenty or thirty years from now. Your concerns are valid, but rest assured, you will be at best to take things one step at a time. Nothing is ever solved by worrying about the future, especially about careers. You are on the right track with planning for a career in aviation and choosing the Major that will prepare you for it.
Absolutely no one knows what will be in their later life. Life is episodic. You take it week by week, month by month, year by year. And in that time, you meet a lot of people, do a lot of things, go a lot of places and get many new ideas. You can't write the script for your entire life, it just happens. The way this works is that in the future, based on your circumstances, opportunities and thoughts at that time, you will make decisions about work.
If you will have your degree and career in airline Management, that will mean that, in the future, you will have built up a very strong background in Management. Another good thought would be in the Travel/Vacation industry. There will always be places that you can transfer your Experience to. You would probably be great in the Hospitality field with that background. Lest we forget, you can also go back for a teaching credential and teach aviation courses in a technical school or community college. There will always be something for you.
No matter what career you may (or may not) transition to, you will bring a very high skill set to it. For right now, concentrate on applying to colleges and keeping busy with your school work, volunteer work or extracurriculars.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle, thank you!
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Follow your passion when choosing what to study. Many people change careers, and by focusing on what you love, you'll gain important skills and knowledge. These will be valuable as you move forward.
Life has a path for you, but it's important to make choices based on what feels right for you now and in the future. This will help you find the best options for your life.
Life has a path for you, but it's important to make choices based on what feels right for you now and in the future. This will help you find the best options for your life.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Heidy,
My advice for a masters program would always depend on your background and career goals and what alternatives you have in mind. I see from your other questions, you are pursuing a bachelors in International Relations and looking at a career in aviation or hospitality. You are also exploring flight attendant training. So, if you are set on those career fields, I guess the options for a masters would be aviation management vs hospitality management vs a general MBA?
I think you are on the right track. Working as a flight attendant will give you the hands-on experience you need in the aviation industry. Getting a masters in aviation management is a good choice for going into the aviation industry. But you'll also learn a lot of general management principles and gain work experience that will be applicable in other industries.
In your case, I would recommend to complete your bachelors followed by flight attendant training. The training is fairly short and you can soon be working the skies. Gain a bit of experience in the industry and pick the brain of people in HR and different levels within the airline to find out what career paths they have and what degrees they prefer. Research the course content of different masters degrees. Decide on a masters program accordingly. If you decide on an MBA, there are programs with aviation or hospitality concentrations. Adjust along the way as needed.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.mastersportal.com/search/master/aviation-studies/united-states
https://www.mastersportal.com/search/master/hospitality-management/united-states
My advice for a masters program would always depend on your background and career goals and what alternatives you have in mind. I see from your other questions, you are pursuing a bachelors in International Relations and looking at a career in aviation or hospitality. You are also exploring flight attendant training. So, if you are set on those career fields, I guess the options for a masters would be aviation management vs hospitality management vs a general MBA?
I think you are on the right track. Working as a flight attendant will give you the hands-on experience you need in the aviation industry. Getting a masters in aviation management is a good choice for going into the aviation industry. But you'll also learn a lot of general management principles and gain work experience that will be applicable in other industries.
In your case, I would recommend to complete your bachelors followed by flight attendant training. The training is fairly short and you can soon be working the skies. Gain a bit of experience in the industry and pick the brain of people in HR and different levels within the airline to find out what career paths they have and what degrees they prefer. Research the course content of different masters degrees. Decide on a masters program accordingly. If you decide on an MBA, there are programs with aviation or hospitality concentrations. Adjust along the way as needed.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
819
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Being concerned about choosing the wrong path is a valid concern. I’d recommend starting with general Ed classes and talking with people who have taken the path you are exploring. Ask what they like about their industry and what they wish they could do different if given the chance.
Many people do pivot in life and that’s ok, just do your research and make the best choice you can with the data you have. Wishing you luck with the journey!
Many people do pivot in life and that’s ok, just do your research and make the best choice you can with the data you have. Wishing you luck with the journey!